Overview & Reviews

For 2012, the Ford Explorer offers an optional turbocharged four-cylinder engine that promises six-cylinder performance with four-cylinder fuel economy.

• Available fuel-efficient turbocharged four-cylinder.
• Abundant high-tech features
• Excellent ride and handling balance
• Upscale cabin

• Feels bigger than it is behind the wheel
• MyFord Touch is slow to respond and can be difficult to use.
• Less third-row and cargo room than rivals

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 40.00

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  2012 Limited...nice - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By erock901 - April 3 - 12:02 pm

  Coming from a 2003 Acura MDX, this new Explorer handles and performs much better as expected. It does feel a little heavy in the corners but body roll is well controled under normal driving. The 2nd row seating isnt as wide as the MDX. The 3rd row is much more comfortable than the MDX. Acceleration feels a little slower than expected but not bad. MyTouch/Sync is ok. I expected a lot better/more advanced functionallity since I have basically the same features in my 6yr old Lexus. Overall, Im happy with the Explorer because of its handling and saftey features. And it satisfied my desire to buy domestic.

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  Love the new Explorer! - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By heymark - March 31 - 6:55 am

  Previously drove Tahoes, last was 2008 LT. Tahoe is a great SUV, but wanted something smaller & less top heavy. Test drove the Ford and was impressed. After 6 months of owning, Im still impressed. The ride is extremely smooth and quiet, especially on highway. Ive not had the problems with Myford Touch locking or freezing, but have given up on using voice commands. Interior is luxurious with upgraded seats. 2nd row has cramped leg room. Im 6 and briefcase barely fits between rows. Limiteds features are awesome.

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  2012 Best Explorer Ever - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By rockrat - March 30 - 10:02 am

  Bought this Explorer several weeks ago and must say the ride is fantastic. Very quiet, excellent handling, acceleration much better than my last Explorer V8. Four wheel drive works excellent, doesnt need a low 4WD because the first gear of the 6 speed is so low. Goes anywhere. Still learning all the electronics, loving them all so far. Getting on average 20MPG, should increase once the vehicle is broken in. Highly recommend this vehicle to everyone, so comfortable and easy to drive!

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  Wheel Well Linners Poorly Designed - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By ned12 - March 13 - 2:11 pm

  Recently purchased 2012 Ford Explorer XLT. Have been very disappointed when driving it through mud, slush or snow. All the road debris (snow, slush, etc.) flows through the wheel well liners because of manufactured holes and inadequate linner size (too small). The door tracks and inside rails are a dirty mess after driving though any road debris. Ford says this is the way they designed and offer no fix. Dealer suggested we buy/install mud flaps. They have had other complaints about this condition.

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  Explorer Limited in Naples - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By vinced - February 28 - 5:50 pm

  Ive driven the car for about 2 months. Overall I like the car very much. Was worried about the reliability with the reviews by the pros. So far only issue is the My Ford Touch and Nav. Ive had issues with voice command, some times doest work some times doest understand, some times system goes blank. This must be fixed with new software in March some time. The car runs great the engine has plenty of power and is smooth. The electronic steering is great and love the electronics overall. The power lift gate is a must and the rear power seats is excellent and eliminates the back of the rear seat controls, looks bettor. Controls LCD controls for radio, Nav, Air, and and phone-

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  a real disappointment - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By stillsearchun - February 28 - 3:43 pm

  Ive had my 2012 Explorer for 15000 miles. I wish I didnt. The sync, even upgrade, freezes. It happened on a 1300 mile trip and I was without Nav, radio, etc. for 16 hours of driving over two days. Not the first time. It also has very poor voice recognition, takes 15 to 20 minutes to connect to my phone. The touch controls are very distracting and dangerous, and balky. Also, set the dash display the way you like for a long trip, stop for gas, and when you restart, EVERYTHING has defaulted to factory settings. It seems intentionally designed to frustrate and endanger the driver. Also, the side view mirrors are too small. There is no way to adjust them to eliminate a massive blindspo

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  Almost the perfect car for us - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By kris45 - February 21 - 1:27 pm

  We just acquire a 2012 Limited in silver with the EcoBoost engine fully loaded. My initial impression are just Wow. We love love this car. The interior is luxurious and well put together, the configuration of the seats is nice and flexible. I do agree with an earlier review that allowing the middle row of seats to slide forward and back a little would be helpful. The Tech: I am a big tech guy, love my toys and this car fits right in with them. Voice control, touch screen, tons of options and configuration, color changing ambient lighting is cool. Proximity key is KEY! I didnt even look at the base or XLT editions because they didnt offer this feature. (continued in Fav features!...)

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  They lied - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By tsarver - February 15 - 11:28 pm

  After reading of the sync and mytouch problems I asked several times before I bought my explorer if the problems were fixed. I was assured that these problems were updated and would not be a problem with my vehicle. Four days after I bought it, a hour from home in a snow storm of course the system freezes. Called sync support and was told I need to stop the car and pull a fuse to reset it, nice. They said there are still problems and a update is months away. I have had the vehicle a week now and it has done this twice now. The dealer lied to make the sale knowing there are still problems. When I had the repair history ran it showed there was sync issues with this vehicle before I bought it.

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  I want it all!! - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By boatlover - February 12 - 6:21 am

  I bought the 2012 Explorer XLT-EcoBoost. Beautiful SUV!! Ive had issues with the transmission from the word go. They fixed it I thnk-changed the Valve Body. It shifted hard when the weather starting getting cold. Still has a little hard shifting. The right side of the windshied is very noisy-worse when its very windy outside. When it raining out, you can hear every raindrop on the top!! But the vehicle is topnotch luxury!! I love that part of it. I feel very safe in it. Has all the bells and whistles I want in a car. Come on Ford-lets get it all figured out and all in sync!!

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  I cant believe I bought a Ford! - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By molvaro - January 15 - 3:13 pm

  Ive always had an import vehicle... high end SUVs.. IE Lexux RX 350.. Audis... etc... My wife was looking to upgrade her 08 RX 350.. as we have 2 kids and were looking to get something with more space.. but the luxury of the lexus... Someone suggested the Ford Explorer.. and Ive driven the old ones and thought they were terrible... then came the new redesign.. WHAT AN AMAZING VEHICLE... Quiet, Comfortable, Luxurious.. just an amazing longterm vehicle.. The test drive and features will sell you in a heart beat if your apprehensive and buying a domestic, WELL DONE FORD, WELL DONE.