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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  Do NOT buy a 2002 Ford Explorer!!! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By joseph980 - January 30 - 8:53 pm

  The 2002 Ford Explorer is junk! Even Ford will not stand behind it. Lets see: New Transmission ($3k), new front and back timing tensioners ($2700), new wheel bearings ($400 each), new wheel springs ($400 each), new window regulators ($380 each), new back window ($800), new 4X4 module ($500), new fuel pump ($750), front suspenion things, work on the electrical system several times ($$), new O2 sensor, etc, etc. Its paid for but the problems started around 80K miles. Ford really made a POS. I know I am forgetting some repairs, there were too many. Quality is NOT job #1 at Ford. Time to buy foreign.

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  The Dream Machine - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By gman85 - January 27 - 11:03 am

  This is my 4th Explorer Limited in 10 years. Ford has out done themselves with this one. I could not be happier with ride , comfort , performance , and all the new and latest technology. This one rates right up there with the very expensive foreign models. The My Ford Touch is a really addition to the electronics. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  What about the EcoBoost 4-Cyl? - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By 8aa2ym - January 25 - 1:50 pm

  Im not sure why our FWD base EcoBoost 4-Cyl isnt on the model list... Where Edmunds got the 0-60 in 9.1 seconds also baffles me. Maybe they spun the tires like I sometimes do. Our Explorer has more get-up-and-go than a 2006 Mountaineer with a V8. We love our Explorer. It is nimble, quick, and loves the highway. We get about 30 MPG at 65 MPH, but only about 24 at 80 MPH. This is still much better than our old 1998 V6 Explorer managed (topped out at 18 MPG). We have never had any issues with all of the techy gadgets. (Perhaps I am more capable than the average person.)

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  I love this car - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By deizik - January 24 - 10:07 pm

  I have a 2012 BMW and I find myself driving the Explorer more and more. Its quick, big enough for the kids and all of our stuff, great sound system, etc.

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  Outstanding All Around Vehicle - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By f18aoc - January 23 - 7:33 pm

  Have owned my Explorer for a month now and have logged just over 1,200 miles on it and I can assure you Ford hit a home run with this one. Not a single rattle or squeak, a very solid vehicle. Have not had a single issue with the Sync or the My Ford Touch. Touch screen is very responsive and my iPhone 4S syncs up every time with no call issues. Road noise is only an issue on rougher paved roads or highways when using the Sync during a hands free phone call. However it never overpowers the call. Would appreciate a larger, more powerful engine, however the 3.5 is plenty large enough for everyday driving.

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  Not a good car for babies - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By twins10 - January 17 - 11:31 am

  Ford Xlt v6 with leather and bench seat. Wife bought car while pregnant but before we had car seats. We had twins, so two car seats britax. With car seats install driver and passenger knees are against the dash. I am 6 ft, wife is 5 ft 10 in. Traded with mother-in-law for her 2013 gmc Acadia. Nice exterior lots of good comments Interior looks nice Sync system voice recognition is slow (as compared to my Hyundai genesis coupe) Leg room is poor with car seats Drive is more responsive a better than the Acadia

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  Hated to Get Rid of It, but... - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By car314 - January 10 - 8:58 am

  I bought my 1998 Ford Explorer XLT brand new from the dealer, and it gave me many good years. About 3 years ago, though, it began giving me issues. I ended up consistently putting money into it nearly every month. Honestly, the body began to go before the engine did... but once the little things started going wrong, it added up very quickly. The last thing to happen was a cracked thermostat housing, once I fixed that, I sold the truck. I really loved my Explorer, would recommend one, and bought a new one after selling my 1998. It did have awful gas mileage, my 2009 gets better mileage than my 1998 ever did.

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  On a different plane... - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By keboss302 - December 30 - 9:39 pm

  Having considered an Explorer Limited since the 2011 redesign, my wife and I are glad to have waited a couple of years for the Explorer Sport. Trading off a 2007 V8 Explorer XLT, the Sports Ecoboost V6 and Taurus SHO driving dynamics made us completely forget the V8. This is a fully modern, refined and fun-to-drive vehicle that exists on a completely different plane from the body-on-frame Explorers of yore. Its tight, solid, carefully constructed and (to our eyes) very handsome. The dual-panel glass roof, ambient lighting and Star Trek dash layout create an interesting and special interior environment, especially at night. It feels upscale for a Ford. And at nearly $49K, it should!

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  impressive for $2500 - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By pklassen - December 21 - 10:21 pm

  I bought my Eddie bauer in 2011 with 210 000kms on it for $2500, its mostly for my wife to haul around the kids BUT ive used it several times to haul my mustang on a double axle 18ft car trailer, i have even pulled a full sized jeep grand cherokee, and it pulled it very nicely. The fellow i bought it off of had clearly neglected a lot of maintenance for a while, but after i spent some weekends with it in the garage, it runs and drives amazing. Great on long trips, great for pulling with (i have pulled over 6000lbs of trailer weight), and great in the snow or a little off-road fun. very reliable, and great bang for the buck. average 18mpg mixed, have gotten up to 24mph on the highway at best.

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  Too many problems - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By rryan5 - December 15 - 11:46 am

  Swore I would never buy another Ford after the Explorer I bought in 2000 had the transmission go out at 37000 miles and Ford would only cover half the cost even though I had sevice records showing I had been complaining about it from 15000 miles on. If I didnt have those records they werent going to cover any of it even thought it was only 1000 miles past warranty. But when the new model came out in 2011 I really liked it and since Ford looked like they had a turn-around the past few years I figured they must have improved their quality control and customer service. Wrong again! Not going to go over every problem (just read through these reviews) but this time, never again!