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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  Lemon SUV - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Cosmos - July 13 - 6:51 pm

  This SUV was purchased used. It has had an unusually high maintenance cost. The most expensive costs have been associated with the rear end humming that exists on 2002 to 2005 models. I am on the 4th rear end and the problem still exists. My local Ford dealership has given up and told me to live with the noise. The front wheel bearings failed, the universal joints failed, a back window motor failed, the main light switch failed, there was a problem with the emergency brakes, and I can not turn off the head lights! This vehicle has less than 70K miles.

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  Awesome - except for the transmission - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Exploder - July 13 - 12:57 pm

  We have 240,000 miles so far and the only complaint is the transmission. It cost $1800 to rebuild and it appears to be a common problem on 1995 - 2001 Explorers with over 100k miles. If youre looking at a used Explorer with 100k+ miles, pay attention to the transmission! Other than that we love this truck. It is great in snow, very comfortable, and extremely reliable (except when transmission left my wife stranded). Even with 240k miles I would not hesitate to drive it on a cross country trip. The fuel economy is around 14/18, which is about average for this type of vehicle. The vinyl on the center console cover will crack too. I have never seen one that wasnt cracked.

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  OK SoFar - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By JACKFEINER - July 12 - 10:36 pm

  At 28,000 miles, I have not had many major problems with this Explorer. Being my first Ford product I did purchase a extended warranty (because of Fords quality control issues!).

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  explore with me - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By laura - July 12 - 4:30 pm

  In all I have had lots of fun driving the Explorer. It has awesome pick up and dependability.

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  So Sad - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Sullynation - July 12 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Explorer, and I bought this one because I had so much luck with the last. Im so sad that it appears I have a lemon. Horrible problems with stalling, rough shifting, hard idle. The style of the vehicle is nice, roomy, and user friendly. But the reliablity is horrible.

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  Things could be better - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Texas - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my vehicle just over 1 year and I have had it in to the dealership 3 times due to the air- conditioning. It was making a terrible sound after I drove it a short distance, stopped, and then re- started the vehicle. Yet the dealership could not find anything wrong. Finally, after several months, the "High-pressure Valve" blew and caused a terrible noise/rumbling of the entire vehicle. Once that was repaired, under warranty, the vehicle drove fine and the air conditioner worked well. I also notice a Humming while I am accellerating. It can be quite irritating on long trips when you are in a rear seat.

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  When repairs are needed, theyre major - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By radioiowa - July 9 - 4:01 pm

  I purchased the XLT with about 50K miles and am happy to report that I am now at 155K. Overall, its very sure-footed in the snow and roomy enough to haul the family and the dog. On the down side, repairs in the last three years have been major. Ive replaced two fuel pumps in 5 years, the rear differential, put in a new transmission and am now dealing with intermittent, unidentifiable stall/start problems (the car stalls while driving down the road and/or refuses to start for hours but no one can seem to find the problem- leaving me stuck on the road with no warning). The truck has received routine maintenance religiously and has never been driven off road.

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  First SUV - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Keithk - July 9 - 2:00 am

  Bought the 2003 Explorer in December 2002 and it is probably the best car Ive ever had. Rides great. Exterior and interior good. Third row seating a definite plus and its easy to get into. Zero financing was the reason we got it instead of the Escape

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  One of the best years - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By LuvMyFord - July 8 - 8:51 pm

  In spite of the low mpg, this model is an excellent reliable vehicle thats great to drive short or long trips. The overdrive is worth its weight in gold, dropping rpm to so little you forget the engine is running. No road noise, so you know the insulation is terrific. The downside is even the V6 only gets 16 mpg, but thats with the a/c on and doing 65mph. Not terrible considering the weight. This V6 is also a flex fuel, but if you use E85 the mpg is far worse. Plenty of room in the back for sleeping, or cargo. And you cant beat the 6 CD stereo, and the seat warmers that are coordinated with the cabin temp selection. For the sheer comfort this model is a winner.

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  5 year review - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Brant - July 7 - 10:51 am

  Our XLT is now 5 years old with 75K miles. The car has been relagated to light duty and occasional use due to the awful gas mileage (12-19 mpg). The car has been very reliable with only a minor recall (rear window glass pins) and one bad valve cover gasket. The ride is trucky and the car is slow and ponderous but by 2003 standards, not bad. Highway comfort and utility is great and the car is a comfortable long distance cruiser. The gray monotone interior has held up well though the cloth seats love to attract lint. Unfortunately, with crossovers now on the market and the lousy gas mileage, this car is fast becoming obsolete.