2008 Ford Explorer Review: A Very Dependable Year For The Comfortable & Spacious SUV

Alex Showalter

Jul 21, 2022

The 2008 Ford Explorer lasts around 250,000 miles with only some transmission and sun visor issues. At $5,472 to $7,171, it’s an affordable choice for a larger SUV.

The Good

The suspension is smooth & comfortable, the cabin is very quiet and the towing capacity is great for an SUV its size.

The Bad

Ownership costs are higher than rivals, steering feel is very heavy and the engines are weaker than other SUVs.

Is the 2008 Ford Explorer a Good Used SUV?

Yes, 2008 is a good year for the Explorer. Owner reviews praise the spacious cabin, reliable engines, and excellent build quality.
Interior quality is similar to other SUVs in the same price range, but there is a lot of plastic on the entry-level models. The infotainment system is also good for its age.
Reliability ratings are above average. Models from 2007–2010 are good choices, with more issues in 2011.
Performance is poor from the V6 engine, but the V8 offers decent power for the size of the vehicle.
The Explorer is a reasonably safe SUV, getting 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests, scoring well in all but the frontal offset crash test.
Fuel economy is poor even with the V6 engine, getting up to 16 MPG combined which is lower than midsize SUVs, but decent for a full size SUV.

Positive Owner Reviews

Jo R

It's made to last. It's rugged.

It's an explorer sport trac. So it's roomy and we can haul small items. It's comfortable. It's also paid off.

Greg S

It has the best gas mileage.

The vehicle is large and spacious, it has great gas mileage and handles perfectly. There is nothing to hate about this vehicle.

Kristen B

My vehicle has been running perfectly for the last 10 years.

I have never had any problems with my vehicle. It is very comfortable and easy to drive, it has kept up very well, this vehicle is very reliable. It has been in my family for over 10 years. The only problem I have had has been a short in one of the overhead lights but it has been fixed by a family mechanic.

rachel O

Third row seating folds face down and give u a roomy flat trunk space.

It's been very dependable since it was first purchased as a used vehicle nearly 3 years ago. Interior is very roomy and comfortable. Nice leather seats that are easy to wipe and keep clean is always a plus if you have children compared to cloth seats. It has provided for me a nice quiet comfortable ride without any problems.

David O

Older ford that has held it is value.

It is very roomy and gets great gas mileage for it is size and cargo capacity. I can tow a small boat with it without problem. The repairs on this vehicle have not been excessive at all for it is mileage. It has held up really well for being a 10 year old car. I would not hesitate buying another one.

Robert S

The Ford Explorer is a reliable vehicle. I would buy one again.

This is a very comfortable vehicle to own. It handles the road well and I haven't had any major problems with it during ownership.

Taylor B

You should know that my car is great in bad weather.

I love my Ford Explorer. It is large enough to fit seven people comfortably with truck space. It is reliable in bad weather and gets me were I need to go safely. The adjustable seats are great for families with people of different heights.

Crystal B

Don't know don't know don't know don't know don't know

Love that it has a possible third row seating. Very dependable. Perfect SUV size

Negative Owner Reviews

Heather M

It gets me to point A to B.

When I bought my vehicle it was as is. So there was a lot of different problems with it. One seat the seat belt can not buckle. The mirrors don't adjust, the windshield wiper fluid does not work. It is always flashing that the airbag needs to be checked or engine even though it has been serviced. The gas gage always comes on even when I have gas.

Des D

Keeps having a lot of random issues when it is well maintained.

It has a pin issue in the gear column that sometimes gets jammed and will not let you change the position or take your key out of the ignition until you open the entire panel and fix it.

Angela P

In 2008 I am sure it was great!

My car recently had a problems while driving which included brake problems and alignment issues. A lot of electrical parts on the car also do not work anymore including the running boards and the passenger seat moving backwards. When driving the car when it goes from 1/2 as if shifting gears, the car acts like it has problems gearing up.

Candice S

It is a big gas hog I go through a quarter of a take of gas in two days.

It is a gas hog I go through a quarter of a take in two days. Also it always has problems with the “roll stability control” and it is annoying to fix it. Also I have to take it to a mechanic when ever I need to check my transmission fluid and that is an inconvenience for me.

Nikole D

My Ford Explorer is a decent truck but it unlocks itself.

My truck is very reliable. It is in very decent shape on the outside. It has quite a few miles on it and we haven't had a lot of issues. The only main issue we're having is that it unlocks itself. We suspect it has something to do with the computer inside the car. I also suspect that is going to be expensive.

Scott S

Timing system breakdowns. The model is prone to them.

I dislike that it is apparently prone to a complete break in the timing system, which approximates to a $2,800 repair. I like that it remains pretty consistent on gas. I also like that it had enough room for my family.

Amy H

Overall it is a great car. It handles well and is a safe reliable car.

I like that it has four wheel drive and does pretty good in winter weather. It has good space. I dislike that it does not do great on gas.

Mark S

Nice car, Smooth ride that gets the job done of getting you from place to place.

The ride is very smooth. Minor problems throughout car though such as bearing has been broken, transmission has issues. The car is very comfortable though. Fits almost anything you need in the trunk. Very spacious. Gas mileage is an issue sometimes only running at 13 MPG.

What Do Critics Say About the Explorer?

Consumer Reports says the Explorer has a flexible interior with folding seats and high towing capacity with average owner satisfaction scores.
Edmunds gives the Explorer a 4.3/5 liking the driver-focused controls, but doesn’t like the weak V6 engine.
Kelley Blue Book users rate the Explorer 4.2/5 and enjoy the cargo hauling capacity, but owners dislike the low resale value.

What Common Problems Does the 2008 Ford Explorer Have?

The most common problems found on the 2008 Ford Explorer include the transmission stumbling, broken visors, and broken spark plugs. Most of the issues are not widespread, and not as serious as some other SUVs.

Transmissions stumbling while shifting between gears are the most common complaints from owners at around 60,000 miles. The problem is caused by the power control module, and replacing it costs roughly $1,400.

Broken visors in the cabin are another widespread issue that shows up at roughly 40,000 miles. The mirrors and mirror covers fall off the visors, and replacing them with a new assembly costs about $200.

Spark plugs breaking and getting stuck in the engine is a common problem with all V8 Fords from 2008. Extracting and replacing the spark plugs fixes the problem, but costs about $550. The problem doesn’t show up on the V6 models, but the V8 offers much more power.

There are 4 recalls, with the most serious being for the transmission cooler line, which can cause damage to the transmission if it fails.

How Long Will the 2008 Ford Explorer Last?

A well-cared-for 2008 Ford Explorer should be able to last around 250,000 miles, which is around 50,000 miles more than other SUVs like the Dodge Durango. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than average, at $663 per year, according to Repair Pal.

Since most 2008 Explorers will have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace items including the blower motor for $375, water pump costing $500, and the liftgate lock actuator which costs $175.

Carol C

It is been very reliable for 11 years. It does not have any problems now and when it does it is been simple and affordable to fix.

Alexandra D

We haven't had any problems with the car, but we heard the transmission normally needs to get replaced quickly.

Alison C

No it's not reliable. It's always having leaking problems, the inside lights are always coming on while we are driving.

Stacy R

The air flow is just now having problems. The rim tracks are broken. And the headroom and legroom is seriously lacking.

Mary I

After driving this car for upwards of three years, I have encountered little to no issues. I have over 200,000 miles on it, and everything still works great!

Sabrina K

It is reliable. We have kept up with the maintenance so it has lasted us. We have not had any major problems

Amber T

It’s a great car, we drive it a lot and it hasn't given us one problem. We live 30 minutes from town so we drive it just about everyday

How Much Is the 2008 Ford Explorer Worth?

Blue book values range from $5,472 to $7,171, making it about $4,000 cheaper than a Chevy Tahoe or Toyota Sequoia. When new, the price range was $26,495 to $36,690. Depreciation is similar to other SUVs, losing about 10% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Explorer?

There are three models of the 2008 Ford Explorer available. Technology was just updated for the 2008 model year, with a complete redesign in 2011.

XLT is the entry-level model with:

16-Inch Cast Aluminum Wheels
Cloth Seating
Cruise Control
Power Windows & Locks
AM/FM/CD Stereo System With 3.5mm AUX Jack

Eddie Bauer is a step up, adding:

17-Inch Alloy Wheels
Two-Tone Paint Job
Leather Seating
Heated Front Seats
Wood Interior Trim
SYNC Infotainment System

Limited is the luxury model and adds:

18-Inch Alloy Wheels
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Premium Leather Seating
Heated Exterior Mirrors
In-Dash 6-CD Changer

XLT Sport

292 HP 16-16 MPG

View Details

XLT

292 HP 16-16 MPG

View Details

Limited Sport

292 HP 16-16 MPG

View Details

Adrenaline Sport

292 HP 16-16 MPG

View Details

Adrenaline

292 HP 16-16 MPG

View Details

Eddie Bauer

292 HP 16-16 MPG

View Details

Limited

292 HP 16-16 MPG

View Details

What Engines Come In the Explorer?

The base engine is a weak 4.0L V6 which makes 210 horsepower, gets up to 16 MPG combined, and can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
An available upgrade is the more popular 4.6L V8, which produces 292 horsepower and gets up to 15 MPG combined. With this engine the Explorer can tow up to 7,310 pounds.

What Colors Does the Explorer Come In?

How Big Is the Explorer?

The 2008 Ford Explorer is larger than most midsize SUVs like the Toyota 4Runner, but a bit smaller than full size SUVs including the Chevy Suburban. Passenger room is great in the first and second row, but the third row is best suited to younger children.

Cargo space is decent for an SUV, but not class leading with 13.6 cubic feet of room behind the third row, 45.1 cubic feet behind the second, and up to 85.8 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. That’s enough room for 3-4 suitcases with all 3 rows up, and 6-8 behind the second row.

How Does the Explorer Compare to the Competition?

The Chevy Tahoe is a rival which costs about $4,000 more. Power and performance are both better in the Tahoe, but the Explorer has a higher-quality interior. We recommend the Tahoe since there are fewer issues, but both are very good SUVs.

The Ford Expedition is another competitor from Ford costing about $1,500 more. Passenger and cargo space are both better in the Expedition, but the Explorer handles better on the roads. We recommend going with the Explorer since it has less problems based on owner reviews.

Ranks #7 Full Size SUV by Owners

2008 Chevrolet Suburban

4.55

2008 Chevrolet Tahoe

4.49

2008 Ford Explorer

4.24

Do Owners Recommend the Ford Explorer?

Carol C

Yes. I have owned it for 11 years with only a few problems we could fix ourselves at a low cost. It has provided many years of safety for myself and family.

Alexandra D

Yes it is a very smooth SUV. It has great space and since we have it we noticed it is economic on gas.

Alison C

No it isn't it always having new problems. I don't like the car and can't wait to trade it in. Always something wrong with it.

Stacy R

It's alright. Definitely could be better. I wish it would bigger. But we haven't had any major issues worth it.

Mary I

Absolutely - it is reliable, durable, and multi-purpose. It is large enough to accommodate large loads and several passengers; it contains several helpful additions, such as seat warmers, extra trunk space, rear ac, etc.; and, it maintains a manageable gas tank!

Sandra N

Yes it is a good family car. It is reliable and good for going around town. Plenty of space for our family and everything we need.

MARY ELLEN O

It’s great, we live 30 minutes from town but drive it every single day and it hasn't given us a single problem!

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

Vicki Latham on February 1, 2024

Alarm code RSC

Has anyone else be driving and the alarm just starts going off you can't stand the noise only code is RSC but

John B on May 30, 2021

Overall it is a great vehicle. Great for families very reliable and dependable

Overall it has been a good vehicle has been very reliable. Although it doesn't get quite the gas mileage that I would expect. The main problems with the Fords trucks and explorers is the front brakes and wheel bearing same to wear out around a hundred twenty five thousand miles. Other than that it has been a very trustworthy vehicle and would recommend to anybody. Just remember the brakes at a hundred and twenty five thousand

Sannija J on March 27, 2021

Endurance, strength, longevity, light. It is reliable, strong.

It is a sedan, very comfortable, a bit small, but practical, very good for our small family, although not many people can fit in it and don't have enough space. Very durable car, respect.

Angela P on March 15, 2021

In 2008 I am sure it was great!

Ali S on March 13, 2021

My SUV is a great family car that can fit everything in it.

It have a lot of space. Comfortable and has extra seats. It's a grey/green color and is 4 wheel drive. Can fit max of 7 people and working for towing boats and trailers. Drives really well, and turns smooth. Great family car for road trips and to take camping.

lori w on March 11, 2021

It drives great for the miles it has on it. Gas mileage is also good

I bought my car used. I tested it and looked at other car like this and I keep coming back to it. It is comfortable to drive and ride in. I have had small problems but it runs great for a car 10 years old and has over 200.000 miles . Body also looks good still.

Mel R on March 10, 2021

Very reliable, Its spacious,

I had my vehicle for 10 years still in great condition. . I would say It's a great vehicle. I had a couple problems with the air conditioning. But got it fixed. It runs pretty good. .

Robert S on March 5, 2021

The Ford Explorer is a reliable vehicle. I would buy one again.

This is a very comfortable vehicle to own. It handles the road well and I haven't had any major problems with it during ownership.

tracy t on March 3, 2021

That as long as you have routine maintenance on this vehicle, it will last you over 150,000 miles. My family and I also feel very safe while in this vehicle.

I like the roomy legroom in the front and back seats. I like the way the windows are placed, as to help with no blind spots. I also like the way the vehicle was made to endure the 10 years it has lasted me, requiring no major work except for routine maintenance.

Joe f on February 18, 2021

The gas mileage really, really, really, really stinks.

I love the reliability and durability of my vehicle. I intensely dislike the poor gas mileage.

Liz M on February 15, 2021

My car is extremely reliable!

I truly love my Ford Explorer! It is the perfect size with three seat levels and room for storage in the trunk. It is very reliable and durable. I have never had any major issues with it and have driven it across the country. When it comes time to buy a new car I will most likely buy a newer Explorer.

Robert O on February 13, 2021

Ford Explorers are good safe reliable cars that last for a long time.

My car has been in my family for 8 years. Before my parents bought it, it belonged to the owner of the dealership they got it from. It has always been a good reliable car that has been well taken care of, and I appreciate the fact that Ford makes a good product.

brian d on February 9, 2021

It is very reliable, will get me through any weather

It has plenty of room, 4x4 for the winter, is very reliable, gets me to where i need to be. Very low maintenance cost

Tracy T on January 19, 2021

I enjoy the heated seats in my Ford Explorer. It does not have blind spots.

I have really enjoyed my Ford Explorer. I have 150, 000 miles on it, and aside from routine maintenance, and tires, I haven't had any problems with it. Would definitely choose the same vehicle when I decide to purchase one again.

Lisa D on January 19, 2021

4 wheel drive works great with traction control. Good tires

It is a 4 wheel drive,a little bit too boxy for me. The back seat is broke so only one side goes down.

Rosanna R on January 15, 2021

It is cute. It is a truck. . It runs good b.

I like it. It is a Ford sport trac truck. Needed more CDs only one. The bed is too small. But it is ok.

Des D on January 14, 2021

Keeps having a lot of random issues when it is well maintained.

It has a pin issue in the gear column that sometimes gets jammed and will not let you change the position or take your key out of the ignition until you open the entire panel and fix it.

thomas J on January 2, 2021

That it gets me where i need to go safely.

There's plenty of cargo space to fit my needs.it handle very well on and off road.enough room for multiple passengers to be comfortable.

Kenneth R on December 25, 2020

Bad on gas. Not super fast either. So much space for plenty of passengers

Gas is terrible. Space is great. Interior is amazing. Very reliable

caren d on December 24, 2020

It is very reliable for all of our driving needs, even though we now have over 125,000 miles behind us...

It's an eddie bauer verison, very comfortable, get power features. Smooth ride and durable. Has plenty of room for the family

William C on December 19, 2020

All the bells and whistles for this model are there

Excellent mpg, reliable,easy to drive. Many options,inexpensive to maintain, wife loves it comfortable to drive long distances would recommend purchasing one only one major repair issue, all power options available good radio and CD player good nav system

Amanda R on December 14, 2020

The explorer is an outdoor family car.

The explorer is spacious and able to hold a full family plus dogs. It works well during the winter and has a sunroof for the summer.

Tim F on December 8, 2020

I have the limited trim package, the most deluxe version made in 2008.

I like the hauling capability that my vehicle provides. It has a v8 engine, so it has plenty of power and is heavy enough to ride good on long trips. Although it is ten years old, it still has a modern look and nice styling. It is however, not an economy vehicle. The v8 and extra weight is something that cost you at the pump.

Robbin T on December 5, 2020

The explorer is very roomy. Can carry easily 5 people.

I dislike that the fan on the dash has broken in the last two Explorers I have owned. I like the fact that there is lots of room, great to have 4 wheel drive. Just the right size and power of car for me

Pete A on November 28, 2020

The mileage is not that good.

Problem = transmission / I like the box on it, kind of between SUV and truck / 3 kids all fit in the backseat / engine is powerful / it is quite comfortable to drive.

Amy H on November 26, 2020

Overall it is a great car. It handles well and is a safe reliable car.

I like that it has four wheel drive and does pretty good in winter weather. It has good space. I dislike that it does not do great on gas.

Emmie M on November 5, 2020

Reliable. Runs well. My husband says it drives like a new car, when I let him drive.

Since I bought my car new I have never had any issues and this is maybe the 6th Ford I have either leased (the first 5) and own the last Explorer. I love it! No problems ever.

Crystal B on November 2, 2020

Don't know don't know don't know don't know don't know

Love that it has a possible third row seating. Very dependable. Perfect SUV size

Dennis O on November 1, 2020

Review of 2008 ford explorer

This is a great ride. It is loaded with heated leather seats, 6 disk CD player, Nice heater and great air, hashmap system to find any address you enter, Bluetooth, hands free phone, cruise control and so much more. I do wish that I got better gas mileage but it is a 8 cyl and not a 6 cyl. It rides real nice for being a full size SUV.

Susan C on October 28, 2020

Its comfortable and we take a lot of family trips. The kids love taking road trip.

I like that it is solid and I feel safe driving it. I can fit a lot of cargo and its great in the snow. I hate that it uses so much gas.

Jeanne K on October 19, 2020

Phone thru radio they are conveniently located on steering wheel

I love my sport trac its sporty and economical. There's plenty of room. Very spacious. I like the tire sensor and oil change lights that come on display. Large bed area for plenty of moving stuff. Very comfortable seats and very easy to manipulate getting in and out of vehicle. I have a grandson and plenty of room for car seat for baby and two others. Seatbelts are comfortable. Front Seats are adjustable for extra comfort whether you want to be up close or relaxing during a trip. Might I add very durable as well. This vehicle hasn't had many problems at all just usual maintenance. Very reliable vehicle gets me everywhere I need to go. Plenty room for groceries and extras. One of the features I'm in love with is you can set up phone to come through the radio for hands free use and buttons are on steering wheel for easy access. Great feature for keeping your eyes on the road while driving. Love my cruise control it keeps me at the legal speed limit and is on steering wheel as well very easy to manipulate. Also luggage racks on top for carrying of luggage and large items while traveling. Overall this is a great vehicle

Randy P on September 19, 2020

4 wheel drive SUV and seats 5 adults. Drives like new with 140k miles. Very dependable

No problems, very reliable, air conditioning works very well, Lots of room, 15 MPG city, 21 MPG hwy.

Anthony E on September 18, 2020

It drives nice and smooth

There's a problem with my radiator it keeps leaking and my engine lights keep popping up.There's a problem with my radiator it keeps leaking and my engine lights keep popping up. There's a problem with my radiator it keeps leaking and my engine lights keep popping up.

Erin O on September 9, 2020

User friendly and highly efficient.

It has amazing gas mileage. It seats my entire family and we can use it to haul larger things when we need it to. Great safety capabilities and user friendly. This was my first car and it has given very few issues. This is a great car for a new driver.

Mark S on August 31, 2020

Nice car, Smooth ride that gets the job done of getting you from place to place.

Amy C on August 28, 2020

Value added, get a lot of features for the cost of the car. Great warranty.

I like that it is dependable and sleek. What I dislike is that I do not have two of them. Am I right folks?.

Suzanne G on August 26, 2020

Ford Explorer is a good family vehicle and it is very spacious.

The only problem my vehicle has is that it says I need to service risk now and it beeps constantly like every 5 minutes while driving and it flashes a red light. Also the tire pressure warning light is always on even after the tires have had enough air.

Pat P on August 23, 2020

Handles great in the snow

We get a lot of snow here and the Ford Explorer is a great vehicle for this. Also it looks and handles great. Has lots of cargo room and is comfortable.

Tony P on August 18, 2020

It has great mileage and plenty of space.

It gets me where I need to go. It has good mileage and has plenty of space.

Dorothy S on August 14, 2020

Third row seating is available and a great option for allowing more people in the vehicle.

Lots of room and great for road trips. Love the third row seating.

Heather M on August 7, 2020

Ford makes a great, dependable vehicle and I recommend them to anyone.

It is a great vehicle. Ford makes a great truck. It is great on a road trip.

Tracy M on August 6, 2020

2008 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer edition.

Ford Explorer is very reliable, 3 row seating makes for lots of space and comfort. Eddie Bauer edition is classy looking. Gets decent gas mileage for an older SUV. I have never owned an Explorer until 3 months ago when I purchased this one and I am extremely satisfied with it.

Susan M on July 23, 2020

Perfect for the needs of my family!

Overall, my explorer has been very reliable. Most of the maintenance issues are, I believe more related to the age of the vehicle. I love the large capacity. Because of the age of the vehicle, it is larger than the newer explorer models. The explorer fit my family of four comfortably with plenty of room for everything from groceries, to luggage and vacation items, to moving two kids in and out of college dorms.

Elliot G on July 23, 2020

I like the size. I like the ease of driving. I don't like the gas mileage.

It's cool and people should like it. I like driving it

Robin D on June 28, 2020

My Ford Explorers recent problems.

Had to replace back brakes one front and one rear wheel bearing in last 6 months or so. It will soon need front brakes put on also had thermostat changed about year and half ago but overall it's been pretty good I guess. For a vehicle of its age group.

Drew M on June 24, 2020

The Best car you'll Ever buy

My vehicle is very reliable. Gets decent gas mileage. I have driven all over the country in this vehicle. I've had it for 11 years and it still runs like it is brand new . It's very comfortable. All leather seats with a wood grain dashboard. Everything is automatic . It's got all the features. Fully loaded vehicle. This vehicle is awesome. People will love this vehicle if they like to do things outdoors. 4 wheel drive is amazing. I have taken this car to the mountains .

danielle w on June 20, 2020

Awesome turning radius and easy to drive and park.

I love the size and seating and the turning radius. What I do not like it the self-enclosed trans fluid case you can't check the fluid levels

Stephanie L on June 16, 2020

Dual air conditioner and heat.

It is my husband's car and when I drive it the shifting gear does not shift appropriately like it should. It drives smooth but not knowing what gear it is n half the time is frustrating. He had it repair and after a week it started acting up again. Other then that when I drive it, I enjoy it.

Christopher T on June 4, 2020

It is not for everyone kinda big if your used to driving a car.

Has a lot of room drives good leather interior and Bluetooth compatible good actually and heat. Burns gas pretty bad kinda top heavy.

Chris A on May 29, 2020

My Ford Explorer handles winter weather very nicely.

My Ford Explorer has plenty of space for people, and cargo. Handling is great, takes turns smoothly, and drives great in the winter. The only complaint I can think of is the mpg could be better.

Nancy L on May 23, 2020

What to know when you have a Ford Explorer.

In the process sometimes could be affected the transmission. It is better you find a good mechanic to fixed and change for a new transmission. The change take a couple of days to be sure the new one work perfectly without any trouble or malfunction for the vehicle.

Alex Showalter

Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.