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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  Horrible drivers seat! Hurts my Back and Butt. - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Sheila K. - October 17 - 12:37 pm

  Make sure you test drive this car. My butt falls asleep, the length of the seat is too short and puts pressure on your thighs the back of the seat is hard and the way the lumbar is built puts pressure on my back. My back actually hurts when Im not even driving in it now. The arm rest console is too far back so I cant rest my arm when driving either. Its also hard to get in and out because there isnt enough room between the steering wheel and the seat. Its really hard to see out of also. Also the phone charger wont charge the phone when you arent in the car. It has an extra mirror for blind spots and it annoys me because it seems like its in the way of the full view of the mirror. And it seems like too much thinking to look in both mirrors. Also only the large part of the trunk opens, so you cant open the smaller window part. Which is annoying when you have tons of groceries about to fall out of the trunk and you just want to open the window so you can grab the stuff thats about to fall out. Really disappointed in this SUV.

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  Forgot to add - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By ponygirl - September 7 - 2:00 am

  This SUV stinks! The LED lights on steering wheel, CD/stereo player crap out and will fade in and out on occasion. The auto door locks will not unlock, even when I try to unlock the doors with the key so must climb thru the back hatch to unlock the truck! Gas mileage sucks..Transmission is starting to go, too (have 55,000 miles on 1998). This SUV stinks, would never buy another one.

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  Throttle body died, keep away from this car - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By JY - November 8 - 8:48 am

  My 2016 explorer throttle body just died today on a busy highway. Car speed dropped suddenly from 60 to 20 mph. It was so dangerous. The car has only been driven for about 7,700 miles. Tolled to a dealer and was told there are almost three weeks of backorder for the part. I guess there are a lot of cars that have the same problem. No loaner car was given and I had to pay for my rental car.

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  The Real Ford Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Peter Farell - September 8 - 10:00 am

  I love my Toyota Avolon but my wife has the worst 4 year old For Explorer. Ford has a bad everyting. Except while where here in Hollywood Beach, Florida it is good in the snow from when we drove it to Coldorado and it broke down 15 minutes north of us. We came back down with a rental and drove the Avolon which now has over 73000 miles on it and is brand new. The Ford is also brand new too. Our Honda Accord lasted 26 years and our old Avolon lasted 17 years . The Accord is still working with 64 millon miles on it since I used to go from Spring Lake, New Jersey to New York City everyday. The Toyota had 74 thousand miles on it.

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  Useless worthless piece of Junk! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Joe monti - June 6 - 8:23 pm

  More than 10 recalls on it as of today. One problem after the other one. Had more than 10 trips to the dealership. Nothing but trouble. Will never ever even think of buying another Ford product.

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  Ford Explorer Sport - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By apf2004 - March 13 - 10:00 am

  It is top heavy, unstable, and a gas guzzler

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  Terrible Automobile - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By bad ford - February 28 - 11:15 am

  This is the worst vehicle Ive ever owned. I was a life long Ford man. Not now. This was the most expensive vehicle Ive ever bought and the worst. It was poorly designed, poorly engineered, and poorly constructed. Ive had nothing but problems and the dealer is no help. The list of problems, just to name a few: A "Plastic", yes you read it right, timing chain tensioner that cost me $1730.00 yes you read that right too. Blend door broke ($400.00), intake manifold seals ($600.00), O2 sensors (numerous). Fan clutch ($300.00). Numerous others. This thing had problems from front to back. It is a terrible vehicle and I wouldnt wish it on my worst enemy.

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  Head On Crunched in Half - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By broken feet and legs - December 27 - 7:32 pm

  I bought the Explorer in July of 05. I drove it and had problems with the brakes and it going through tires much too fast, a bad battery cable, etc. It used oil. The dealership I bought it from said they had completely checked the vehicle out and it was in great condition. On Thanksgiving as I was driving to my aunts, a man in a Dodge Caravan hit me head on at full speed on the front driver side and completely crunched the entire front end into my feet and body. I became encased in the metal and steering wheel. I was cut out of the car and life flighted with 2 broken legs, head injury, lacerated spleen and liver. A month after I cant walk or stand.

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  Pretty nice SUV! - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Kyle - October 17 - 12:15 pm

  I absolutely love the look of the new 2016 Explorer. I needed something bigger to carry/haul things around and this thing sure does have the room! I wish Ford would make a V8 engine for the explorer because Im not much on the ecoboost engines. The V6 option performs pretty good, but this SUV is pretty heavy! Transmission is fairly smooth, could be smoother. With only 1500 miles on it so far, I cant tell how reliable it is but so far so good. I love the interior, its very comfortable. My ford touch can be a pain, but not a big concern for me. The Explorer handles like a dream and is a nice ride on the highway. Overall nice SUV.

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  A poor effort in this class, avoid.... - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By Rob S - October 13 - 8:33 pm

  I leased this car based on a significant discount Ford offered to move from another brand. I cannot wait for the lease to expire as the car finds new ways to disappoint on a regular basis. After 13,500 miles of driving I have dealt with the quirks of a SUV that really isnt. Today, I went to rent a carpet cleaner I have rented in the past and was able to put in the back of my previous mid-sized SUV. Would not fit in this one, the 3rd seat takes up a lot of floor space. So, I called U-Haul. They dont rent to people with a Ford Explorer. The Eco-boost/trailer package isnt all that useful since I cannot rent or use a trailer now from a rental. The transmission has a mind of its own. It slips in to S1 from time to time on its own, which acts like a brake so I am used to this quirk as it has happened 4 or 5 times when accelerating from a traffic light or stop sign. I average around 21.7 MPG so I dont drive this hard at all. The electronics have now reset itself 4 times... so everything says its resetting itself, all the settings are lost then about an hour later everything comes back online. The car also has a really unique feature I have experienced 3 times now. Making a turn in to a busy road, the Eco-boost will bog down, so after the turn has been completed and I need the vehicle to accelerate up to the speed of traffic, the car just kind of sputters and from what I have read this is an issue of the Eco-Boost having moisture or something. Regardless, I dont trust this thing and often wait out traffic knowing that if I turn it may bog down and result in an accident or worse. As to the vehicle... the premium seats really are not that great, I am over 62" and these are decent seats for someone who is maybe 55". The fancy massage seating loses its usefulness when I would really have another 2 -3 inches of seat length... so Ford must have a bunch of short people designing their seats as this seems to be a common compliant. The car should have an 8 or 9 speed instead of a 6 speed. The previous SUV had one that came out in 2013 and yet Ford still lags behind. Trying to find the heat/blower settings can take up to 2-5 minutes as I dont like to take my eyes off the road to figure something out that we all took for granted in cars before all this technology. Yes, the car looks a bit like the Land Rover however its just not a very good offering and Ford should be embarrassed for putting this product out. I am counting down the months until my lease is up and I am already looking at the MDX and offerings from GM. One final note, Ford must know its a loser as I have been contact ZERO times about my owner experience. The dealership have been great people and I wish they sold another brand as this is the last Ford. I have a family member that drives a new Lincoln every two years and I have already told them no more Ford. The car is a mediocre effort for a mid $40K vehicle... unfortunately it stickers at $55K and its way out of its class for that amount.