The Ford Explorer is the best-selling SUV in America. When shopping for the midsize SUV, there is an overload of information, as the sport utility vehicle has been around for over 30 years. But we’re here to break down the generations to find the Explorer’s best years.
Ford Motor Company has been producing cars for over 100 years and continues to be one of the biggest automotive manufacturers in the world. Although Ford has recently shifted its focus away from standard cars, this makes way for some incredible SUVs, like the Ford Explorer.
The Ford Explorer was introduced in 1990 as a replacement for the Ford Bronco II, a compact SUV with enormous off-road capability. Ford decided to take the Bronco II design and slightly tone down its off-road brashness to be more of a family-oriented SUV that is off-road capable.
When shopping for a Ford Explorer, there is an overload of information, as the midsize SUV has been around for over 30 years. But we’re here to break down the generations to find the Explorer’s best years.
1990 to 1994 Ford Explorer: A Rough Beginning
Debuting as a five-door SUV to replace the three-door Bronco II, Ford came out with the Explorer line in 1990. With cross seating for three, more cargo space, and better aerodynamics making for less cabin noise, the Explorer looked like a promising start to Ford’s new midsize SUV conquest.
The Explorer did a phenomenal job as a family-focused SUV that can handle itself off-road, too. Starting in 1994, the Explorer got even better when it gained a Limited trim option that gave the Explorer every optional extra, including a sunroof, CD player, and towing package.
It is surprisingly difficult to find these models because of their popularity as an off-road vehicle, but when they pop up as a typical sale, they’re easily had for $1,000. Although many off-road enthusiasts still enjoy the first generation due to its close relationship with the Bronco, the issues with the Explorer line, unfortunately, continue into the second generation.
1995-2003 Ford Explorer: The Explorer Begins to Take Shape
With the same chassis underpinnings of its previous generation, again sharing a chassis with the Ford Ranger, the second generation Explorer received a much-needed facelift which rounded out the body edges, smoothing out the boxy SUV.
Along with the updated exterior, the second generation Explorer got a new small-block Ford V8 as an optional powerplant to keep up with its Jeep Grand Cherokee competitor. The V8 was only available on rear-wheel-drive XLT models for the 1996 model year, but in 1997, it became available for all models.
Ford carried over the 4.0-liter V6 from the previous generation as standard but discontinued it in 2001, making the single overhead cam engine the standard and for the Explorer Sport the only option. A Mazda-built five-speed manual was available for all V6 models just like the previous generation, but the four-speed Ford was the only option for any models equipped with a V8.
2002-2005: Starting from the Ground Up
Ford gave the Explorer line a complete redesign, with the third generation developed as a five-door wagon. Carrying over the redesigned front suspension of the second generation, Ford decided to address the rear suspension.
Third-generation Explorers now came with independent rear suspension instead of leaf springs, giving the large SUV more handling capability and comfort. Third-generation Explorers were now offered with optional all-wheel-drive for the first time, along with swapping the small block V8 for the new 4.6-liter Ford Modular engine used in the Crown Victoria.
Giving the Explorer a fantastic optional V8 gave customers a chance to fall for the Explorer as an SUV. For 2002, the five-speed manual transmission was offered as standard equipment, and was the last year a manual transmission would be available for the Explorer line.
From 2003 to 2005, the problematic 5R55 automatic was offered as standard with the V6 and V8 models. 2003 and 2004 model years saw a new trim package, the NBX, which gave the Explorer more off-road garnish like all-terrain tires and a heavy-duty roof rack.
With a budget of $7,000, you can easily get into a Limited Package with under 100,000 miles making the third generation a solid choice to save you some money. 2005 model year saw the end of the third-generation Explorer but was one of the most well-rounded models released in its history.
2005-2010 Ford Explorer: Building On Success
Similar to the third generation, the fourth-generation Explorer underwent a considerable redesign. Significant changes included a redesigned interior with an optional power-folding third-row seat, redesigned frame with more rigidity, and redesigned rear suspension.
Fourth-generation Explorers now came standard with tire-pressure monitoring and electronic stability control.
Power running boards were another primary option introduced from the Lincoln Navigator, which is based on the Explorer. The problematic cologne V6 was again the standard power plant, with the exceptional Ford Modular V8 being the frequently optioned engine.
The standard transmission with the V8 was a newly designed six-speed automatic based on a ZF design but built by Ford. The 5R55 transmission issues were primarily solved with a revised 5R55S version now standard with the V6.
While the 2006 Ford Explorer was nominated for North American Truck of the Year, the 2007 model year saw substantial improvements for the Explorer. Now available were things like a heated leather seat package, XLT appearance package, and standard AUX input on all stereos.
In 2008 Ford built upon these packages with optional Ford Sync, optional satellite navigation with voice control, and became the first year Ford offered a cap-less fuel filler system. Surprisingly the fourth-generation Explorer holds similar value to the third generation, so opting for more options and updated tech at the same price is something to consider.
2009 and 2010 saw small additions such as trailer sway control and Ford’s MyKey became standard equipment. The fourth-generation Explorer finally set the stage as to what Ford wanted the Explorer to be.
2011-2019 Ford Explorer: Gaining the Reputation it Deserved
Although the fourth-generation Explorers did an excellent job towards the end of their production at not catastrophically breaking or injuring drivers, the fifth-generation Explorer takes the cake as the best generation in the Explorer line.
Moving from a traditional mid-size SUV with a body-on-frame construction to a crossover with unibody construction, the fifth-generation Explorer saw a massive jump in sales and popularity over the previous generations. Within the first year of production, the fifth-generation Explorer sold more than double what it did in the last year of the fourth generation.
Major updates included a slew of technology such as updated Ford Sync, adaptive cruise control, active park assist, MyFord touch, a power liftgate, power-adjustable pedals with memory position, heated and cooled seats, and in-dash navigation.
One of the most significant changes to the Explorer was ditching the old powerplants for more updated and efficient units. First only being offered with a 3.5-liter V6, the Explorer then received the new 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost motor option. The added fuel economy of the EcoBoost is a huge plus but is negated by the fact it is only available in a front-wheel-drive layout.
In 2011 the fifth-generation Explorer earned the North American Truck of the year award, its first year of production. 2013 model year saw the introduction of the Ford Explorer Sport, outfitted with the 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost motor, larger brakes, and blackened exterior treatments.
The Sport package is one of the only versions of the Explorer to combine the EcoBoost motor with all-wheel drive, making it one of the best performing Explorers. The Sport package can be purchased for roughly $20,000 depending on mileage but is worth the price for the performance and features.
After receiving its facelift in 2016, the Explorer took on a redesigned front fascia with new headlights, redesigned rear section with LED taillights and dual exhausts, as well as engine upgrades. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost was now standard as a 2.3-liter EcoBoost from the 2015 Ford Mustang.
2016 also saw the new Platinum package, one step above the Sport package. can be purchased used with a measly 50,000 miles for around $30,000, a steep discount from its original MSRP of $53,000.
This package included a heated steering wheel, active park assist with perpendicular park, hands-free liftgate from the Ford Escape, and an exclusive 500-watt Sony sound system. 2018 and 2019 model years saw a few improvements to headlights, along with a limited luxury package offering leather interior trim inserts, chrome mirror caps, and multi-contour front seats with Active Motion. The new packages sent off the fifth-generation Explorer as it stopped production in 2019 to make way for the sixth and current generation.
2019-Present Ford Explorer: A New Age of Crossovers
The 2020 model year saw the addition of an Explorer Hybrid and an Explorer ST. The 2020 Explorer Hybrid is powered by a 3.3-liter V6 with a 35-kilowatt motor assisting it up to 318 horsepower and 322 lb.-ft. of torque.
What is most impressive about this, however, is the hybrid range of over 500 miles. This addition of the electric motor allows the Explorer Hybrid to have a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, which is 1,500 more than its Toyota Highlander Hybrid competitor.
If you’re after performance, the Explorer ST has you covered. Pushing 400 horsepower and 415 lb.-ft. of torque out of the 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 makes for a lively 0-60 in 5.2 seconds in the midsize SUV.
Base model Explorers are now rear-wheel drive, with the ST and Hybrids being all-wheel drive. This design came from sharing the platform with the Lincoln Aviator but allows for better weight distribution and a lighter car overall compared to the previous generation.
2016-2019 Explorer with Platinum Package is a Popular Choice for its Longstanding Reliability and Well-rounded Performance
If you’re an off-road fanatic wanting a cheaper option to the Bronco II, keep your eyes peeled for the first-generation Explorer. However, the late-year fourth-generation Explorer is an excellent option if you’re looking to save some money and still enjoy some of the luxuries of the fifth generation.
The 2016-2019 Explorer with Platinum package is also a popular choice due to its integrated features, longstanding reliability, and well-rounded performance. A later year Platinum package Explorer can be found under $30,000, making it one of the best deals for a mid-size SUV in the country.
Photos: Ford
