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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  Still truckin - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By mispinla - December 12 - 12:03 am

  Its almost a year later since my last review. I have a true love hate realtionship with this car. I love its reliability but hate driving a ten year old car. Overall, Ive gotten my moneys worth out of it. I now have almost 170,000 miles on it and this year have only had to buy tires and an altenator besides the regular matinence of course. I drive about 40 miles to and from work M-F. Everythings working on the car right now and has all year. It still starts without applying gas and can keep up in the fast lane. Plan to keep it until the wheels roll off (Id feel wasteful buying one if not necessary). At this rate Ill be driving it until Im ready for retirement (in about 25 years!)

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  Not a very good buy - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By bigrobrown - December 10 - 8:30 pm

  Really regret buying this car. It was my first purchase and I was extremely excited about it and didnt think to ask many important questions. To be a V6 it got really bad gas mileage and maintance is insane. Have had it in the shop for serious repairs like two days after the warranty expired. It does look nice in my opinion but thats all this car has. Keep your money and buy something else

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  Junk - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By John - December 10 - 2:25 pm

  I purchased this car new. It is now December of 2008 and this car has seen the dealership more than my driveway. Ford has put a bad car out on this one. I love my dealership, they have done everything possible to make me happy but the product that Ford put out will make me go onto to GMC or other.

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  Surprised by How Great This Explorer Is - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By New Explorer Fan - December 9 - 12:38 pm

  After an intense road trip....... Dallas to Austin to Houston to Dallas in 3 days...in the rain along the way.... I have fallen in love with my Ford Explorer. Rides great....which is saying a lot considering I was driving a Cadillac. It also drives great.

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  Surprised by How Great This Explorer Is - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By New Explorer Fan - December 9 - 12:37 pm

  After an intense road trip....... Dallas to Austin to Houston to Dallas in 3 days...in the rain along the way.... I have fallen in love with my Ford Explorer. Rides great....which is saying a lot considering I was driving a Cadillac. It also drives great.

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  Disposable Vehicle - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Robert Copeland - December 8 - 10:00 am

  At 100,000 the transmission in this vehicle was ruined requiring a remanufactured one at 2,900.00 (including the towing). This vehicle has had all maintenance performed at the designated intervals. Immediately after purchase the transmission dumped its fluid requiring repair by the dealer. After the repair the following day it dumped its transmission fluid again. I have contacted Ford customer relations regarding the failure of the transmission and the fact that the early problems caused the later failure. I have found no one at Ford concerned enough to research my claim. Apparently it is normal for the transmission to go out at 100,000miles.

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  Buyers Beware - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By xford - December 7 - 2:00 am

  The "Ford Quality is Job One myth". Our special order 02 Explorer arrived (after 2.5 months)with a failed transmission, it would either slip, slam or not shift. Ford had put 32 miles on it but apparently decided "dont fix it until the customer complains". After 3 days it still isnt fixed and the dealer is still trying to close the deal. Nice try Ford, but NO-SALE. After also having to replace an F150 engine last year at under 4000 miles, this 35 year Ford buyer is now enjoying his first ever Japanese vehicle.

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  Safe Family Vehicle and Easy Driver - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Garrett - December 5 - 1:06 am

  Bought my Explorer last month, and absolutely enjoy it. My wife loves it as well. We like the exterior and interior looks, we like the comfort, and tighter-than-most trucks turning radius, and we like the outstanding five star crash ratings. We bought it for room to carry baby things, for the four wheel drive, and for safety. Recommended to any family, small or big!

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  disappointed & disgusted - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By horne - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Three weeks after purchasing the vehicle the computer failed and had to be replaced. The Valenti dealership in Mystic, Connecticut took a week and one half to discern what the problem was and install a new computer. The key was stuck in the steering post lock on three occassions which was among the numerous other failings of the vehicle. After 42,000 miles the transmission failed and due to the fact that I rely on the vehicle for my livelyhood and their insistance that it would take over a week to fix the problem I took the vehicle to Ammco.

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  - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By dimitriL - December 3 - 2:00 am

  so far i have 3500 miles with no problems other than the rear hatch rattling and rough shifting between the drive gears and park