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 1 through 10 of 68.00

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  2013 explorer sport shortcomings - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By Evan Edwards - August 26 - 9:36 am

  Have a 2013 ford explorer sport black on black. Fantastic looking vehicle and have been pleased overall until the warranty ran out. Currently at 38000 which is 2000 over. Basically one month. Ac compressor locked up and caused belt to break which left vehicle without power steering and had to be towed. Ford said " too bad out of warranty, you owe $1100. ". Vehicle is 2.5 years old. This does not seem to be a normal item to malfunction so early on and am very disappointed that Ford is taking position of no responsibility. The sync system is as bad as others say. Never worked as advertised which had been a major incentive to buy the vehicle. Also the rear parking aid stopped working and I considered that to be a minor concern but perhaps its more indicative of future things to come. I was happy that ford had turned things around in 2009 and felt good about the purchase but not anymore. Cant imagine what I would do had the transmission failed instead of just the ac.

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  Just OK as an SUV - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By mauwii - November 15 - 5:35 pm

  Moved from a Chevrolet Traverse to the new Explorer and quickly found it was not a good move. The car is just OK, the performance has far too much lag in it, acceleration is deceiving, the boot is awkward, the seats are difficult to fold down. The doors are flimsy and really light. The running lights are a pain in that they dont come on when you want them to. The electronics are slow to kick-in, slow to do what you want them to do. The controls are far too small on the steering wheel, if you are a man they are painful to use. The doors dont unlock when you exit, so you have to go inside to unlock the vehicle. The fuel tank is too small and the average mile/gallon just not good enough.

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  Rolling disaster - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By grayling - May 1 - 1:24 am

  Everything on this car breaks or is a "software problem" that Ford admits there is a problem but they dont have the fix for. Transmissons lights are on, does not detect the key, the My Ford Touch system is a joke and a waste of money. They havent been able to repair it for 4 years and now they are going to another software provider. Bluetooth sound quality is horrible and I travel a lot for work and drive a lot of different cars. Drive a GM if you want a reliable car with a simple bluetooth system that is crystal clear. This is my 3rd Ford and my last, their quality has gone down hill and they have no interest in improving it.

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  Worst Vehicle Ive Ever Owned!! - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By honestguy - January 9 - 7:48 am

  This is my last Ford. I have had nothing but problems with it over last year! Ford service doesnt know how or cant fix the long list of issues. Pathetic! The navigation doesnt allow anyone to use it while driving, even passenger, and is super complicated. I use my phone now. Hvac is all messed up, locking on hi heat while on max low a/c. Fuel feed hesitates when accelerating so it nearly gets u into accidents when quick acceleration from stop or in traffic needed. Too many other items to list. Please avoid at all costs. I paid for leather and nav $2200 outta pocket as this is company car and I was gonna buy it for wife after 70K miles cheap. After 45K, I just want rid of it! Hate it!!

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  No Leg Room - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By nolegroom45 - July 23 - 3:09 pm

  I purchased a 2013 Ford Explr XLT 2 weeks ago. After test driving the vehicle I did not notice the lack of leg room as I was too busy playing with the MyTouch and working the mirrors to even bother. On my way home after purchasing the vehicle, I had a cramp and went to stretch out my left (non driving) leg. It was met abruptly by the "dead petal". After I got home I tried many ways to reduce the "dead petal" but could not get it to work with my size. I am only 63" which is taller than average but I am no giant. I wouldnt recommend this vehicle to anyone who is taller than 6 feet. My mothers 2002 Explr has all the leg room in the world. Not sure why Ford made the new ones so small.

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  Regretting leasing the 2013 XLT V6 All-Wheel-Drive - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By missfc - April 23 - 9:38 am

  38 yr old female owner of the 2013 XLT 4WD-V6 since 04/05/13. Very disappointed with the purchase. Ride quality is very harsh over potholes, you feel and hear all potholes. Road noise is loud on old and rough stretches of NJ roads. Poor sound insulation. Headlights are not bright enough. No remote start or push-button start on the XLT costing $39,040. 2nd row seats are small, do not provide enough comfort, thigh support to adults. 3rd row very hard and heavy to fold and unfold. Jerky transmission going uphill. Fit and finish is very poor -- door molding, seals, compared to my 2010 VW. Steering buttons are very cheap quality. Gas tank door does not lock.

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  Beware of the Good Looks. - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By mrbobh - March 8 - 1:38 pm

  I rented this car for a week and cant figure out who would buy one. We wanted a vehicle that could comfortably seat 4 people and 2 children in car seats. We could not install the car seats and have access to the rear seat. The middle seat does not slide. Rear seat too small to hold car seats. My 64" son had to crawl in thru the liftgate. My Ford Touch System - Overly Complex. Transmission had a constant wine. Turn signals needed to be pushed 2 clicks up or down to stay on. Large Turning radius made parking a chore. I own a Mazda CX9 - this SUV cant compete with it. Check out and drive the competition before you buy this. Beauty is only skin deep.

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  Car has issues and ford has too - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By bpk - June 25 - 10:34 pm

  I bought a 2013 for explorer LTD. was very happy to buy my first new car. But, when I drove through wet weather, all the dirt and mud is getting inside lower portion my all doors. I guess the gaskets are missing or not properly aligned. I went to the dealer ship and was surprised to hear that "This is a common problem and that is how the ford has designed. You have to live with this." Who would like to see dirty doors every day when they open their new car. Atleast I am one of those. I called the Ford customer relations and all they had to say is they honor they dealers judgement. Wow...... They 1 of my tires blew and dealer didnt agree to honor the warranty & ford said the same as before.