Overview & Reviews

The Ford Explorer is widely regarded as the catalyst that started America's love affair with the SUV back in the early 1990s. Certainly there were SUVs before the Explorer, but they were mostly utilitarian in nature. The Explorer was the first go-to SUV for the Everyman. Throughout its life, the Ford Explorer has delivered versatility, a reasonable amount of comfort, affordability and, perhaps most importantly, more style than a station wagon or minivan. New or used, the justifiably popular Explorer should be part of any serious SUV search.

Current Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer is a large three-row SUV that can accommodate up to seven passengers. There are four trim levels: base, XLT, Limited and Sport.

Though even the base version comes well-equipped, moving up the list provides luxuries such as leather seating, the Sync voice command system, a rearview camera, keyless ignition/entry and upgraded audio systems. In addition to its potent engine, the Sport trim features a sport-tuned suspension as well as unique interior/exterior trim details. Optional highlights (depending on trim level) include a navigation system, a rear-seat entertainment system, adaptive cruise control, a heated steering wheel and even an automatic parallel-parking system. Stability control and a multitude of airbags are standard, with blind spot and collision warning systems available on upper trims.

A 3.5-liter 290-horsepower V6 is standard on all but the Sport trim, which comes with a turbocharged version good for 365 hp. Optional on all but the Sport is a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter, 240-hp turbocharged four-cylinder. All engines are hooked up to a six-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard on all but the Sport, which has all-wheel drive standard. The latter is optional for all other Explorers equipped with the 290-hp V6.

In reviews, we've found the Ford Explorer to be one of the best choices for a family-oriented SUV. It drives well, gets good fuel economy for its class and still retains the versatility that made people like SUVs in the first place. Fitted with most of its optional high-tech features, the Explorer is also one of the most advanced SUVs available, luxury brand or not. The Explorer's most notable downside is that it doesn't provide as much third-row and cargo space as some rival large crossover SUVs, and its MyFord Touch electronics interface can be finicky to use.

Used Ford Explorer Models
The current-generation Explorer bowed for 2011. Among the big changes was a switch from body-on-frame to unibody architecture for more carlike driving dynamics and improved space efficiency. Changes have been minimal since; the turbocharged four-cylinder engine wasn't offered until 2012, while the powerful Sport trim didn't debut until the following year.

The third-generation Explorer ran from 2002-'10. A longer wheelbase and an independent rear suspension allowed room for a fairly accommodating third-row seat while also improving ride and handling performance. A 210-hp V6 was joined by a new 4.6-liter 239-hp V8, and both were matched to a five-speed automatic transmission. Initial trim levels included the XLS, XLT and more upscale Limited and Eddie Bauer.

For 2003, a few new trim levels debuted, including XLS Sport and the NBX (no boundaries experience -- we're not making that up). The latter came with all-terrain tires, special trim and a Yakima roof rack. An off-road package became available as well, complete with a beefed-up suspension and skid plates. The following year, equipment levels were shuffled, stability control was made available on most trims (previously it could only be had on V8 models) and Limited and Eddie Bauer models got a quad bucket seating option. The stability control system was upgraded with roll stability control for 2005.

For 2006, a substantial update took place that included revised styling inside and out, an improved frame, enhanced safety systems and a more powerful V8. The latter made 292 hp (up from the previous 239 hp) though the 210-hp 4.0-liter V6 continued unchanged. The V8 came paired with a new six-speed automatic transmission. Safety equipment was upgraded, too, as front-seat side airbags and stability control were made standard on all Explorers. More recent Explorers benefited from the arrival of the voice-activated Sync music/phone interface (2008) and a revised navigation system (2009).

In general we liked this Explorer and found value in the excellent ride and handling characteristics, comfortable and roomy cabin and, on V8 models, strong power and high towing capacity. Though later outclassed by newer crossover SUVs in terms of comfort and design, this Explorer is a solid pick, particularly if you plan to use a V8 model for towing.

Model years 1995-2001 represent the second generation Explorer. Though neither as refined nor as powerful as the generation that followed, this group is still a respectable choice for an SUV. For most of this generation's run, three engines were available: a standard 160-hp V6, an optional 210-hp V6 ('97 and later) and a 210-hp 5.0-liter V8. The familiar XL, XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited were the available trims, and there was a two-door Explorer known as the Sport. Editorial reviews of the time noted that the Explorer had a comfortable cabin and decent utility but fared poorly in terms of road handling and off-road ability.

The original Ford Explorer debuted in 1990 as a 1991 model, and it replaced the Bronco II in Ford's lineup. It achieved instant success in a market that it ultimately defined, if not created. Based on the Ford Ranger pickup, the original Explorer had the winning combination of size, style and utility that people wanted in an SUV. It came as the volume-selling four-door or a less popular two-door. Initially, just XLS and XLT trim levels were available. In 1992, an Eddie Bauer edition joined the lineup, and a Limited model followed shortly thereafter. For power, these Explorers had a 155-hp V6. Output went up slightly to 160 hp in 1993; this was also the year Ford made antilock brakes standard equipment.

User Reviews:

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  blown engine 60k miles - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By pete - March 11 - 1:58 pm

  Worst care ever owned. Engine just blew due to broken timing chain and only had 60k on it. Always maintained well above average. Manifold gaskets went, fuel induction problems almost every other year. Real treat. Buy American. Original owner and treated it like a baby. Apparently it did not help.

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  almost had it!! - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By m j - March 10 - 2:13 pm

  just turned 1000 miles on 16 platinum btw I am a died in the wool ford customer !! this is my wifes new car wanted luxury and this is close acceleration,ride and handling are great seating comfort not so good leather is hard and seats are too short testing beforehand would have prevented this problem should have had more wood trim and platinum badging on the interior no storeage on the dash for any carryalong stuff. side pockets useless middle console inadequate leather on front bucket seat already wrinkling up overall a fun car to drive but shouldnt be bought as a luxury car but as a nice ford sport utility

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  a good buy used - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Mark - March 9 - 9:03 pm

  This is my 3rd Explorer.Obviously I like them and find them to always be a good buy used.Probably because there are so many of them.This one is a fully loaded XLT including sunroof.As I had to replace a transmission in my 98,I was very careful about regular and preventive maintainence.Didnt do any good,replaced transmission at 103000mi.About $1400 if you dont use a dealer and are a good shopper.Since I bought this unit at a good price,the transmission is an annoyance rather than a deal breaker.

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  John - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By John R. - March 8 - 9:56 am

  This car is the worst car I have ever owned. There is over 10,000 dollars of repairs sence I purchased this car. The transfer case went bad twice. The Shift differencial twice. Front and upper ball joints. The break system had to be completely replaced. Roters worp. The rear end had to be rebuilt after 30000 miles. The transmission slips. The rear window and locking system had to be replaced. The rear trunk plastic cracked.The leather seats cracked after 4000 miles. It rides rough. I only get 11 miles to a gallon, 12 on a trip. The speekers crack. Ford Motor company, you ought to be ashamed of your self for putting a product out like this. If it wasnt for the extended warranty I would be in big trouble.

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  Will Never Buy Again! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By sonybomb - March 7 - 6:54 pm

  Problems since day 1. Replaced all 4 wheel bearings, door ajar light is on all the time and there is no door open! Peeling clear coat around windows. Now tranny is slipping like crazy, cant wait to get rid of it as soon as I pay it off!

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  Please buy it back - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By exploder - March 5 - 7:18 pm

  Short list of problems on the day of delivery lenses were full of water radio did not work in the past two years air con quit seat quit working right rear half shaft broke.Rear door filed with water,complete new muffler system,rear lense filled with water,rear sensing system failed door closed sensor as failed wiper motor drowns out radio.Passenger seat air sensor failed .Battery dead after two years Transmission continues to bang but they tell me this is normal.I have ask my dealer service dept to work some magic and turn it into a toyota i could go on and on but I would not want to put anyone of buying one LOL

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  What a Riot! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By rangeroo - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Exceptional power,great transmission, 5sp. Automatic, (so far)Great Handling.Pulls middle sized enclosed trailer (7x12)very efficiently. Have owned MANY sport utes (FourRunner,Pathfinder,Tahoe,Expedition, Blazer,etc. and this New Explorer is definitely rated at the top of the list. This is a radically different vehicle compared to the old Explorer.Of course we all hope the New Explorer stands the test of time...

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  Nice little SUV - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Rollin59 - March 5 - 12:43 am

  Ive had my Eddie Bauer Explorer for about 2 weeks, purchased used with 24,000 miles. Very nice vehicle. Mainly purchased for towing capacity and winter driveability but its also fine as an everyday vehicle. Ride is rather "trucklike" as you would expect for a vehicle that can pull 5400 pounds, but its manageable and gas mileage is passable (low 20s overall) and visibility is great. 4.0 V6 is smooth and feels more powerful than its 210HP. The 5 speed auto transmission is slick.

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  Best SUV - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By AnthraciteAspec - February 27 - 12:02 pm

  I had my Ex for about 3 months now. Its great SUV because it has everything I need. The V6 is just enough for me, I mainly do city driving. I like the leather quality on the seats. It is very quiet and I love the comfort on the 2nd row.

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  Fordisms - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By HD - February 27 - 11:20 am

  Nice truck overall, nice ride, quiet cab, good handling performance, great power, acceptable fit & finish. Many "Fordisms", however, i.e. shifter on the column, fixed external wire antenna, truck like passenger seats, class II hitch, lousy radio, aesthetically challenged control panel. Minor issues if remedied would go a long way and bring the truck to the next level. Buy it to fulfill your basic transportation needs.