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 Certified ??? - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Tim - September 30 - 10:03 pm

  Bought this Ford used two months ago with a Ford Certified guarantee. 169 point inspection? Well, they missed a few things... almost immediatly we noticed a hesitation when accelerating on the highway, but it was rare and never presented when we took it to the shop. Over the last month it was more frequent and this week when we took it in they said the transmission needed to be replaced. While working on it, they also found the radiator has a leak and will need to be replaced. This is a 3 year old truck with 55,000 miles! Not what we expected from Ford.

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  Piece of junk! - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Matt - September 24 - 9:50 pm

  Well if your looking for a gas sucker this is your kinda car! Ive had it for almost a year myself. My father knew the ppl who bought it brand new. They took good care of it but no matter how well you treat a Ford, they always fail on you. It sucks gas, looks ugly and is louder then a mack truck! And make sure your ready for the expressway because if you want to speed up to pass your going to have to floor it otherwise the tranny stays in the same gear and you dont go anywhere! Whatever you do dont buy this thing, and i thought my sebring was bad!

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  Used to like Fords - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Give Up on Ford - September 10 - 7:30 pm

  Ive had problems with my 2002 XLS since I purchased it. The rear gate would not latch and they had to replace the whole gate. It took All American Ford a week to do that. Front driver side door leaks when driving on highway during rain shower. The transmission constantly slips and thumps in and out between gears at low speed. Noisy cab at speeds in excess of 55 mph. The interior dash lights come on and off for no apparent reasons. Dealership claims there are no problems. I dont like the cheap plastic bumper. It is like a bug magnet. Not very roomy interior for a driver that is 64" either. Overall, I had a Ford pickup truck before the EXPLODER and I think that mechanically, Ford missed it!

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  Death Mobile - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Deane - August 25 - 3:57 pm

  This is the worst car I have ever owned it is dangerous, expensive & unreliable. It started with fractured paint (over the whole car. I was told by Licardi Ford, where it was purchased, that I had the car repainted not true!),the small back hatch exploding in my face, I then went on to replace: bad brakes,dropped transmission, broken front axle, broken rear axle, electrical system twice,the doors periodically go out of alignment & not close properly, and, when it rains, it rains in the car. Theres more but why continue this is bad enough.

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  NOT WORTH IT!!! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By crsl67 - August 11 - 5:54 pm

  This vehicle is nothing but problems! Transmission slips, had rearend replaced once already, car dies while driving. In hot weather car will not start no one can tell me why. Have had electrical problems. This car isnt worth the aggravation.

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  Lemon - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Beth - August 2 - 1:38 pm

  I purchased this vehicle as a work vehicle. It had minor problems until I hit 35,000 miles. It took Ford 3 tries to get a working rear end which lasted only another 30,000 miles. A number of idiot lights went bad, and now paint is peeling off the roof and the rear end is again making noise. This was my first and last Big 3 auto purchase.

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  Design Flaw - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Gary - July 28 - 5:57 am

  02 Explorer 70K Needs rear springs/struts, replaced front bearings and hubs, needs rear bearings. Has the big old crack down the rear another one of many design flaws. This truck has never towed or hauled a thing

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  Same problems as everyone else - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Brian Apple - July 7 - 8:47 am

  Well, my problems seem to not be a coincidence compared to others. Ive had wheel bearing problems since I got the car and the strip under the rear window has a crack. Ive had this car towed once because the wheel bearings failing in the front almost killed me on the interstate. I cant believe it has such an average high rating on this site. The V6 is one of the weakest on the planet. If Cadillac can get 306 hp out of 3.6 liters, why does Ford manage 210 hp from 4? They still use the same crappy V6 and the mileage is pretty terrible too. Oh, and the ride is rough and the open differential is also terrible. If you have one wheel on mud and one on pavement, youre going no where.

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  Disenchanted - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By WannaFord? - July 6 - 1:17 pm

  I purchased my Explorer (XLT-V8) new back in 2005, and had a great time with it the first two years. Then last year, started noticing the truck would "lurch" when shifting gears, or going into reverse. It was out of warranty when I took it in to the dealer to have the transmission looked at and was told it would cost me at least $2500 just to have the solenoid replaced and the transmission inspected, with potential additional costs. Took it to Aamco and had the transmission rebuilt. Runs great now, but now the AC comes and goes and cruise control is fickle. Have dumped about $5 grand into it in the last 6 months, and am now looking at trading it in for a Toyota!

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  ITS Junk - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By xpd154 - July 5 - 3:28 pm

  it was great the first year, but i could have bought a new car with of how much i have payed to get things fixed on it. we also have a 1997 Nissan Altima and it is rarely fixed but our ford every 3 moths it in the shop. ITS A LEMON!!! I will never drive a ford again even if it was given to me. right now the rear heat doesnt work and makes a thumping noise, there is a massive computer problem, windshield fluid drips from the celling, the radio or cd player doesnt work ( and i have 6 cds stuck in it) there is a wheel bearing problem and it grinds, AND THAYS JUST AT THIS POINT IN TIME! DONT BUY ONE!!