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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  Lemon - Ford doesnt fix customer complaints - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By socalstacy - August 24 - 12:28 pm

  LEMON ALERT!!!!! FORD has the WORST customer service in their repairs! I have a 2011 FORD Explorer that anytime I park for the last 3 weeks, it DOES NOT REGISTER that the car is on PARK and I turn off the ignition and the car chimes "SHIFT TO PARK" Its in park, and it does this repeatedly and I have to press in and out the black lever on the gear shift 10 or more times before it "registers" that the car is on park. I have a video of it on my phone, I took a picture of it when I parked at the dealership and they WILL NOT FIX IT because they cant get it to fault. This is NOT my issue alone, just search the internet for the number of people with this issues that DID NOT get fixed!!!!

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  No Leg Room - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By nolegroom45 - July 23 - 3:09 pm

  I purchased a 2013 Ford Explr XLT 2 weeks ago. After test driving the vehicle I did not notice the lack of leg room as I was too busy playing with the MyTouch and working the mirrors to even bother. On my way home after purchasing the vehicle, I had a cramp and went to stretch out my left (non driving) leg. It was met abruptly by the "dead petal". After I got home I tried many ways to reduce the "dead petal" but could not get it to work with my size. I am only 63" which is taller than average but I am no giant. I wouldnt recommend this vehicle to anyone who is taller than 6 feet. My mothers 2002 Explr has all the leg room in the world. Not sure why Ford made the new ones so small.

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  Regretting leasing the 2013 XLT V6 All-Wheel-Drive - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By missfc - April 23 - 9:38 am

  38 yr old female owner of the 2013 XLT 4WD-V6 since 04/05/13. Very disappointed with the purchase. Ride quality is very harsh over potholes, you feel and hear all potholes. Road noise is loud on old and rough stretches of NJ roads. Poor sound insulation. Headlights are not bright enough. No remote start or push-button start on the XLT costing $39,040. 2nd row seats are small, do not provide enough comfort, thigh support to adults. 3rd row very hard and heavy to fold and unfold. Jerky transmission going uphill. Fit and finish is very poor -- door molding, seals, compared to my 2010 VW. Steering buttons are very cheap quality. Gas tank door does not lock.

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  Beware of the Good Looks. - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By mrbobh - March 8 - 1:38 pm

  I rented this car for a week and cant figure out who would buy one. We wanted a vehicle that could comfortably seat 4 people and 2 children in car seats. We could not install the car seats and have access to the rear seat. The middle seat does not slide. Rear seat too small to hold car seats. My 64" son had to crawl in thru the liftgate. My Ford Touch System - Overly Complex. Transmission had a constant wine. Turn signals needed to be pushed 2 clicks up or down to stay on. Large Turning radius made parking a chore. I own a Mazda CX9 - this SUV cant compete with it. Check out and drive the competition before you buy this. Beauty is only skin deep.

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  Do not Buy a Ford Explorer 2003 - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By 1auto4auser - February 18 - 5:19 pm

  Previously owned ford explorer earlier year. Did not have any signifcant issues for the most part. This model major transmission problems. Not built to last more than 100,000 mi. heard clicking noise dealer could not find problem. paint on roof and hood is chipping off. Poor paint job Dealer rebuilt front bearings at 30,000mi Transmission now has to be replaced. Transmission, bearings and transfer case poor quality. Ford should recall this vehicle I wish I had read the reviews on this vehicle

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  Bad....Bad...Bad.,:( - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By ashleypetty93 - February 11 - 5:33 pm

  I had the 2000 Ford Explorer, I was all great when first got it...but after a while anything and every thing could go wrong:/....The space was great but the SUV is a hazard...The o2 sensor was very bad in it and we changed everything we could...but nothing(doom doom doom) The Explorer would die on us when ever it felt like it wanted to...I dont recommed this SUV..Thanks:) But it is a very bad car dont buy...and gas just sucks up on it..

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  Explorer - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By patrick66 - February 5 - 5:03 pm

  The 2011 Explorer must have the worst electronics of any vehicle in history. I bought mine in April 2011. After a few weeks, the audio system was a mess. The speakers would cut out intermittently. It eventually got to the point that there was almost no sound on the left side. After a spending nearly a year of regular visits to the dealer, Ford finally replaced the wiring on the left side of the vehicle. but now the left side has muffled sound, and there is an occasional humming sound in the speakers on the right side. Now the dealer refuses to deal with the problem, and customer service at Ford says there is nothing they can do. Last Ford for me.

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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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  Too many problems to list, buy anything else! - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By jimbo28max - December 14 - 5:40 am

  I am sure that any positive review is from a Ford dealer or someone who has an interest in selling one. Because this car is probably the biggest pile of junk ever built. The biggest problem is that the dealer cant even fix them. I am on my third transmission. If you look online you will see that they all have the same known problem. I get a random check engine light that comes back as "bad shift solenoids". Dealer changer shift solenoids . and it was not the problem. Shifting problem misteriously went away for 1 yr and is now back. In true FORD fashion nerf bars rusted and literally fell off of the car, EGR rusted through and caused all kinds of problems, bad mass airflow sensor, etc

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  Rides like an army truck - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By royd4 - July 12 - 7:23 pm

  We got the 2 WD thinking it would ride smoother than 4 WD. Unless you are on new smooth paving the ride is jarring. Seats are hard as rocks. Because they force the 3 rd row seating there is so little leg room that only a child can be comfortable in second row seats. If we would not take such a big loss we would get rid of the car.