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:

• 

  $50k SUV worth $35K - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Chris - February 1 - 10:09 am

  So the truck is 4 months old with 5700 miles. 2 weeks ago I took it for a long road trip up to Michigans UP, I was actually pretty happy with the trucks performance and overall comfort of passengers and cargo space. However, there are a few things that are popping up and are annoying me. MPG is low but then again I didnt expect it to be great ( it is a big and heavy vehicle) I average 18MPG in combine driving and 21 on the HWY. Not too bad considering Chicagos traffic and me driving a bit on an aggressive side. Interior drivers side floor sill trim is coming loose at the corner. Leather steering wheel starts to peel at the top which is crazy considering the car is only 4 months old. Looks as others had similar complaints. SYNC crashed 3 times ( other then that it really isnt all that bad as people complained about) Front seats suck.... they are too narrow and with stupid bolster so close it digs into my leg driving me crazy. Im 511 about 190lbs. At the end of the day $50k paid for something that really looks as it belongs on $35k cars. Wanted to go back to FORD but now Im starting to regret it.

• 

  Another great Ford product - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Don - January 31 - 12:50 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for over 5 years now and have had no major problems. It is serviced by my dealer every 5000 miles and washed and cleaned regularly as it should be. I have had no paint(black) or fading problems, in fact my dealer just detailed it and it looked like it did when it was purchased 5 years ago. I did have the plastic panel on the rear tailgate freeze up and crack at 52800 miles, but Ford and my dealer took care of the problem since it is a Ford design flaw.The vehicle is fun to drive and is usually the vehicle that is taken on longer trips and up until recently, we owned a full size Mercury, but this vehicle is much more fun to drive. My wife has no objection to driving.

• 

  Great SUV - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By VA4WD - January 30 - 6:02 am

  Bought this Explorer in Jan 2004 after looking at Toyota Nissan and Chevy. The 2004 Explorer had the others beat in many categories: excellent handling on curvy roads yet smooth riding over bumps and rough roads, V6 has great oomph in town and on the highway, well laid out dash and interior, very attractive and durable cloth seats on the XLS model. Having owned this Ford for 5 years it has been a very reliable and faithful companion. Warranty repairs included a transmission fix a rear differential leak, no more trouble out of either after the initial repair. After warranty repairs have been to install a starter as the old one was slowing down. Thanks Ford for making a great SUV!

• 

  Great SUV - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By na - January 28 - 11:01 pm

  We bought our Explorer used from a millionaire my grandfather works for. It was stored in a garage most of its life. I love it, we had it for over a year and have done no maintenance on it except change the tires and oil. Its been very reliable for a Ford and now has more then a hundred thousand miles on it. The Explorer is a great car to have and is very good in the snow and I would recommend buying one.

• 

  1997 Explorer XLT - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By tm - January 28 - 11:11 am

  I bought my Explorer used in 1998 with 21,000 miles already on it. I took very good care of it and kept up with all the main fluid changes myself. I drove it every where. I now have 210,000 miles on it, with the original transmission, can you imagine, a Ford... and it is still driveable! During my time with the truck since 1997, I have replaced basic wear and tare items and some basic mechanical itmes (3 oc sensors, some part in the front suspension area, sv joint, the driverside door handle, the a/c leaks. However, the transmission is finally starting to slip, the check engine light is on, the 4x4 trasnfer case, the 4x4 lights are flashing, speed sensor is gone bad. Will buy a newer Explorer

• 

  ONE TUFF FORD - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By fordgirl - January 27 - 10:00 am

  i THANK THIS IS THE BEST SUV THAT MONEY CAN BUY AND THEY HAVE THE BEST REBATES ON THE MARKET, YOU JUST CANT GO WRONG WITH FORD!!!

• 

  Waste of money - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By afk - January 23 - 12:53 pm

  I think this vehicle sums up why Amrican auto industry is going down. I have 2008 BMW 335i convertible. I bought this Explorer for cold/snowy winter days. What a mistake! Interior is nothing but dollar store hard plastic which starts peeling after a while. Handling is a nigthmare. Original tires are a joke. This type of handling from $38000 vehicle is unacceptable. After I replaced the tires with Michelins and added 1 inch wheel spacers to front and rear, handling got little better. But nothing drives me more crazy than the wind noise at highway speeds. Once you are over 70mph, it is impossible to have normal conversation. New tires eliminated the road noise but wind noise is redicilious

• 

  2016 Ford Explorer Sport - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By James Alexander - January 22 - 8:06 am

• 

  Outstanding - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Howser - January 21 - 2:00 am

  The 2003 Limited is great...the ride, increase in size (albeit minimal), handling, quietness, power and options (DVD entertainment system, third row seating, rear AC and the roll over safety canopy air bags) are outstanding and comforting to have. I purchased the new 2003 Limited with the monochromatic ceramic white tri-coat metalic paint, which sort of sparkles in direct sunlight and parchment leather interior. I love the look...not to mention the 17" chrome wheels. I have received a lot of complements from friends and strangers alike. Ford did a great job.

• 

  great suv buy Ford - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By fivestar - January 21 - 2:00 am

  love the suv its more than expected