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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  this is the best - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By sandraleigh - June 11 - 10:00 am

  this is my 2nd explorer my first i bought was a 1995 and i bought it new it just like my new one never gave me a problum they are easy to drive and i feel safe and i feel safe carring my children.the new onedrives much smoother and is much larger inside i think...

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  fordexplorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By kevin lacasse - June 11 - 10:00 am

  our first brand new suv has been a wonderful experience so far, only two weeks in the ownership though but looking good. the dealership i went thru was kind and courteous, thanks Lafayette Ford.

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  Good, but could be better - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By lagonzal - June 10 - 3:00 pm

  I bought it used with 59963 miles on the odo for $16500. No problems so far. Replaces an 07 4Runner which was totalled in a crash. I didnt feel like spending another 30 grand on a 4Runner so I went with the cheaper Ford. This is my weekend vehicle. Mon thru Fri I use my much more economical Camry. Didnt realize it was a 4x4 til I took it home and saw the buttons on the dash, neither did the salesman, oh well. Overall, a decent family vehicle which fits nicely in my garage, but the 4Runner was lighter and got better gas mileage and overall felt a tad more refined.

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  Not Nearly As Good As Expected - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By michaela - June 8 - 8:28 am

  Traded in a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo that is sorely missed, for the Explorer in 2006. Instantly regretted the decision. The Explorer is not as comfortable or fun to drive. The gas mileage is worse. There is an electrical problem with the lights that the dealer cannot figure out. The dash cannot be fully lit without the "open door" warning coming on. Now, the rear left window has seized in the down position on a Friday night. It is impossible to manually put the window up, so it cannot be secured until Monday! I miss my Jeep!

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  Love Hate Relationship - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By Jewbacca - June 7 - 2:58 am

  The steering wheel is horrible. Hard to hold on to. I recomend getting an after-market steering wheel. The interior is built of cheap plastic with large gaps at the joints. The seats seem to have been built for dwarfs. Their is no head rests. This results in an uncomfortable ride, especially for your rear passengers who have nothing to rest their backs on. This makes for a potentially deadly outcome in any violent collision. I get an average of 14 mpg making this an expensive car to drive. The 94 Explorer has a surprisingly well ability to corner in the twisties and can be fun to drive in these situations. The acceleration isnt that bad either achieving a 0-62 rate of 12 seconds.

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  Ok drive, but not reliable - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By mattathayde - June 4 - 8:54 pm

  Got this car from my sister in 05 for free, just paid to ship, ok not bad at all 900 bucks. Had to put 4- 500 bucks into it for repairs. A/C, alignment, brakes. Nothing huge. Now the Explorer has a little bump and dip if you turn it hard right because inside the front wheel well the cloth material that blocks a lot of dirt from getting up into the engine well is ripped and catches the wheel a little. Drive it for about a year, the coolant system started to leak, had to get that fixed, had to get an O2 sensor replaced. Some other repairs. Now we have about 3-5000 worth of repairs needed on it- electrical issues, ac is broken, driving lights go out some times. I didnt abuse it.

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  Looking for something new - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Megan - June 4 - 9:36 am

  I bought my Explorer in 06 used with 54k. I noticed while test driving there was a sort of howling sound when I went about 55mph, but didnt mind it much compared to my Neon I was trading in for it. Since then, I have had problems with one of the rear windows working only when it wants to, Ive not been able to put the shifter in reverse multiple times, the mechanism to recline the seat has also came off many times.The seal on the rear window has came off and I noticed this when I found water in the back. My a/c is out as I speak, so I will be taking that in, although I had it recharged at the end of last summer. Ive kept up on maintenance and it is not paying off as it should.

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  Piece of Junk - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By TThompson - June 3 - 10:17 pm

  Tranmission problems at 84K, rack & pinion, radiator, rear axle, power window, rear wheel bearings, the list goes on and now again the tranmission is slipping. We need a new transmission at 145K. Love the look, love the drive, but its a money pit. This is my third Ford and never again. This will be a fourth transmission. I guess one never learns, but this time thats it. Four strikes and youre out.

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  Thrilled to own second Explorer - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By wrwisconsinsnowbird - June 3 - 3:32 pm

  This is my second Explorer, I still own a 97 XLT with 100k on it with minimal major problems/repairs. The 07 does have an annoying rough idle clicking that its done since new. The 08 has the 292hp v8 which idles smoothly and has plenty of power when needed. The interior and exterior is flawless and amazingly quiet. Everyhing worked perfectly when we picked it up and ever since. Better gas mileage would help but I need the truck frame for towing and the v8 for power.

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  for the price, very good - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By got to love ford - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Fairly inexpensive. Great ride. Lots of room. Looked at many suvs. Explorer 2002 rides like most of the more expensive suvs. Little noisy at higher speeds.