Ford Explorer Review

2008 Ford Explorer Limited SUV Shown

With fair confidence, one could point to the Ford Explorer as the catalyst that started America's love affair with the SUV. Ford's midsize creation was perfectly timed for the SUV boom that began in the early 1990s. Certainly there were SUVs before the Explorer, but they were mostly utilitarian in nature. The Explorer was the first go-to SUV for the Everyman.

Throughout its life, the Ford Explorer has promised to deliver versatility, a reasonable amount of comfort, affordability and, perhaps most importantly, more style than a station wagon or minivan. Seemingly, it succeeded. During much of the '90s, Ford was consistently selling more than 400,000 units a year.

As if part of a Greek tragedy, however, the Explorer became embroiled in controversy at the start of the new millennium. Models fitted with certain Firestone tires were found to have higher than average instances of tire failure and subsequent rollover crashes. Though the Ford SUV was largely exonerated in subsequent analysis, it never fully recovered in terms of sales or image, despite a ground-up redesign for 2002. From the informed consumer standpoint, however, this isn't a midsize SUV to ignore. New or used, the Explorer should be part of any serious SUV search.

By just about every measure, the current Ford Explorer is the best one yet. Compared to earlier models, it's quieter, more powerful, better-looking, better equipped and safer. As a midsize SUV built on an advanced ladder-frame chassis with an independent rear suspension, the four-door Explorer can seat up to seven people or carry a maximum of 85 cubic feet of cargo.

Current Ford Explorer

The Explorer is currently in its third generation, which dates back to the 2002 model year. For 2008, Ford's Sync system became available, which allows voice activation of cell phones, PDAs and MP3 players. Two years prior to that, a substantial update took place that included an improved frame, enhanced safety systems and the addition of a more powerful V8. Earlier Explorers of this generation did not vary much in terms of features or performance, though 2004 and newer models have more available safety features.

Ford offers four main trim levels: XLS, XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited. Naturally, moving up the list provides more standard equipment and luxury features. Many additional options, including rear-seat DVD entertainment, navigation and side curtain airbags, are also available. Stability control and antilock brakes come standard. For power, the Explorer can be equipped with either a 210-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 or a 4.6-liter V8 good for 292 horsepower. Two- or four-wheel drive is available with either engine.

In reviews of the latest Ford Explorer, our editors have found that the vehicle provides excellent ride and handling characteristics, a comfortable and roomy cabin, and strong power and a high towing capacity on V8 models. In posted comments, consumers seem to agree with this assessment. Their complaints typically mention poor fuel economy for the V8 and minor interior ergonomic faults.

Considering how the Ford Explorer has been one of the most popular vehicles over the last two decades, shoppers for used SUVs can be quite choosy in terms of getting the configuration and condition they desire.

Past Ford Explorer Models

Previous to the current model, there were two Explorer generations. Model years 1995-2001 represent the second generation Explorer. Though not as refined as the current model and not as powerful, this group is still a respectable choice for an SUV. For most of this generation's run, three engines were available: a standard 160-hp V6, an optional 210-hp V6 ('97 and later) and a 210-hp 5.0-liter V8. The familiar XL, XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited were the available trims, and there was a two-door Explorer known as the Sport. Editorial reviews of the time noted that the Explorer had a comfortable cabin and decent utility but fared poorly in terms of road handling and off-road ability.

The original Ford Explorer debuted in 1990 as a 1991 model, and it replaced the Bronco II in Ford's lineup. It achieved instant success in a market that it ultimately defined, if not created. Based on the Ford Ranger pickup, the original Explorer had the winning combination of size, style and utility that people wanted in an SUV. It came as the volume-selling four-door or a less popular two-door. Initially, just XLS and XLT trim levels were available. In 1992, an Eddie Bauer edition joined the lineup, and a Limited model followed shortly thereafter. For power, these Explorers had a 155-hp V6. Output went up slightly to 160 hp in 1993; this was also the year Ford made antilock brakes standard equipment.

SELECT A SPECIFIC FORD EXPLORER MODEL YEAR*

* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.