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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  Never a problem - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Richard - November 5 - 5:56 am

  I have purchased 3 Ford Explorers since 2002 and have not had a problem with any of them. They are by far the best autos I have ever owned. I plan to buy new ones when these are 4 years old. Just super autos. All three autos are still working super.

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  Full of problems - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By not happy - November 2 - 1:45 pm

  I bought my truck 2 years ago and have had nothing but problems with it. Third day I had it all of the gauges stopped working then countless electrical issues. Many problems with the suspension. This truck only has 78,000 miles on it but feels and drives like one with over 200,000 miles on it. Very unhappy with his purchase will never buy another one again.

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  Only a month - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Mad driver - October 31 - 7:17 pm

  I have had this car for only a month, 100,000 miles you expect to have some problems. However this is just to much, even with a waranty! First off the transfer case went out, then the heater, as well as the ball joints on the front end, oh yeah and my brake lights decided to short out, as well as all the lights in the car! I could have been in a really bad accident if someone didnt tell me my brake lights didnt work. The electrical problems are so bad! One day things run great and the next, nothing works (windows, lights, sun roof, windshield wipers, etc.)! Stay away from this car because your safety means more then a sweet looking ride!

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  Ford Girl Forever! - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By Ford Girl - October 30 - 4:14 pm

  I bought this vehicle in February in 2008. Its a 1995 so I was expecting to have to fix some minor things but suprisingly all I had to do was get new tires and a new battery and I was fine. It now has 232,000 miles on it and its still running great! Its my perfect off roading and every day vehicle. I only drive Ford and I love this SUV!

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  Dependable car! - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Elizabeth Smith - October 29 - 5:11 pm

  This is a comfortable, good riding, easy handling car with plenty of cargo space. We kept this car to use for our road trips, because it rides better than our new 2016 car!

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  My first New Car - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Sheilah99 - October 29 - 4:05 am

  We bought this new in 2005 and had in shop several times during 36,000 mi warranty for a variety of reasons. Dealership unable to identify weird sound from rear wheel, brakes that comes on after long trips. Decent mileage on road/city: 22/17. Have also experienced rear windows sticking and not able to open in hot TX summer, but working fine now in cooler fall (dealership ignored problem when reported). Now that were fitting two baby carseats in car, we wish we had more room in backseat so that front seat doesnt have to be pushed forward to fit infant seat. Leather has been great, but experiencing cracking on front seat at sides. Had to replace dealer stereo to accomodate ipod hook- up.

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  Get a Warranty with it! - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By BriGuy - October 26 - 4:59 pm

  My first new vehicle was more unreliable than many used vehicles I had before. Ready for the list: Valve body in transmission, engine rods, oxygen sensors(2), transfer case, front differential seal, drivers side ball joints 3 times, tie-rods twice, passenger side ball joints once, center console collapsed, rear window leak! 5k in repairs! All this by 75,000 miles! Too bad I enjoyed it when it ran.

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  Back to the "Good ole days" - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By pnewby - October 23 - 11:20 pm

  While I liked our 02 Eddie Bauer OK, I thought the styling had gone to the "plain" side compared to the 96 we used to have. Our new 06 has the best of both - a better ride, better handling and more power than either, and a return to the looks that caused us to buy an Explorer in the first place. Just completed a 3800 mile round trip through the Southeast, and could not have been more pleased. Mileage was around 19, which we expected for the V8, performance was superb in all weather conditions, and comfort was fantastic. For the folks not buying an Explorer because of the mileage, figure out your cost per year for miles driven in each type, then decide if the difference is worth it. (YES).

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  I love this truck - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Rel8ed2abb - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I am new to driving SUVs, I think this one has been a real pleasure to drive. Car like drive with a truck feel. I highly recommend it.

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  Not Bad but Not Good Either - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Michelle W - October 16 - 5:13 pm

  Bought used from a dealership - within 6 months the transfer case went - $2500 to replace. The air conditioner needs to be fixed that another $1000. But is good on gas in the city and the brakes seem to last forever. Leg room in the front is good but is a tight fit in the back.