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 31 through 40 of 40.00

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  Overall impressed but.... - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By djones67 - January 3 - 2:53 pm

  About a month ago I was given a new explorer as a rental while on a business trip. Overall I was impressed with the vehicle except for the annoying wind noise that came from the right side of the wind shield. The wind noise was extremely noticable at speeds above 60 mph. I dont know if this was problem with just my vehicle or if others have experienced the same issue. I was impressed with the power from the engine. The ride was comfortable and the seats were supportive. Minus the wind noise I would give the explorer high marks however the wind noise was bad enough that I couldnt live with it on a daily basis. Hopefully it was just a problem with my vehicle.

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  2012 Explorer = Excellent SUV - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By jwinco - December 29 - 10:41 am

  Recently purchased a 2012 Explorer XLT 4WD for use in Colorado. Traded in an F-150 with the 6.2-liter V8 engine primarily for the mileage and its paid off -- mileage is about 30% better, averaging 21.5 MPG in mixed town/highway. Overall have been more impressed with the Explorer than I thought I would be. Drives and handles beautifully for an SUV -- I dont agree at all with some of the magazine reviews that the ride is too mushy. Extremely comfortable interior that is whisper quiet even at highway speeds. Its just a pleasure to be in and drive this SUV.

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  Rock Solid, Fun to drive, great on gas, value for money... - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By jacob40 - December 27 - 4:16 am

  I was not a big fan of American vehicles, after considerable research and after waiting one year I purchased a 2012 full lodaded XLT model, my first American vehicle. After 45 days & 2500 km, I am glad I made this choice, do not have any problems to report except for some samll glitches in the voice command, need to get the software updated. The Exterior looks great, engine is crisp and refined. Overall the vehicle feels rock solid, the stiffer suspension provides a nice sporty ride. Engine power delivery is excellent with the torque peaking at lower rpm compared to competition. The interior is rich and sophisticated which you typically find in more expensive luxury SUVs.

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  OK but ... - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By rogerd7 - December 15 - 4:43 pm

  The look is great, the ride is nice but there is a wind noise around the windshield that is very annoying. The vehicle is very quiet escept for this noise. It is especially bad if you are driving into a head wind. Dealer says 2011s had this problem but Ford says they fixed it for 2012 -- they did not. Also I just got a crack in my windshield and no replacements are available yet. Thanks Ford I like driving my expensive, new vehicle around with a big crack in the windshield. I am also wondering if the cracked windshield may relate to the noise coming from the windshield since the vehicle was new.

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  Ecoboost model - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By mvieau - October 1 - 8:49 pm

  My wife and I recently purchased the 2012 Ford Explorer Ecoboost Limited in black and the first comment I need to make is how beautiful it looks. We had looked at Lexus, Audi, Acura, Buick and Lincoln before even considering the Ford. It was only during the visit to the Lincoln dealer that the sales rep suggested we look at the new Explorer. Family pricing allowed us to get the Limited trim with pretty much every feature other than the tow package for an amazing price. We are very impressed with the style and quality of the vehicle. The ecoboost model wasnt an option for us until we test drove it and found it to be pretty much the same drive as the 3.5L V6. This vehicle has excellent value.

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  Real Good, Not Great - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By Frank Kiv - September 11 - 2:52 am

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  Going Great at 40K Miles - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By John - July 11 - 7:36 am

  Purchased new XLT with towing package. Used to pull a boat, trailer, etc. Love the car. No issues whatsoever. Only items Id love to improve are the Sync entertainment system (Microsoft) is slow to load, esp. when starting the car in the freezing cold and you just want to put the heat on. Takes a couple seconds to actually show the climate controls. MPG is lower than expected at 18 on average.

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  Comfortable, Dependable SUV - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By JSell - November 27 - 5:18 am

  With 5 years and 45k miles on the car, I still have not ever had to do anything other than recalls/oil changes. This car cost me more upfront, but has been infinitely more reliable than my old Cadillac. This car rides great on long road trips and around town. Gets about 20 in town and 24 going 85 mph. Only downside of this car is that people drive slow when youre behind them because they think youre a cop.

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  H B - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By Howard bragg - May 29 - 12:16 am

  This is the best to me out the bunch. It should be a extended version like the flex.

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  A Handsome Hauler - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By Kelly - December 24 - 11:33 am

  Lets say you are an outdoors type or a family type, either way you need something to haul your gear or your people or both. This truck, I like calling it a truck - its not a car, and "SUV" sounds silly, carries your stuff in style. I sigh every time I look at my Ex. Its just so good looking! It hauls my husband, two dogs, camping gear, luggage, a bike on the back, and a small kayak on top. I keep the third-row seats lowered for more room in the cargo area. I love knowing I can raise the lift gate and easily load my gear or groceries into the cargo space. The front and back seats are comfortable. People in the back like having access to their own heating and cooling controls. Other than that, my Explorer has basic controls but Im okay with that because it kept the price low when I bought it used. Besides, I do not want nor need navigation, bluetooth, or the MyFord touch. The trucks auxiliary ports are sufficient for playing my music through my phone. I fill up the tank once a week for my daily trips to work and back. I drive 250 miles a week plus local driving on the weekends. My only concerns are the whistling noise around the windshield at high speeds and sometimes the engine refuses to go faster than 80 miles per hour though that might be the result of a safety feature - and really who needs to go faster than 80 mph.