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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  The Blue Coach - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Honest review guy - October 4 - 8:41 pm

  Bought the 02 in 04 with 17k on it. It is now 2015 and I have 110,000 miles on it. I have had a couple of recalls that were fixed, but didnt seem too serious. I have always changed the oil at about 5k intervals and it still runs smooth and great. In Oct. 2014< i had to have the transmission rebuilt. The problem occurred suddenly: Please do research about this because there is too much to say. Ford needs to works on this and hopefully they have for newer models. And it was 3,000 bucks to rebuild it at a Ford dealership. I still lack confidence in the fact that this problem will arrive in the future out of nowhere. I must mention that there was at least a 3 month waiting list for a new transmission if that gives the answer away for this vehicle. I just hope that I will get another 100,00 miles from the rebuilt transmission. The interior is just fine, comfortable, and fairly rugged. I must admit that I really love this vehicle because it drives so well and does excellent in the Colorado snow. If I go to 200,00 miles without any tranny problems I would say that this was the best bag for the buck. And I plan to do just that if I can. Overall, though, this is a great Four wheel drive vehicle thats been very reliable in every way except for the transmission issue.

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  2nd vehicle and loving it! - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By frank nunez - October 2 - 1:38 am

  Got my 99 explorer in febuary of 2013 with only 97**** miles and now towards the end of 2015 with 104*** still running strong with the 5.0 engine. Plenty of room for my wife and 2 kids and you wouldnt believe how much stuff we hauled with this,better then a pickup. Truck has been very reliable with the only maintenence done to it has been buying a new set of tires when got it,got rear and front brakes replaced and one time car did not start thought it was the starter had it checked out wasnt the problem,turned out to be the pulley that wasnt allowing it to crank replaced and nothing since. Got a MagnaFlow exhaust which makes it sound beasty,I leave Hondas in the dust! See other reviews of them pushing to 200*** plus miles and taking care of this bad boy hoping to keep em around to get him there.

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  ownership 2015 Ford Explorer - 2015 Ford Explorer
  By Vaughn Vitez - September 24 - 1:18 pm

  I purchased new, a 2015 Ford Explorer Limited. This is my 18th Ford Vehicle, my second Ford SUV. Fords just keep getting better. Im a 64 male driver, and have no complaints with this SUV. Entry and exit is roomy and once inside, seat belted in, Im very comfortable in the leather, air and heated individual seats with great visibility in front, side, and rear windows. Driving position is comfortable and all the limited features are very nice. Climate control, adjustable seat, steering wheel, foot pedals, window controls and center console covered storage bin are well placed and well thought of. The driver position of all controls can be set to three other drivers without having to readjust driver positions from one person to another person. When the engine is shut-off, the drivers seat automatically retracts for easier exiting. The voice activated controls is well received for driver control. The radius monitoring keeps a watch full "eye" of objects surrounding the vehicle. The adaptive cruise control keeps Explorer at a safe set distance between the other vehicle in front. Also, the cross traffic collision avoidance system is a great aid. Entertainment system with either stereo or surround sound is so appreciative of those that enjoy listening to music as music was intended to be heard. Surround sound is the way to go using the benefits of the 12 speakers placed strategy through-out the vehicle. The driver alertness monitoring signal sets off a tone to advise the driver to pull off and take a break when it detects less driver alertness. The new 2015 Ford Explorer is a well defined vehicle for driver and passenger enjoyment. The engineers at Ford have put the driver and safety to the top of the "list" of ownership and drivability of the 2015 family member of Ford. I forgot to mention how quiet the interior is on all types of road pavements. And the automatic windshield wipers adjusting to the amount of wetness and vehicle speed is also a great plus along with the automatic headlight dimming from high beam to low, then back to high beam. Thank-you Ford!!

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  What a ride! - 2015 Ford Explorer
  By Chaz - September 20 - 8:35 pm

  Bought this to replace 2012 Chrysler 300. Needed more room on road trips. The ride is excellent and as good as the Chrysler 300 which was great. Drove through driving rain on recent trip and this SUV was solid and no wind buffeting when you pass Tractor Trailers! For a mid size SUV, the ride and lack of wind noise is excellent. The Sync system works great and the Ac configuration is well thought out. The ac will freeze you out. I also own a 2002 Ford a Explorer which still runs great! The 2015 Explorer is a great SUV and will not disappoint you!

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  The 200K Explorer - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By D G - September 20 - 12:34 am

  Bought this vehicle new in 2007. Ive had to do very few repairs and have had the oil changed every 5,000 miles. I took over changing oil at around 120,000 miles and started with synthetic oil. As of writing this review, I have just over 200K on this vehicle and did an oil change on it yesterday. All in all, this has been, and continues to be a very solid and reliable vehicle. The only repairs I have needed to do so far are replace the thermostat bypass hose, replace upper and lower thermostat housings, and replace the front and rear wheel bearings. I have had a coolant leak for some time now. Im not sure where it is going, but I keep filling the overflow tank to keep a proper level in it. Yesterdays oil change was not normal though. The oil was congealed inside, therefore I figured out where the coolant is going. I would have expected the oil to get milky, but apparently the gold coolant that Ford uses does not do this, and normally the vehicle gets driven far enough every day to bring the engine up to proper operating temperatures. I pulled the oil pan off and cleaned out what I could. At this point, I will continue to run the vehicle until the engine gives up. I will switch to regular high mileage non-synthetic oil and increase the oil change frequencies to 3,000 miles. I will pull the oil pan off as needed to clean out the sump to keep the oil pump pick up screen clear. I would say that if I had to do it over again, I would get the V8 and not the V6. The V8 would be easier to work on. The V6, although a great engine with more than enough torque, has a cam chain and chain driven oil pump on the back side of the engine that require the engine to be pulled to service them. I mention this because I also found a piece of chain tensioner in yesterdays oil change. Whether it is from a cam chain tensioner or the oil pump drive chain tensioner is unclear, but Im sure I will find out soon enough. This was also my first 4WD vehicle. The 4WD has only been needed a handful of times since purchased, but I try to exercise the system at least every six months to make sure everything still works. So far Ive had no problems with either the 4WD system or the Stabilitrac Traction System in it. Under the performance category, I gave road handling and transmission OK ratings. Its an SUV, so road handling is low on the list anyway, but it does a pretty good job. The transmission has always been a bit twitchy, but has not exhibited any of the failures of the earlier model sealed transmissions. I gave the overall rating 5 stars. 8 years, 200,000 miles, and many miles of vacation memories. Hopefully, it will last a few more months, at which point I can start car shopping again.

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  2006 transmission problems - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Loretta - September 16 - 11:00 pm

  I bought this from a mechanic shop Took it out of town it was ok when I got back the transmission went out i have no reverse after i pay 6000 i only had it 4 mouths lnow i have to come up with 1200 and it not easy when you live on Social Security

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  Chose Explorer over Toyota 4 runner - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Joe - September 16 - 1:53 pm

  Chose this Explorer over Toyota 4 runner at the time.... The wider stance and the look of Explorer won over Toyotas reliability and much better interior material. Bought mine in April 2005 with 33K miles. Currently it has 108K miles. I like its size and its handling no matter what weather throws at it. Never had any engine or transmission problems. Had the dealer do fuel filter, transmission service and transfer case /rear axle fluid changes. Have done belt, oil/filter, coolant, brake pads/rotors myself. With 55K miles on second set of tires, they look great and alignment holds well. Problem areas... Leather is super cheap. It folded, creased and aged very quickly on driver side seat very quickly. The seat frames anchored to floor had no coating and are rusted. When you open the back doors you can see the rust sear frames for front and back seats. No real heat directed to foot well. Some cold air is leaking in the front behind glove compartment. The recirc flap closes but there is still cold air coming in. The heater air blender actuator assembly broke last winter. Figured how to change the air to hot for winter so I was fine. Bought the piece and planning to replace it before winter. Noticed snapped rear coil spring on both sides ( one two inches from bottom and the other one about in the middle of the coil) when replacing rear rotors. The coil spring is part of rear shock assembly. Monroe brand cost about $100 each. Rear axle has the famous whine that affects all these Explorers. Paid to have it fixed and it is back again. Planning on selling this Explorer and my 2003 Ford Ranger and buy an Extended cab 2006 Toyota Tacoma. This Explore is 12 years old and I still like its look and its shape as much as I did 10 years ago when I bought it.

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  Do your own homework before reading these reviews - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By carpens@alfredstate.edu - September 10 - 8:50 am

  I bought my car used with 30000 miles on it in perfect condition. I fell in love with it when i saw that it had everything that i needed and more. As a mom this car fit all my needs, and it was way better than my mini van. The My Ford Touch is wonderful! it can find even the hardest of places on the GPS and never fails on me. i have to admit at first i was a little overwhelmed with the touch sensitive buttons and all the buttons on the steering wheel, but i found myself quickly learning and it wasnt that hard. I have had no problems with my Explorer just the usual maintenance. the only thing i have found i do not like is when the third row head rests are up it does make it hard to see out the back but the fix was just not having them up when they were not in use, but that is also why the backup camera is a dream, and the other thing is it is a bit slow when trying to get up and go, but Im also used to a mini van that had a lot of get up and go power behind it. As i was reading these reviews i started to second guess myself because of all the negative comments people had to say about theirs, but people need to realize that not everything can be perfect and that sometimes parts are defective. There is no perfect car brand they all have the problems. with that i am still in love with my car and everything about it!

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  Wake up Ford or I buy elsewhere!! - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By Rita Brands - September 9 - 2:32 pm

  Too many people have problems with the shift to park signal on the Explorer!! I have always driven a Ford product for the last 40 years. If Ford doesnt do a recall on the shift to park problem then I am moving on!!!

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  Ford exploder - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Glenn.t - September 9 - 9:57 am

  A quick review of my 2004 Ford Explorer . Purchased used in 2011 . Comfortable ride . Once it hit 120,000 thats were things started to go down hill. Ball joints , power steering pump. Wheel bearings. Head lights . Turn signals. And most recently , a transmission. Dropped around 7 grand total in repairs to keep on road , the last 18 months. Gas mileage is down right crappy . My advise would be not to buy one of these ford exploder.......