Overview & Reviews
The 2013 Ford Explorer receives a new performance-oriented Sport trim level that features a turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension. All Explorers this year have a new front passenger knee airbag, while a heated steering wheel, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column and lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist are offered for the Limited trim level. The available xenon headlights now feature automatic high-beam control.
- Available fuel-efficient turbocharged four-cylinder.
- Abundant high-tech features
- Upscale cabin
- Excellent ride/handling balance
- Excellent crash test safety scores
- 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 some rivals
User Reviews:
Showing 61 through 68 of 68.00-
Dangerous vehicle - 2013 Ford Explorer
By Gary Blakeney - June 16 - 7:53 pmOwned this SUV for two years. Was coming thru a toll booth on the Ohio Turnpike. I was just starting to accelerate when at about 15 mph I heard a loud boom and the front passenger side dropped to the ground and pulled me hard to the right. I got out to look and saw the lower control arm broke cleanly in two, which ripped the front axle out of the transmission. This is something that should never happen and I will never buy a Ford again. 36,000 miles and the vehicle has never been in an accident. Im just glad I didnt have my kids with me or was traveling at a higher rate of speed. What a shame.
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no memory settings for drivers seat? - 2013 Ford Explorer
By robbin - March 30 - 8:43 amoverall,like the styling the most-most of these sized suvs look very similiar. i had a 2005 buick that had driver 1 and driver 2 memory settings-cmon Ford,by 2013 you shouldve caught up...jeesh,maybe on higher trim levels...other than that,ride is comfortable,road noise acceptable,touch screen annoying,no kids to use 3rd row-so dont care bout that-actually using/liking the mini trunk space under that row of seats,....and what is that little compartment on the side,all the way in the back for? Fuel economy is ok-about the same as other suvs i looked at (kia sorrento,ford edge,mazda cx-9,) quieter than hondas popular cr-v-more power too-but not as quiet as the acura mdx-but big difference in price..cant comment on reliability yet-havent had it long enough,but after all the explorers ford has built-hopefully they have it sorted out.
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40,000 miles and paint chipping off???!!! - 2013 Ford Explorer
By Cathy - November 16 - 4:56 pmIve driven Explorers for 20 years. Ive been thoroughly satisfied with every one....until now. After purchasing a certified 2013 XLT with 39,00 miles, in the perfect colour, I thought I was in for many years and many miles of satisfaction. Wrong! On THE DRIVE HOME a piece of paint came off the hood! Needless to say, I was--and remain--frustrated and angry. After many calls to the dealer, trips to two body shops, and LOTS of research, Im left with the knowledge that dealers, Ford Motor, and body shops are all aware of this long-standing issue. Thats what Im left with....oh, and the news that the wonderful warranty we have is worthless and the repairs (anywhere from $600-$1000) is all on me. 33 days into ownership and I wish I had my 10-year-old vehicle back. Im done with Ford.
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Do I Buy out my leased 2013 Explorer Sport? - 2013 Ford Explorer
By Glenn - January 16 - 10:41 amI love my vehicle. With 42,000 miles out of the 45,000 3 year lease commitment, I naturally was ready to lease a 2016. In reading the other reviews, I thought this would be helpful to others who have been leasing for 20 years+ like me. I have decided to purchase my 2013 instead of leasing a new 2016 AND include the purchase of a 3 year 45,000 mile extended warranty. It will cost a total of $28,500 when 2013s appear to be selling between $30,000 and $33,000 in my area of the country (Northeast). The 2016s are just as nice, but not much different, so Im not anxious to jump into another $550+/month lease given the bird in the hand that I have now.
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Love this SUV! - 2013 Ford Explorer
By Andrew Fratkin - August 20 - 3:15 pm -
Pleased - 2013 Ford Explorer
By Elzy - November 14 - 11:19 amI have not been a Ford person but this Explorer has changed my opinion.
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car - 2013 Ford Explorer
By bill stull - September 10 - 6:38 pmIt is smaller then you think
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The best SUV Ive owned...with 2 issues - 2013 Ford Explorer
By Bob - June 13 - 10:43 pmI’ve been happy with every Ford I’ve purchased and this Explorer is no different. I am thoroughly happy with my purchase and was surprised with what this vehicle has to offer. I expected the XLT to have the very basic options and was I wrong. I’m a 6’-2” 240lb man that is used to driving full-size trucks and SUVs and this one has plenty cabin room. This is the first Explorer I’ve purchased because I never cared for the exterior of older models. In my opinion, Ford nailed it with this model. Ours has the black leather interior with the Ford My Touch system. It has all of the bells and whistles that a premium SUV would have at an XLT price. I’m sure the Limited and Sport additions have more to offer but, this one fit our family perfectly at a good price. We have 2 teenagers (14 & 19) so we’ve never used the third row. They’re typically stowed away. The heated seats are great and the rear-controlled AC/Heat keeps the kids happy. The panoramic sunroof is great and operates easily. Road noise is noticeable but bearable. There is plenty of storage and the cubby under the touch screen is practically bottomless. The instrument cluster is easy to read and the steering wheel mounted controls look like something you would see in a fighter jet. You can control just about everything from the steering wheel. There are secondary displays (secondary to the touch screen) inside the cluster that shows all sorts of information that you can scroll through with the controls on the wheel. It took me over an hour to go through all of the options (bit of a gadget geek here). With that being said, the My Touch navigation is horrible…even after updating the software to the latest version. The voice commands are useless, the lady in the NAV system is a nag and everything dealing with the NAV system is slow. I’ll just continue to use my cell phone. The entertainment, climate control and cell phone connection portions of the My Touch are great. The Bluetooth connects flawlessly and Sirius connects with no issues. I love the various connections (USB, SD Card, AUX) and you can charge the entire family’s cell phones at the same time. Climate control is easy to use by either the My Touch or by its own touch sensitive controls. As mentioned above, Ford nailed the exterior styling with this model. I’m always getting comments on how good it looks and when family and friends sit inside, they are amazed at the interior (I know…sounds like a commercial). Ours came with a tow package (typical 2” receiver and light connections) and has a 300lb bumper rating (enough for my son’s motorcycle and carrier). One thing I would change is the tow hitch receiver cover. It’s kind of cheap looking and you can easily see the indentions made from the receiver. Nothing big, but it’s mentionable. Also, the rear window does not open separately from the hatch. Most SUVs I’ve owned had this feature which was nice. Not sure if this is what all manufactures are doing. Again…not a big deal to me. The standard 18” wheels are stylish but not too much. For an SUV, this one handles better than any other SUV I’ve owned. You don’t feel top-heavy when taking corners and traction is pretty good, even in wet conditions. Ground clearance is typical for an on-road SUV and getting in/out of it is easy. The biggest issue I have with this SUV is the acceleration…it’s like a worn out rubber band. I know it’s not a sports car but come on. This could be a turn-off for some people. I’m averaging 19 MPG with mixed city/highway driving (Atlanta, GA). It shifts smooth and the exhaust is quiet. Overall I’m happy with my purchase and would recommend this SUV to family and friends.
