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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  Superb Ride - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By Rob - June 25 - 5:46 am

  Having leased 2 Lincoln MKXs which were just fine previous to this, I was pleasantly surprised with just about every aspect of 2017 Ford Explorer Platinum. The ride is great and much more quieter than Ive ever experienced in other vehicle. I cant say enough about this vehicle. Will be leasing another when this runs out.

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  Great Car So Far - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Charles - June 24 - 11:01 am

  Bought mine a couple of months ago. Its a good solid consistent series of vehicles. Ive always had them. Actually had leather put in. Mileage isnt that bad. I got it up to 21.1 after four hours on the highway. Gotta have the leather though. Dealer actually put it in fore me. smooth ride, great interior and though it doesnt display it, it will take e85 ethanol!

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  Do not buy - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By mbistoocool - June 23 - 9:17 am

  Too many problems to recommend purchasing, trans, plug wires every year, oil pressure regulator, wheel bearings, timing chain tensioner, back hatch that cracked so many times dont bother getting fixed anymore, paint chipping on roof, many more. Very nice truck to drive and still love the look of it after 6 years, interior has held up very well. Too bad reliability is so poor. When its not in the shop it is a great truck.

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  I cant complain - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By ANDYLANT2003 - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I bought my explorer with an outstanding deal. I wanted a blue one with less stuff on it, but got a black one fully decked out. The towing package is a very nice add-on. Loving my Explorer.

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By richard - June 19 - 9:36 pm

  Have encountered no problems with vehicle. Maintenance costs are very reasonable, much lower than on our non-Ford vehicle. On recent trip from Colorado at 75-80 mph we averaged 21.4 mpg on regular. City driving averages 17.5 mpg. This is a great vehicle and a great value.

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  Worth Nothing after 60,000 Miles - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By drmac - June 16 - 2:15 pm

  I bought my Explorer XLT brand new. I had "electronic" issues within the first six months. I had to have the instrument panel replaced twice. Afterwards, I was relatively pleased with the vehicle prior to 50,000 miles or so, but as soon as the Explorer was out of the warranty, everything went wrong. In the past 12 months, Ive had to replace all the seals on the transmission, replace the bushings, front hubs, alternator, keyless entry keypad, backup sensors, and the emergency brake. I have my Explorer serviced on the recommended schedule and still have had to have the vehicle towed three times, leaving me stranded.

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  1996 Explorer A Solid SUV - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By lgcook - June 14 - 10:00 am

  The ride is a little stiff, gas milage not all that good, but this has been the best vehicle I have ever owned in my 58 years of vehicle ownership. We have had one recall but other then that we have only had the Explorer in for regular scheduled service, spark plugs, wires, hoses, belt, and fluids. 135K miles and the front end is starting to squeek but I would not be afraid to take it to Alaska tomorrow.

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  Dad passed away and I kept his car - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By TREE - June 13 - 1:15 am

  The radio definitely should have been fixed by Ford! Spark plugs shorted out. The drivers side door would not open from the inside so I could not get out of the car. It cost me $390 the other day to fix which hit me hard being a single mom of three children. The antenna also needed to be fixed because it wouldn"t go up and down. It got stuck in the middle. The windshield wipers did not work and the whole thing inside had to be replaced a few months ago and that ran about $280. The back one does not work now, but it is not important to get that fix nlike the front ones. I keep this car because it was my fathers and it has sentimental value or I would have gotten rid of it.

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  Another bad Ford - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By odd-job - June 12 - 4:55 pm

  I have a 2002 Eddie Bauer V8 Explorer, my second Explorer. Previous one was a 1997, and that one was much better. Ford came out with a new Explorer in 2002 that was much larger, more steady, but in my opinion, much more problematic. My transmission was replaced at 95k miles, the radiator was replaced at 90k miles, the car has overheated multiple times and left me stranded on the side of the road, the 6 disc in dash CD player sticks all the time and gets jammed, the transmission still slips, the rear seatbelts flap really loudly when the front windows are down, the drivers window motor has slowed down, the air conditioning is spotty, and the heater takes about 10 minutes to warm.

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  Love It! Love It! Love It! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By jo jo - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I had been looking at this vehicle for about 3 months before I bought it. Now that I actually own one, Im so glad I purchased it. It is very comfortable and quite quick for a V6 which I own. I wish it were a little better on gas, I guess the only difference I would make it buying one new is purchasing a V8 rather than the V6. However, I have no reservations.