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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  oh boy - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Marquis Greene - March 26 - 5:35 pm

  Ive purchase a ford explore and had to change out 3 radiators and 2 thermostats

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  Love my new car! - 2015 Ford Explorer
  By Connie Griffin Cochran - March 24 - 6:06 pm

  I just traded in a 2010 Ford Expedition EL for a Explorer Sport. I loved my Expedition, but dont really need all the room. I am short and it was starting to really bother my knees and ankles getting in and out of it. So we traded it in and boy am I glad! I am loving the Explorer Sport. It drives like a dream. Very smooth and handles well. The ecoboost is fantastic. Very good gas mileage so far and the interior is very nice. I was worried I wouldnt like a smaller car but it feels big inside and I am very pleased with our purchase.

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  Best Car for your money - 2015 Ford Explorer
  By aggiewife - March 17 - 2:44 pm

  I traded in my 2008 Honda Odyssey for the new 2015 Explorer Limited and boy do I love it! As much as I loved the function of the minivan, I was ready for something "cooler". It was really hard finding a midsize SUV that could compete with the space of the minivan and believe me I looked! I was just about sold on the Toyota Highlander, but then I decided to look at the Explorer. Im so glad I did because there is a lot more room in the back and the seats are much more comfortable. With 3 children, I had to have something with 3 rows up all the time. It is extremely fun to drive and the boys on my sons baseball team fight over who gets to ride with us. Im finally a "cool" mom! :)

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  My Explorer after 30,000km - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By musicman12456 - March 10 - 2:32 pm

  Ive now had my Ex for 7 months and put 30,000km on the car so I figured it was time for a proper review after driving it for more than a few weeks. 2011 Ex Limited AWD bought used with 69,000km on it. Both key fobs stopped working when more than a foot away from the car. Ford is unable to fix the issue. Shaking from front end when accelerating from a stop. Ford cant find the issue. Rust on the inside door panels (car is always spotless). Knocking from suspension when going over speed bumps. Ford cant find the issue. Stereo gets very muddy at higher than normal volume. Hazard light button started ejecting the CD $1300 to replace the complete head unit.

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  Like it a lot - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By Bob Newell - February 26 - 9:16 am

  Weve had our explorer about 2 years now. Weve taken it across the country a couple of times and have always had a positive experience. Its comfortable, roomy and quiet. We have the AWD Limited model. Ive owned numerous Fords (2 trucks, 2 Mustangs, 2 Taurus, Torino) and we like this one the best.

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  Be Careful Before Buying the Sport - 2015 Ford Explorer
  By mjctx79 - February 4 - 1:40 pm

  We love our new Explorer Sport 2015. However, our sales person did not have the full understanding of the model differences between the Sport and the Limited. The Sport was suppose to be the Limited Plus and its not. Its missing additional features like a digital speedometer and heated rear seats. Not HUGE deals but frustrating when you think you are getting everything that comes with the Limited Plus some.

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  Dont Drive At Night!!! - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By carefulswede - February 3 - 5:01 pm

  I traded a Honda Pilot (2005) for the Explorer, and initially loved it! It rides well, handles well and is great on snow. Recurring problems with the parking brake freezing up and burning up pads is still an issue but the bigger gripe is lousy headlights. Unlike traditional headlights low beams that direct most of their light toward the right side of the road, these drop a mask that cuts off all light above a certain height, continuing to spread lower angle light across the front L to R. Cresting a hill you blind the oncoming drivers. Going into a dip, your forward view shortens radically. Road signs are often unreadable unless you use high beams. Terrible design!

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  Love my Explorer! - 2015 Ford Explorer
  By katandomapa - January 26 - 8:50 pm

  Own a 2015 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD. It has the leather/heated seats, fog lights, roof rack, trailer package, touch screen, voice command, climate control, rearview camera, etc. Wow I love driving this car, you are nice and high up and it feels very sturdy. I have 3 young children so we leave the 2 seats in the 3rd row up all the time. Our 2 older kids sit in the 3rd row and the baby sits in the second row. I love that both back rows have air vents and lights. The third row seats each have their own cup holders and trays. We leave the third row up and there is still plenty of room in the back for groceries or a stroller etc. So happy with the Explorer and love the look of it!

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  LOVE my Red Pig - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By 3chooks - January 7 - 5:48 pm

  I bought my Explorer "used" in 99, with only 1300 miles on it. I truly lucked out! I bought it to pull my new Danish horse trailer (Brenderup) and as my commuting vehicle, which is why my wonderful Red Pig now has about 264K miles on it. ["Red Pig"? so named the first time I filled it up, having traded in a 96 Honda Civic coupe in the transaction]. It was my commuting vehicle as well as my trailer-puller until 6 years ago. Before the Pig was semi-retired, I was putting a good 22K miles on it per year after, less than 3000 I am only now thinking its time to find a successor for my beloved Pig. Very reluctantly, because I dont think anything made more recently will measure up

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  Ford needs to research this problem - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By ralph1956 - January 5 - 7:32 am

  I have a 2012 Ford explorer that has wheel sensors on all wheels and have had to replace them all and now having to replace some again . When the sensor goes bad you have no 4 wheel drive and at times you can not drive at all. This is not reliable to me. Wondering if others are having issues with this also. Also have the check engine light come on and stay on and I am told its because of the gas tank and nothing that can be done to correct this issue.