Overview & Reviews

A complete redesign is planned for 2002, so the 2001 Ford Explorer has undergone minor changes. The SOHC V6 is standard on all models, and the 4.0-liter OHV V6 and manual transmission are no longer available. Additional child safety-seat tether anchors have been added to the second-row seats.

• Great crash-test scores, roomy, lots of optional features.

• Harsh yet wallowy ride, potentially steep price, every other Joe has one.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 37.00

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  165,000 and running good. - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By Fergus - September 13 - 2:00 am

  We bought our this Exploder new and at 165,000 miles replaced the ball joints today. I replaced the thermostat at around 60,000, the brake pads around 110,000 and battery around 120,000. It has proven to be a very dependable vehicle. I have never seen it get less that 20 MPG and have seen it get as much as 29 MPG highway. I give some credit to Militec-1, as I have used it in all my vehicles since being introduced to it in 1988.

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  trouble free - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By Kaos_agent1 - January 27 - 11:45 pm

  Bought Dora (The Explorer) in 2004 with 40K miles on her. 4.0l V6. To date I have replaced the thermostat, both radiator hoses (innie and outie), brakes, serpentine belt and tires. She has never let me down and has 150k on her. The most reliable vehicle I have ever owned, hands down. This is one of that last real SUVs - built on a truck chassis (Ranger platform). We lived in mountains of northern New Mexico and spent a lot of time boulder crawling on two-track roads along mountain ridges. Great 4X4 capability as well as highway capability. the ride is a bit bouncy, but I tamed it a bit when I put a set of bilstien shocks in place of the factory ones. The explorer is paid off and still alive

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  Good all the way around - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By irongod - April 8 - 2:22 pm

  Bought this used with about 90k on it now its around 102k. Its red with tan interior. I have done a complete service on it as well as installed a k&n air filter. Will be installing a large stereo set-up. Explorers are great for that!

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  Reliable and has taken some abuse - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By MBR - August 16 - 5:51 pm

  Bought this vehicle used in 2002. Now has 100,000 miles and have not had any seriously major problems. Have had to replace ball joints but Ive run some heavy treaded Mud Tires for the past 2 years. It goes good in the mud and has ample ground clearance. Even though this is a great daily driver it is rugged enough to take you to some serious back woods adventures. Dont be afraid to get this vehicle off road.

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  Love My Explorer - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By Ford Fan - September 2 - 9:00 am

  I purchased this car under Fords Certified Used program. It looked brand new when I tested it. Driving it gave me the feeling that this was a solid, well built auto. I purchased the Limited because of all the features and options. Its a great value! In the four years Ive had it Ive only changed reasonable parts: ball joints and brakes. I had to replace the radio but with Fords extended warranty I was covered. This warranty also paid for the ball joints. Otherwise the car runs quiet with the V8 and I take it on all my long trips. Its got everything!

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  XLT - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By J Esparza - October 23 - 2:20 pm

  Over all my experience is very good so far. I love the clearance, especially on construction sites. Im finding out that the replacing the IAC because it is stuck due to carbon build up is a is a common problem. It will cause the car not to start.

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  Excellent All Around Vehicle - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By Jon K. - February 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle new in March 2001 and we use it for traveling and pulling our boat. With 80,000 miles on it, it is still as tight as the day we bought it... I cant say that about my sisters GMC Jimmy that she bought at the same time! The Explorer is excellent in the snow and mud and will take almost anything you can throw at it. We use it to pull a 4,200 lb boat and trailer to lakes that are over 300+ miles away and have never had a single problem with it.

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  The First Car I Bought - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By mr007 - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car as soon as I got out of high school and I loved every minute of owning it. The car is very fun to drive and is designed very nicely. It does get thirsty at the puump, though.

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  As Capable for My Purposes as a Rover - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By pprather - December 22 - 2:00 am

  The Explorer has been an excellent automobile. Gas mileage leaves much to be desired. However, the ride is extremely comfortable. Much more so than my fathers Mercury Mountaineer which is based on the same platform. Mine has the 18 inch wheels and the load levelling which I believe contributes to the much more comfortable ride.

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  2001 XLT sport package Explorer - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By Rex - May 20 - 2:00 am

  This is the 1st 4x4 Ive owned, and so far its been 100% reliable.. no rattles, squeaks etc from it. Ive had it on a few off road excursions, ranging from graded gravel roads, to gooey mud.. The stock tires leave a little to be desired in the mud, but were still able to get me through a mudhole that covered the hood with mud/water. I do wish that Ford had installed a torsen differential in the rearend on it, but since they didnt I plan on installing a ARB air locker..