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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  Its been a year now -- no regrets - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Goose bumps II - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my LTD Explorer a year today and Ive had to say this has been the best Truck ever. Rides nice, handles well, fuel is what Id expect from a V8 19 in town and 24 on the highway. Not one factory repair as yet.

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  If I could change one thing - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Frankm - September 13 - 7:17 pm

  We have a 2WD XLT with the 5.0 engine and it has been great vehicle with no serious issues. My only gripe is that there is no camber adjustment for the front end alignment and it eats front tires something awful.

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  Real Good, Not Great - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By Frank Kiv - September 11 - 2:52 am

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  Nice SUV - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Stephen - September 10 - 11:46 pm

  I noticed that a few people also have had the starting and stalling problem that I did for so many years. I attributed it to the cold winters in the Pacific NW. When I move to Arizona I still had the problem. I paid the dealership to find the problem and they did. It was a bad intake manifold gasket set. I paid $100 to find the problem and $20 for parts and fix it myself. Never again had the problem. I had the transmission replaced two years ago due to a broken fluid pump motor. I also have been told that the timming chain guides need to be fixed or replaced.

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  My LTD - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By shadyjd - September 10 - 5:30 pm

  Bought at 30K and 30 months old. This gave me a little warranty time to check for bugs. Buttons in the steering wheel went out & passanger seat heater was always on. Wiring fixed & wheel replaced by dealer ($750) since then tires, brakes, oil & battery. A few minor problems. Passenger door doent auto lock, am/fm light out (clock2), rear window loose (I often drive with it open. Great to haul in. I ski new powder. Great in snow with new tires( req: wilderness), slide a bit on ice but I do too. Over 6" I got chains. 12" No-problem! Leather seats are too hard. Engine lite on but I am getting +3mi/gl. so I have not reset it. Rough idle at start. Needs more nooks. Would not trade it for the world.

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  It starts, thats where it ends - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By colonelredsock - September 8 - 12:33 am

  I bought this vehicle (91k miles) for the 4wd, which works just fine. Im now around 150k miles, some suspension problems. Whats most frustrating has to be all the little things. Heres the list: rear wiper, oustide temp on mirror, Cruise control, led lights on/around cd player (had to replace with aftermarket cd player), lights no longer come on when you open doors, levers on both seats broke, fog lights dont work, headlights occasionally short out while on the road, all door locks work occasionally at best, Ive had to replace upper and lower joints, passenger mirror fell out! All this and not to mention it gets lousy gas mileage. I get 15 mpg if Im lucky.

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  great package - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By prmonse - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I steped up from a Sports car, because I needded more space and comfort. I wasnt dissapointed, this vehicle is roomy comfortable, relatively quite on the road, inspite huge wheel package, easy to drive. New shape is very handsome, thats what attracted me in the first place, although interior on my XLT looks plain and a little plasticly. The XLT package is a very desiarable package, the wheels alone are worth it. The deal maker was the great ford price, I got mine out the door with the aftermentioned XLTpackage, leather seats, 6 CD 80 watts sound system for 29 thousand and change.

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  Fit for a scrap yard - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Mike - September 4 - 11:18 pm

  After owning mostly Honda and Chevy vechicles, I thought I would try a Ford Explorer since I liked the look of them. Bad choice on my part. What a hunk of junk. The transmission went at 17k, rear differential needed repair at 25K. Too many things to list here. Its sold now, and I bought a Honda Pilot. All my Hondas (a 95 Civic, 2000 Accord, 2004 Civic) have been worth every penny. This Explorer I was almost willing to pay someone to take. Dont settle for this kind of quality people. There are better vehicles out there, and Ford doesnt make them!

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  Explorer XLT_Love It!! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By JoJo9870 - September 4 - 10:00 am

  We traded in our Dodge Durango on the Explorer. What a difference! Even my husband agrees and he really isnt a "Ford" person. I think we made a believer out of him!

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  They Cant Get This Car Right - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By MDWong - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle in thinking that this could be a reliable car that would last for years. I was wrong. There is always something wrong with my Explorer from the radio to the continouous motor noise and dont forget the Firestones. On top of that they have recalled six items in my year. Ford has been making this car for several years and still cant get it right. The resale value plummets quickly thus making my car almost worthless at this time. The only Ford I will buy in the future is a 1968 Mustang.