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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  My Back Hurts - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Joe - February 27 - 3:47 am

  The "drivers seat is a nightmare" compared to sitting in my 2010 model. It is comparable to sitting on a wooden box and I am uncomfortable even on short drives. The adjustments do not help. The seat cushion is about 6 inches to short which leaves my legs in the air and puts pressure on my back. I feel discomfort almost immediately. What a shame that somebody thought it was a good idea to ruin the excitement of having a new car. I dont even care about the other options. I cant get past how uncomfortable it is. What a mistake.

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  ford - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By TonyD - February 27 - 2:00 am

  The ride is fanatastic. Prior SUV was a Jeep Grand Cherokee, it rode like a truck with bricks for shock absorbers.

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  Great Vehicle - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By D. Crawford - February 25 - 10:00 am

  Second Explorer weve owned. Love both of them. The Exporer Sport is very stable. I got it sliding completely sideways on ice on the interstate at about 65 mph, slid onto gravel shoulder and pulled right out of it. We have 4.10 gears for pulling a small camper so mileage isnt the best but Im impressed with the V6 power. More room than a Cherokee or Blazer. No design problems and is well built. Will buy a third.

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  reliable recreational vehicle - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By wild rose native - February 25 - 10:00 am

  I have had the truck for about two years now and it has performed according to my expectations. It has ample power to tow a travel trailer weighing 4500 pound. Around the city, this Explorer is fun to drive. Other than the LED display disappearing on the combo cd/cassette player and the annoying engine light turning on for no reason, I have had no troubles with this truck. I am crossing my fingers hoping that I can avoid the problems that other owners have had.

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  Good so far - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Midwest - February 24 - 4:06 pm

  Bought this from a credit union (repo) and have been having fun. Have done a lot of maintenance that you would expect at 125,000 miles. Shocks, water pump, tires, ball joints, etc. Now that it has what it needed, I would drive it cross country with no hesitation. Its good for its age. Awesome in snow!

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  Best Explorer I ever had - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Doug - February 23 - 9:02 am

  This is my 4th Explorer that I have had since 1995. It is the best one yet, not that the others were problems. I bought it with 10000 miles on it and it now has 141000 miles and is going strong. I try to change the oil every 4000 miles and take care of it. My brakes lasted 75000 miles and the tires were changed at 90000 miles. At 131000 miles I got a tune up and changed the transmission fluid. A wheel bearing went out at 135000 miles. Other than that everything else in the car is the same as when I bought it. This SUV seems like it will run forever. I keep thinking of getting another 2004 with less miles, but this Explorer has been so good, I dont think I will. 21mpg on the highway

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  Key doesnt start this vehicle. - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By rickyb - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Gas mileage is poor. Turning is unsteady as front wheels thump when sharp turning is necessary. I have had to have this vehicle towed to the dealer because the key lost its program. The key needed to be reprogrammed. The tow truck driver had towed other 2004 Explorers with the same problem in my area. Otherwise it is very much functional for my needs.

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  Explorer 2004 v8 - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Mkirby - February 22 - 10:00 am

  nicely put together and incredibly safe

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  It just wont die - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By AJ - February 21 - 9:53 pm

  I never thought the thing would be so reliable, but with over 200,000 I keep hoping that the thing will die so that I can get a new ride. It just keeps on running! Ive owned it for 5 years and 60,000 miles and have never had to replace anything major. Ive driven it on several 1000 mile trips. It has lots of little stuff wrong with it like the power windows and oil leak and engine tap (which is at least 5 yrs old too), but it starts up every time even when its 10 degrees. The fuel mileage on hwy is better than most new SUVs (22mpg), and the thing does real nice off road and its only a 2WD. Ive been in and out of many places in this thing that I should never have been it without 4WD.

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  My First Ford - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Monte - February 20 - 10:00 am

  This SUV has exceeded everyone expectation I had set when I began searching for a new vehicle. From day 1 of owning it, I have loved driving it. I commute approximately 2 hours a day (50 miles each way to and from work), so I have had plenty of time and opportunity to enjoy it. I would suggest anyone in the market to get the third row. Also, I would highly recommend the V8. While mileage does degrade with the larger engine, the trade off is worth it to have so much more HP. Other than that, I would recommend this SUV to anyone.