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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  Original owner - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Jim - December 29 - 12:40 pm

  I finally choose to buy American with an extended warranty, glad I bought the warranty. The rear end was replaced within one year, tail lights replaced, several of the power windows replaced, ball joints replaced, a/c replaced. All of the repairs have been done under 60000 miles. Not a good testament to quality. I thought that I would save moneyand buy American, the resale value has offset any savings. I will purchase a Japanese vehicle next time.

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  2016 Ford Explorer Sport - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Tim Holt - December 25 - 10:20 pm

  Above the average price of an SUV. I love all the room the driver seat has, and power the sport has. I also love the rear seats that fold on their own. Too much to list.

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  good auto - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By WALTER - December 24 - 3:20 pm

  auto is good for the price. repairs are cheap.

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  So Far So Good - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Rokgod1 - December 18 - 10:23 am

  Had issues right after I drove it off the lot, but the dealer fixed everything. No problems since, other than a rear window not operating. Thats minor to me. I cant believe a closeable outside air vent is an upgrade on a $35k + vehicle. Didnt know that nugget until after I bought the car. I have asthma and love other cars exhaust and pollen streaming into the car at all times. As a result of outside air at all times, the defroster, heating, and AC take more time to get up/down to temperature. Front defrosters are horrible. External audio/video inputs in the ceiling mount DVD is annoying, especially with cables dangling.

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  98 awd, xlt - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By kmday - December 15 - 10:00 am

  the car was great for the first year or so. the front end ball joints went at about 30,000K. wheels went out of alighment quite often. ive been thru 3 sets of tires. the radiator coil blew at 45,000. the truck has had 2 different tune- ups, and one guy replaced 2 or the four hot/cold sensors. its. ok in heat, in cold its"chitty chitty bang bang" shakes,and rattles and causes the check enging light to go on and when read via the computer, it stated enging misfire, but cannot designate where. and somewhere in the middle of all this mishap, the l.e.d. readout on the radio, cd, and tape have vanished, as well as the clock.

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  Eddie Bauer Explorer Comments - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By John Jimson - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Purchased third row seating and find it comfortable even in such a short wheelbase vehicle. A fine value in a relative low priced truck.

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  Excellent vehicle for trailer towing et - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Dennis Miller - December 14 - 6:32 pm

  I have found this to be an excellent vehicle. Interior is as new. Very limited repairs aside from a couple of brake jobs. Michelin tires put on by Ford for free are still serving me. Tows a 4,000 lb. trailer no problem..in the mountains. AWD has proven to be terrific. Have passed stalled/stuck buses, cars, SUVs many times in the mountains. Everything works! 11 years old.

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  Inexpensive & reliable - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Jay Tode - December 13 - 9:13 am

  Purchased in 2005 as a second vehicle with 78,000 miles. Had several Thunderbirds in the past with no problems. This vehicle has done better than expected. Other than tires, brakes and a battery, I had no maintenance issues until I hit 128000. then I needed to replace the brake master cylinder and developed a leak in the radiator. V8 is responsive and I can get 20 on the highway if I keep it at 70 mph. Just sold it to my brother and I bought an 03 Explorer XLT with 60k miles. Hope it does as well. When reading other reviews, it seems people have no problems or the car is a nightmare.

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  Great looking and fun to drive - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Mark - December 12 - 6:20 pm

  I bought this vehicle for my wife and she loves it. The new chrome wheels, step bars and roof rack really set it a part from the others. Gets lots of looks, and has the upgraded stereo that sounds great. Best sounding radio I have ever heard in a factory Ford. Had my doubts about the V-6 but it has plenty of power, although if I was going to do much pulling I would go with the V-8, but only 20 or so horse power difference. All the power the wife need to carry the baby and groceries.

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  Buy American - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Mr. Smith - December 12 - 9:44 am

  I have been on light but rocky 4wd roads in Colorado, cruised the interstates 12-16 hours a day, up and down ice, snow, mud, sleet, rain, 0 degrees to 105 degrees with this 2wd machine and it drives like a dream and is still a beautiful red that looks like it came off a showroom floor. This baby has over 110,000 miles and will outlast any foreign SUV. Ford meant it when they said their trucks are built Ford tough. That means SUVs too. Best auto Ive ever had and I have had a few good ones.