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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  Problems with My Synch just the beginning.... - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By lockew1 - August 19 - 1:29 pm

  My Synch never worked properly from day 1. The phone constantly froze up which brought the whole system down...the phone, radio, navigation. The dealer told her it was not compatible with her phone....a one year old Blackberry? She went out bought a new I-Phone and had the dealer program it. Same problems. Now they say it was a software problem. Replaced/upgraded software and the problems continued. It is a dangerous situation caused by the distractions of the malfunctioning My Synch. The voice activiation never gets the commands or the names right, so it might as well not even exist. Last week vehicle caught fire due to defective valve. Never want to see car again

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  Wait - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By nobargain - August 16 - 10:59 pm

  As background, I have owned 5 ford explorers and loved 4 of them. My 2011 is pathetic. The problem is not with the car but with my touch. It simply does not work. It crashes all the time. Ford is withholding information about the problem and there is no real hope of a solution until late in 2012 when Microsoft does a complete rewrite of the system for ford. Do not even think about buying any ford with this system until this is proven to be fixes.

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  You should wait - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By kevin139 - August 7 - 11:17 am

  The exterior looks and ride are the only positive things about this vehicle. There are too many issues including, electronic/software issues, driver comfort, my sync/my touch, etc. The seat bottom is to short and foot rest is to close. Im 6ft and the driver position is not comfortable. My phone only connects about 50% of time. I have no idea why it wont connect the other 50%. I do nothing different other than shut the vehicle off and start it again. The NAV lady only talks about 10% of the time. The music stops when she should talk but nothing comes out and the music starts again. None of the sales people mentined this vehicle is for on road use only - 20" wheels std on Ltd.

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  will NEVER buy a ford again - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By buyahonda - August 3 - 11:57 am

  this is HORRIBLE. the exterior is awesome but that is all you get. Too many blind spots...if we didnt have the back up camera we would have been in numerous accidents. the sync system sucks..blacksout/ resets/reboost itself out of now where. you definately need someone with you to operate any radio/ac controls or you will crash the car. it is worse then people trying to text while driving. major safety issues. our trunk door is attached improperly. has been in shop 3 times for sync system and the dealers have no idea how to fix. I get car sick everytime I sit in rear seats. 3rd row makes you feel like you are in a closet. recommend you place car seats and entire family in for test dr

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  Meh - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By wwrx2 - June 20 - 8:02 pm

  We bought our used 05 explorer in late 2006. It is an XLT model with the V6. It does NOT have four wheel drive. So far,it has been an okay form of basic transportation. The interior is boring. Ditto for the exterior. As time has gone on, more things have broken on it,but thats what happens with older cars,so you cant quite say its a money pit. The fuel economy is below average but not appalling. The worst parts are clearly the ride and the A/C. In Florida,the A/C is the most important feature in any car. Also-the CD player randomly swallowed a disc and wont spit it out. This was an attractive car in 06 but now you would probably be better off setting fire to your money.

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  Do Not Buy This Car!!!!! - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By snooker84 - June 14 - 6:16 pm

  Horrible car, Other reviews on here are extremely accurate, bad trannys, bad radiators, electricolosis, transfercase leaked after 40,000 miles, went thru 3 radiators, 2 transmistions, door handles breaking off every few months, overall, very baaaad vehicle..they look and drive well but i dont trust them :(

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  good in formula bad in practice - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By tompnoid - March 29 - 11:09 am

  Ford has built a truck with all wheel drive to help with horse power and grip when riding on wet roads awesome right?? no... a great idea in a lab isnt always practical in real life mine has 89k on it and needs a new transmission i went to a shop the other day and asked a guy about price said i have a 2002 ford explorer he goes wait look over there see all those boxes those are transmissions for 2002 ford explorers. you cannot build a full time 4 wheel drive vehicle that is this heavy and have only a 4.0 l v6 powerplant. this would of been a great vehicle with better gas milage and no trannsmission issues had they only put in a button to let u disengage the 4 wheel drive.

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  LIFE NOT MORE THAN 100,000 KMS - 2010 Ford Explorer
  By shajan - March 15 - 11:56 am

  i was driving Japanese Four wheel drives. when i decided to buy an american car, i bought FORD EXPLORER 2007. immediately after 100,000 kms it started giving problems. first with the air conditioning system and had to replace the evaporator. at 115,000kms some cable system had to be replaced. then started the gear to slip and had to get it repaired. now again the air condition system started giving problems. the repairs are so expensive that i had already spent Dhs. 25,000/= on these repairs. am not at all happy with the vehicle. and shall never purchase any american vehicles.

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  Seized Engine due to Overheating WithOut any Warning - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By tinman69 - March 7 - 4:04 pm

  Our Explorer got warm once . Gauge shot from normal to 3/4 of the way up then went down, then shot almost to the red. I pulled over added water after waiting 45 minutes to cool engine (cool winter night) . There was no more overheating indicated & was driven a few more miles before the engine seized without Any indication of anything wrong . Dealer says piston is fused to block & will cost $ 5,100 for New ford engine, doesnt mention about the cause of the problem, most likely the Manufacturer Defective Radiator or the Head Gasket is to blame from my research on this Model/Year (06/07) of Ford. Transmission is sure to go out soon I fear

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  2011 Explorer Already In the Shop - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By ford_owner1 - February 11 - 2:27 pm

  Our 2011 Explorer Limited is already in the shop with less than 1,000 miles on it. The entire MyTouch system that controls the climate control, stereo system, bluetooth, navigation and rear back up camera crashed. This is our second explorer and we also have an F-150 and I am very disappointed with the 2011 Explorer. The gas mileage improvements are not true. The best mileage I have been able to get is 16 mpg on the highway. The car does not have the power I expected and the luxury features of the Ford MyTouch were not worth the 50K price tag, especially since they dont work. I wish I had Mid-Sized SUV from another company!