The 2009 Ford Explorer is a dependable, comfortable, and capable SUV, and one of the last of the truck-like Explorers before Ford switched to a crossover build. It’s priced fairly, starting at around $6,000 in the Blue Book, but shop around for low miles, as expensive repairs start to pile up past 200,000 miles.
Is the 2009 Ford Explorer a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2009 was the second to last model year before Ford rebuilt the truck-like Explorer as a crossover. If you’re a fan of that classic Ford feel, this is one to keep an eye out for.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – One of the more comfortable vehicles in its class. The only common complaint is that some of the interior trim feels a bit cheap.
- Reliability 7/10 – The Explorer probably won’t give you too many issues for the first 200,000 miles, but beyond that, its days are numbered.
- Safety 8/10 – Generous safety features and solid crash test scores make the Explorer safer than some brand new vehicles.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – 14/19 miles to the gallon, city/highway, isn’t terrible for a truck-based SUV from 2009… but it’s not that good, either.
- Value 7/10 – If you can find one with 100,000 miles on the odometer, that just might be the deal of a lifetime. At 150,000, it may be starting to show its age.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2009 Ford Explorer?
Consumer Reports found the 2009 Explorer outdated, retaining its truck-like feel at a time when competitors were feeling more and more car-like. They found the interior roomy and flexible and concede that the Explorer tows better than most, but considered the SUV to be behind the times in every other way.
Kelley Blue Book praised the Explorer as a versatile all-arounder with a minivan-like interior and above-average towing and cargo capacity. They note that the SUV will be appealing strictly to people who like truck handling compared to its more sedan-like competitors.
Edmunds found the ride and handling “respectable” for a truck-based vehicle. They liked the spacious, quiet interior. They note that the engine lineup is relatively weak compared to more rugged SUVs, and some of the interior trim feels cheap.
What Common Problems Does the 2009 Ford Explorer Have?
The 2009 Ford Explorer has just 33 complaints on file with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at present. Vehicle speed control is the biggest concern, with a handful of drivers reporting independent acceleration.
There are far more complaints available on Repairpal, where 422 drivers have reported the heater blend door getting stuck on the hottest setting, leaving the passengers baking like potatoes in the cabin.
A plastic intake mainfold crack has resulted in coolant leakage, according to 230 driver complaints.
The 2009 Explorer has just 2 recalls on file with the NHTSA.
How Long Will the 2009 Ford Explorer Last?
Drivers typically report a minimum lifespan of around 200,000 miles on the original transmission. As long as you practice regular maintenance and smart driving habits, this should be easy. If you’re hoping to reach a quarter million, some drivers report that Explorers with automatic transmissions tend to last longer.
Repairpal estimate an annual maintenance cost of around $761, with new exhaust pipes accounting for the most expensive common repairs, starting at around $1,076.
Yes. It is pretty reliable. Awesome. Can't complain with how it is holding up. I am enjoying it and have min issues.
The only problems I have had is with the heating. The heating seems to break sometimes so only the 3rd notch works. I fixed it however.
I believe it is reliable. There have been no breakdowns or any other issues present. A few scratches, but nothing that cannot be buffed out.
It is very reliable. I have had my car over 9 years and nothing has ever happened. My car has not even broke down.
It's reliable. I have had quite a few problems with the ABS light coming on. And other things. It's good for traveling.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology in the 2009 Ford Explorer is good for the model year. You’ve got your usual CD/MP3 player, and the high-end models come with Bluetooth hands-free.
Safety technology in the 2009 Explorer is, likewise, good for the model year. You’ve got anti-lock brakes, trailer sway control, stability control, everything you need to drive and tow safely.
Is the 2009 Ford Explorer a Good Value?
The 2009 Ford Explorer is a good value if you can find one with low miles. An XLT usually lists for around $6,009, while a high-end Limited typically goes for around $7,357. These are fair prices for a 2009 SUV.
Cost of ownership is moderate. The Explorer is a bit pricier to repair than some SUVs, but not by a wide margin. It’s not the most fuel-efficient SUV on the market, but it’s not terrible. The main concern is longevity. If you buy a model with 150,000 miles on it, it might only have another 50,000 to go, so you have to consider if that’s worth six grand to you.
What are the Different Models of the 2009 Ford Explorer?
The 2009 Explorer is offered in three trims, from the base XLT to the high-end Limited.
With the entry-level XLT you’re getting:
- Cloth seating
- Anti-lock brakes and traction control
- Manual air conditioning
- CD/MP3 player Fog lights
The mid-range Eddie Bauer adds:
- Leather seating
- Heated front seats
- 10-way power adjust driver seat
With the top-of-the-line Limited you add:
- Dual zone automatic air conditioning
- Heated mirrors
- Parking assist
What Engines Come In the 2009 Ford Explorer?
The Explorer packs a 4.6L V6 engine delivering 292 horsepower and 315 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission in all wheel drive, it averages 14/19 miles to the gallon, city/highway, and it can tow up to 5,375 pounds, depending on your equipment.
What Colors Does the 2009 Ford Explorer Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2009 Ford Explorer?
The 2009 Explorer is one of the more spacious SUVs in its class, offering 55 inches of hip room and ample head and leg space. Suspension rides easy, absorbing rough roads without feeling rigid. The only issue: Some of the interior trim materials feel cheap.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2009 Ford Explorer Have?
The 2009 Explorer offers 13 cubic feet of cargo space with all the seats up, and up to 86 cubic feet with all the seats folded down. To start with, this gives you as much space as a mid-size sedan for about five medium suitcases. With the seats down you’re competing with small cargo vans.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
2009 was the second to last model year for the 4th Generation Ford Explorer, which ran from 2006 to 2010.
2007: Auxiliary input jacks and revised door handles were new for 2007.
2008: SYNC hands-free entertainment was added in 2008.
2009: Trailer sway control was made standard in 2009.
2010: There were no big changes for 2010.
2011: The truck-like design was dropped for 2011, replacing it with a body-on-frame car-based, front wheel drive build, ushering in the crossover era for the Ford Explorer. This makes the 2010 edition the last of its kind.
How Does the 2009 Ford Explorer Compare to the Competition?
The Explorer beats the Honda Pilot for 2009, as the usually-reliable Honda SUV saw a long list of braking and engine issues for this model year where the Explorer was relatively dependable.
A 2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer offers up to 390 horsepower and generous standard features, and it’s priced to move, with the entry-level LT typically listing for around $6,724. The TrailBlazer is expected to last about as long as an Explorer before the first major repair.
Choosing a TrailBlazer vs. an Explorer may ultimately be a matter of preference, but the Chevy’s wider range of engine options may be the tie breaker for many drivers, while the Explorer’s slightly lower price may tip the scales in Ford’s favor for others.
Do Owners Recommend the 2009 Ford Explorer?
Yes. Durable and lasting pretty good. A few things that had to be fixed since I bought it but nothing too crazy.
Yes, it is a good running vehicle and is very dependable in the winter and summer. I live in the Up where winters are brutal and it has not let me down.
Yes, as it very fitting for my family and myself, all wheel drive. It works well in all kinds of weathers. Beautiful look, as well.
Yes it is. It is very roomy. Features are awesome. It drives so smooth. Speakers are loud. Heated seats. What more can you really ask for.
It's okay. I've had a few issues with the abs light and a sensor. It's good for traveling. It's very roomy. One of the back seats motor is bad and needs to be replaced.
