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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  Disappointed in DC - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By JRob - August 10 - 1:30 am

  Rear end noise caused the dealership to replace 2 axles and a drivetrain. Now they tell me my tires are "cupped." After reading other reviews I think this is a more serious epidemic. Plastic exterior on rear hatch cracked with freezing rain. ABS parts failure. Bubbling interior door panel fabric in cold weather. My wife threatens to leave me if I ever buy another Ford.

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  Ford is the best - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By tami526 - August 6 - 11:17 pm

  I have the all wheel drive model with a 210 horsepower V6. It is the best truck in the snow. It has saved us a few times. This is the 2nd Explorer I have owned and will not be the last. I have not done any major work to it. There is no comparison with anything in its class. Its the greatest.

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  Great Vehicle - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By Chuck W - August 5 - 7:45 am

  This is my second SUV. IÂ’ve owned it for 8 months now and had no problems with it. ItÂ’s fun to drive and has a great view. The cargo area is huge. The V8 has plenty of power, which I use to tow a boat. It has a truck like ride. ItÂ’s handles very predictably, and excellent in the snow. I really like all of the safety features.

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  The tank - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By blackhaus50 - August 2 - 3:59 pm

  This truck is an animal. Starts everyday and wont die after 20k in 1 year. So far so good. No major repairs yet and my Explorer has 188k on it. AC dont work, thats about it.

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  I dont think I got the right car? - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By AngieB - August 2 - 1:57 am

  I owned an Explorer previously and it was great! Something went seriously wrong with this model. Since I have had it (9 months), I have had the e-brake handle break, the rear struts go out, the seat belt actually come apart, and my drivers seat control panel fall completly off. I didnt even have my car back a week from the mechanic and then this morning water came leaking through the buttons for the reading lights(and no I did not leave my sunroof open). The dealership said one of the drain tubes for the sunroof must have a problem and they would need if for at least three days. So if you cannot tell, no I would not recommend this vehicle, nor would I recomend any Ford prior to 2004.

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  Too many problems for the price - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By julz - August 2 - 12:14 am

  Passenger window motor went out, cds get jammed in player. One cylinder (think thats what its called) went out at 55,000. Then appeared a long crack in the hatch rear trim (and no its not the liftgage that was recalled). Then at 70,000 miles I had to get my transmission rebuilt. My mechanic showed me the parts and told me they were crap. Trying to cut corners and save money I guess. Like Ford wasnt making enough off of $32,000. Then at 78,000 it happened again-and by the way I baby this SUV and do all maintenance as needed. Transmission again but this time my mechanic couldnt find the exact problem in the transmission- had to put a new catalytic converter in among some other parts. Geez

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  Decent Truck - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Dave - August 1 - 12:37 pm

  We bought this truck used with just over 40k on the odo. Now have over 88k and it hasnt been too bad. Biggest problem is the 4x4 low stopped working. I havent spent the money to get it fixed because I never use low range 4x4. Considering this was a first year redesign, it hasnt been too bad. The power is great. The third row is a nice feature. There is plenty of storage. I bought an 07 SportTrac because I was so happy with this Explorer. That being said, I think we are going to get a Honda Minivan next year because we need more space and the reliability/resale value/gas mileage is so much better. Overall, the 02 Explorer is a great family vehicle, just needs some minor tweaks.

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  Angry but Fair - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Timmy T. - July 29 - 1:38 pm

  4.2L engine with electronic throttle body. No good. When you break into a corner, and then accelerate out the response time was generally 3 seconds. A member of my gun section worked at dealership told me that Ford is aware of the problem, yet has no new "strategies" for the computer, and had been given no indication as to when fix would come. Transmission was in 4 times in 2 months: 1-2 gear "strategies" reprogrammed, 1-2 gear valve body replaced, milky tranny fluid additive added, 2-3 gear valve body replaced, along with 1-2 valve body again. Went lemon law, was offered a collateral exchange, got a 05 Freestar w/3.9L engine. The van was 100% better than the Explorer.

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  I love it! - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Tracy - July 28 - 1:25 pm

  This is by far the best vehicle Ive had. It looks great, its the perfect size, and its really great on gas! If youre looking for a small SUV I would highly recommend this one!

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  On the road with my Explorer - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By papadlh - July 28 - 6:19 am

  I purchased my 05 Explorer used with 32,000 miles. Today I have 93,000 and have had only a couple minor problems. A CD was stuck once but after a restart it came right out. The AC/heat blows in on my leg and should be moved to a different location. The fuel mileage is almost 20 MPG with about 800 LBS of gear and an overhead rack. It is a Flex-fuel vehicle but does not perform as well on E-10. The AdvanceTrac is instantly responsive and would buy another just for this feature alone.