Overview & Reviews

A complete redesign is planned for 2002, so the 2001 Ford Explorer has undergone minor changes. The SOHC V6 is standard on all models, and the 4.0-liter OHV V6 and manual transmission are no longer available. Additional child safety-seat tether anchors have been added to the second-row seats.

• Great crash-test scores, roomy, lots of optional features.

• Harsh yet wallowy ride, potentially steep price, every other Joe has one.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 37.00

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  Love it! - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By allies - February 14 - 10:36 pm

  This was my first vehicle purchase. Ive never been fond of Fords, but this vehicle definitely changed my opinion. I love how smoothly it handles, its incredibly comfortable and I find the fuel economy to be quite well (averaging 17+ MPG in the city). Im starting to run into some issues at 87,000 miles, all minor and relatively cheap fixes - but my biggest hassle was with the fuel pump. Finding a replacement was extremely difficult. Overall I think its a great little SUV and definitely fits all my requirements for what I need. Its a comfortable, reliable ride, and has lots of hidey-holes where you can keep tool kits, travel bags and other knick-knacks hidden and out of the way.

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  How will I ever part with it - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By Brian - January 5 - 7:40 pm

  I purchased used in late 2002. Has 30k miles now it has 150K no major issues. This is my second one first a 1995 XLT. Our family is in the process of looking for a new ride and I dont know how we are going to part with this rig. It has been A++ all the way. I could go on and on with the love story. Not often some one still loves to drive a rig after they put over 100k miles on it.

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  Its been surprisising_totally - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By Bob - December 2 - 3:11 pm

  I bought my EXP XLT new in 01. I have 181,000 and repairs have been minimal. Chnge the oil on time. FORD should have a loyalty program to get me into another FORD. With the economy buying a new car is difficult.

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  I Love My Blue Baby - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By Adgurl - August 27 - 8:27 am

  I bought my Explorer new in 2001 -- started as a lease and I decided to keep. After 208000 miles Ive never had any major problems, until now. Have to get the crankshaft pulley replaced. I plan to keep this car FOREVER. I love my Explorer.

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  Explorer, great truck, poor owners - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By Jeff C - November 16 - 4:02 am

  Between my father and I, this would be the fourth Explorer in the family and they have never failed us. But we do the maintenance! The transmission failure is due to contaminated fluid plugging up the ECT and the transmission does not need to be replaced for the shift flair! Do your research. I broke my back and find this vehicle comfortable for long trips and am pleased with the 19 mpg average. The quality of the interior is first rate and conveniently laid out. The ride is a little stiff but is quiet and poor weather driving is excellent. The HVAC cools and heats the interior well, but can be slow to warm on cold days. If you do the maintenance, yours should run well as well.

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  Excellent SUV for the bucks - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By 3 time Bronco man - July 23 - 9:30 pm

  Bought this at 10,000 miles. Now have 135,000 and still running strong. Pulls my 21 ft boat easily. Excellent mileage if you are not a lead foot. Best was 23 MPG but avg is about 19. Owned a Bronco II, then an Eddie Bauer Explorer. Very happy with this XLT as well. Problem is the newer ones do nothing for me plus a drop in gas mileage. Unfortunately cannot pull the boat forever with that many miles. Beside brakes only needed front wheel bearings. Spent so much time driving that I need a comfortable ride which this gives. This will be very hard to eventually give up.

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  Still Excellent - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By Owner - April 16 - 12:30 pm

  I still love it even though its 6 years old, and even though I now make more of a Lexus salary than Ford. Very reliable. In those 6 years its been into the shop exactly once for new brake pads. Great for hauling and towing. I easily haul a 4,500 lb. boat, plus wife and two kids and associated stuff. Great fuel economy. Much better than the newer design.

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  XLT is for Me - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By FordFan - July 19 - 4:16 pm

  Bought my Explorer brand new in 2001. At exactly the 5 year marker (to the day) I pushed it past 100,000 miles. Love it, Love it, Love it! Ford rebuilt the transmission after 6 months ownership and no issues thereafter. Extremely reliable and great for long drives. V6 saves lots of money over the V8 and has just as much bhp.

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  2001 Ford Explorer Ltd. - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By Stephanie - July 31 - 3:08 pm

  I love my Explorer Ltd. but am just ready for a newer model vehicle. I test drove the 2005 Explorer Ltd. and was not very impressed. I think Ford used cheaper materials in the interior construction of the 2005 model, as my interior is much nicer in my opinion. The engines are pretty much the same and I have never (knock on wood) had a major mechanical problem or been stranded on the side of the road with my 2001. The only minor thing was a hose broke. It cost me around $70. I do however keep up on the maintenance.

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  01 Explorer XLT 4WD--my review - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By billapex - May 13 - 2:00 am

  My 01 Explorer has the Sport Package, which I think makes the truck look nice and beefy. The 4.0 liter V6 is pretty powerful, although with the towing packages 4.10 rear gears, mileage isnt spectacular. The 5-speed automatic does compensate well, though. Ive towed 5,500lb. worth of 23 enclosed trailer with a Dodge Viper inside, and it did admirably well for a V6. Interior has held up well except for a smally squeak in the center consoles CD changer area. We only had one recall, and that was for the drivers side seat mechanism. Ive been impressed with the Explorer enough to purchase it when it came off lease.