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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  Ford Explorer Nightmare - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Drking7777 - March 31 - 7:42 am

  Been. Ford guy all my life but with this purchased have experienced the worse Ford has to offer. Dealership was not the issue ford and ford quality and customer service set a new low that I did not expect. Three weeks after purchase blind spot and cross traffic indicators began to fail, this lead to nag aviation failure, A/C failure, front windows stopped working, seat adjustments failed, seat memory failed, seat massage ceased working in very uncomfortable position, defrost may be on with no way to turn off, and tire pressure alerts (tires were fine). Purchased last Saturday in March 2016 and by July 13 it was in the shop more than I had it ( 16 weeks of ownership - I drove it 5 weeks with no problems and 1 week with the dealership researching the problem and the remaining 10 week is was in the shop. Ford refused to replace. Dealership remove, seats, carpets, headliner, replace modules, engine harness, and still had problems. After taking a new car apart and putting it back together unknown times and a Ford engineer coming twice to work on it - I was then told it was now fixed - it is no longer a new vehicle, it has accelerated depreciation due to all the mechanical issues and I can no longer trust it for what it was purchased for. Ford response is they fixed it - not thier problem. Buyers beware.

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  Dont buy a 2016 Explorer - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By CaliMom - January 31 - 5:10 pm

  I love the smooth and controlled ride of the Explorer but that is the end of my praise. I have owned this SUV for over a year and Im so terribly disappointed. This vehicle is lacking in comfort and reliable electronics. The seat length of both front buckets and 2nd row bench are short, cramped and just all-around uncomfortable. Legroom is non-existant. I have 3 kids and a tall husband and this SUV is way too small for us. The 3rd row is tiny and hard to access. Cargo space is nice but robs the car from much needed leg room. The entire vehicle is just designed narrow and cramped. There is so little room that my purse ends up on the cargo mats daily, covered in dirty shoes. And the electronics... I often refer to my car as having a mind of its own because the horn randomly beeps at me for no reason (much to my teenage daughters extreme mortification). The cargo hatch/door on back also refuses to close on occasion for no reason... and sometimes closes on my head while loading groceries. And... after one year, the door lock has broken on the passenger side, one of the backseat seat belts completely shattered just from tilting the seat forward, and the poorly placed and cheap USB port covers have broken off. Really??? Come on Ford. You can do better.

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  If the explorer dont work, how do you e - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By danielle0623 - August 19 - 2:00 am

  things fall apart on my car every day it makes me mad.

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  POOR CRAFTSMANSHIP - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By STEVE - August 4 - 8:53 am

  HORRIBLE ROAD NOISE. GETTING LESS THAN 10 MILES PER GALLON FUEL ECONOMY. OVERALL A VERY POOR VEHICLE TO OWN. I BELIEVE THAT THEY ARE USING THE NEW BODY STYLE TO GET PEOPLE TO BELIEVE THAT THE VEHICLE IS FIXED, BUT IN ALL ACTUALITY THE VEHICLE IS MORE POORLY MADE NOW THAN IT WAS BACK WITH THE 2000 BODY STYLE.

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  The worse car anyone can buy - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Disappointed custome - June 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle 8 months ago and let me begin by telling you how terrible this vehicle is. Since October, my braking system, shock system, rear air conditioning, timing belts and finally the torch converter have all went bad. Everything listed had to be replaced except the torch converter the Ford dealership is refusing to correct the problem. I purchased this vehicle with 22,000 miles and quite frankly this car is a piece of dirt. I am currently seeking to buy a Jeep Cherokee and love it so far. Just in case anyone reading this in the Knoxville area DO NOT do business with Ted Russell Ford.

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  Front seats are horrible. - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By AB - May 19 - 2:05 am

  I am surprised that Ford offers front seats that are very very uncomfortable. They are short and narrow and they do not hold your body (I am 58, normal weight). During my first test drive I was moving my body around trying to find a sweet spot - I did not find it. Sales person was very helpful in adjusting the seat but we both failed to make it comfortable. I made two more test drives specifically trying to figure out where the problem is. Made some research and it looks like this is a design flaw. By the way Ford is very proud of its seats. The company recently reduced the number of unique designs and ended up with a generic design that "fits" all. Ford is trying to convince buyers that these seats are the best in the industry. My body says a different story. I planned to buy Explorer Sport for longer trips. I feel sorry that a great car has something that cannot be fixed. I switched my attention to Toyota Highlander - a step down in terms of performance but two steps up in terms of a seat comfort. My advice to Ford - if you cannot do it yourself - just replicate others. Highlander 2017 has an expandable front seats that could be extended in length by almost 2 inches. What a great feature plus seats are very comfortable. Love them. Here is an article posted by Ford about the chair architecture. It is funny that Ford thinks that they can use the same chairs in Focus and F-150 and all other models in between. They use the right words when they describe Fords chairs but they do not deliver what they promised. I found the name of the guy who is behind new seats design - thank you Dan Ferretti. You spoiled my fun and I did not bring my money to Ford. Ford should let Dan Ferretti who is Fords global seats senior technical leader and his team go. [HTML removed]

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  Typical Poor workmanship - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Kipiew - April 24 - 10:00 am

  My Ford is the reason why my mechanic can afford to buy a house in this real estate market.

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  Dont buy a 2016 FORD EXPLORER..... - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By A - March 19 - 7:16 pm

  My 2016 Ford Explorer was purchased in March. It has about 6,000 miles on it and it completely stopped in the middle of the road. Im so disappointed.... A 50,000 dollar car should be made a whole lot better than this. This is happening to all of the 2016 explorers as I just so happened to drive a rented one while on a business trip and the same exact thing happened. I guess I have bad luck!!! we need to complain this is absolutely not right!!!!!!!

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  Ford Explorer - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By - March 11 - 11:24 am

  Front shakes, transmission replaced and now going out again. Poor gas mileage. CD Player non-working.

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  Explorer - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By LeftGuard2003 - March 3 - 5:26 pm

  When I purchesd my exploer with 63,000 miles, I thought I wouldnt have any problems for a while. About 3 weeks after I bought it, The head gaskets went. And on top of that, that raditor went too. I have had it break down about 15 times. I get 10 to 12 miles per galon in the city and only 15 on the highway. Over all I think ford could have built a better car.