2010 Ford Explorer Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010
Crash Test Rating
Source   NHTSA
MPG (up to)
13 -14 City / 19 HWY
Source FuelEconomy.gov
Horsepower
210 -292
Seats
5 -7
Front passenger 3/4 w/ wheels turned.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Regina S
It is a nice car and we have put a lot of time, energy and money into fixing it up.
I like it because it sits up like a truck. Big cargo space. Hold 7 people. No current complaints. I like it.
accountCircle Sandra P
It is paid in full. If you take it I will hunt you down.
It is big and rides good is what I like about it. What I do not like about it is that I have had to change the transmission.
accountCircle Molly R
We nicknamed our Explorer 'The Beast'
We purchased our Explorer used in 2014, since then we have not had any major issues, other than normal wear and tear. We have 4 children, each of which have their own activities, meaning driving all over the city is almost a daily occurrence. The Explorer remains reliable. I plan to keep it as long as I can.
accountCircle Ken W
Dependable vehicle has been a blessing and this Ford Explorer has been one.
We purchased a vehicle in 2017. Since the purchase we've been apartment thousand dollars on repairs on a used vehicle. Reverend we have had no major problems that it's taking over one day to be repair. The previous online evidently had been taken care of the vehicle pretty well. Vehicle was purchased from a used car lot and it has been reliable
accountCircle Georgia M
Ford Explorer very comfortable as well as heavy duty.
No problem. Been driving this vehicle since 2013. Been very pleased. Bought this vehicle because was in an accident in an Explorer & felt it saved my husbands life. The weight of a cement truck was held off my husband by the frame of previous Ford Explorer therefore insisted on having the same make & model just newer year. This vehicle has taken me many reliable miles in taking care of my family.
accountCircle Michael P
Just enjoy driving it and shopping in it.
Love the size and room inside. Love the 4 doors and rear cargo area. Drives stable and easy. Brakes well. Vision from the side doors could be slight better. Looks good in about any color. Like the wheel styles. Like that ford dealers are about in every city.
accountCircle Barbara M
It's has heated seats air and is all around very comfortable
I have no complaint I have moonroof heated seats xm radio bad thing light interior needs cleaning weekly
accountCircle Gary D
It good to drive and safe to drive
I like that I sit up high and can see the road better. Plus I like the GPS and the seats

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Ice
Nothing
I have a 2010 Ford explorer it's in limp in mode and it's a 4.0. I can't find out how to fix it. It has info on every other year and on the 4.6 but not mine. So no I won't get another.
accountCircle Matt M
Seats seven, many front end problems
Many performance issues, dash lights on often, numerous front end problems, poor gas mileage, seats seven comfortably, storage space is limited with seven passengers, front bucket seats are comfortable, good heat and a/c, 4 wheel drive is dependable,
accountCircle Roger F
It sucks, but gets me down the road.
Engine has no power. Four wheel drive is okay. Fuel mileage is horrible. No third row seating. Handling is an issue where the vehicle is too top heavy. Heater works good. Air conditioner has issues from time to time. Lights in the dashboard and radio only work about half of the time.
accountCircle Heather C
Too small and not enough air to support a seven passenger vehicle.
There are not air vents for the third row seats. The air vents in the second row are very small. When the third row seats are in use there is not enough trunk space. The air does not blow out very strong. Whenever you drive up a hill the air pressure decreases.
accountCircle Judi M
It is great for highway driving but lousy for snow country.
Like the extras. It has AWD but doesn't do well in snow, plus it has over size tires on it that are just too big. No good in the snow!
accountCircle Amy B
Reliable transportation to where I need to be
My 2010 explorer has held up pretty well. The only major issue that I have had with it is transmission problem and had it fixed and had done well since then. It's the basic model so really no extra bells and whistles. It gets me to where I need to be and is reliable
accountCircle Misty S
A pain in the behind, when it comes to repairs
Good for small family. Not as big or roomy for being a 3rd row seat. Had some issues with heater/ac and interlock ignition switch. Transmissions are not that good. Gas mileage is bad. Sunroof has leaked water. Good thing is no rust, and fits 2 car seats on the middle seat.
accountCircle Megan L
Okay Car. Good on gas but questionable performance
I had to get the ignition changed, difficulties starting it. Its noisy, but has enough space for my family and has good gas mileage. Sometimes I question its overall performance, it shakes and makes weird noises. But, overall very reliable. It is not a luxury vehicle and is not extremely comfortable, but is nice enough.

Ford Explorer Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

car
XLT Sport
210 HP 15 MPG 5 Seats
car
XLT
210 HP 16 MPG 5 Seats
car
Limited Sport
210-292 HP 15-16 MPG 5 Seats
car
Eddie Bauer
210-292 HP 16-16 MPG 6-7 Seats
car
Limited
210-292 HP 16-16 MPG 6-7 Seats
Photos may not match model

2010 Ford Explorer Owner Reviews

4.29
278 Reviews
close Write Review
5 stars 49%
4 stars 35%
3 stars 15%
2 stars 1%
1 star 0%
accountCircle Jennifer S on June 14, 2021
Sport trac model is a solid light truck with passenger room.
This is a baseline vehicle that is fairly solid. I like the absence of carpet as I use it as a light work truck. The most irritating issue it's had is the actuator for the vent controls has broken and is expensive to fix properly due to requiring the dash to be fully removed. We have made our own adaptive fix but it is not the best. I have put over 150,000 miles on it and the biggest repairs have been to replace shocks/struts. This has been a very good purchase. If I had a wish, it would either be to have better gas mileage or more towing capacity.
accountCircle Kris J on June 10, 2021
Great little SUV! Perfect for a sports mom.
It is a very reliable. I have had no major issues, only minor. It is a little cramped on the inside and does not have a lot of legroom. The back lift gate repeatedly comes unsealed and leaks when it rains. However I love the room in the back when the seats are folded. Fits full sized strollers and plenty of groceries.
View All Reviews (278) chevronRightAlternative

Pros from Owners

likeFilled Dustin W.

Lots of room for driver and passengers, and storing, nice set up for driver and passengers. Automatic everything including fold down seats. Nice strong engine. Tow/haul and traction control. I do like the trim package and rims and tires on this vehicle.

likeFilled Anthony P.

A truck is easy to work on from maintenance, but with the advanced year of it since it is a couple years old like 10 years old, it is harder to get the right parts in and out by aftermarket parts. So I am looking upgrade within the next year.

likeFilled Deidra S.

It is a very comfortable family vehicle that is great for traveling. There's lots of storage and fun extra features. It also drives really smooth and is really fun to drive, even on long trips. The body style is masculine, but still universally appealing, and looks like it means business.

Cons from Owners

dislikeFilled Dustin W.

I do not like the color options for this vehicle, I do not like that the front seat passenger side window came without tint, I am not particularly pleased with the fuel mileage, have had issues with the rear defroster and rear windshield wiper which currently do not work, the side panels underneath under driver and passenger doors are rusting pretty significantly.

dislikeFilled Anthony P.

Vehicles getting old it is 10 years old now, so I am looking to upgrade to a newer model in the next year or so. Hopefully the same brand if I can get a good deals probably going to be a used vehicle, but it just possibly might be a new one.

dislikeFilled Deidra S.

The vehicle is very large compared to a car or other smaller vehicle. This can be a hindrance to people who are short or do not feel comfortable driving a larger vehicle. It also means that it does not get the best gas mileage and can be hard to maneuver in tight spaces.

Ranks #6 Full Size SUV by Owners

The 2010 Ford Explorer has an average owner rating of 4.43 out of 5 which ranks it #6 of 8 other Full Size SUVs.

1
car
2010 Toyota Sequoia
4.52
2
car
2010 Nissan Armada
4.51
6
car
2010 Ford Explorer
4.29

Ranks #3 Full Size SUV by Fuel Economy

The 2010 Ford Explorer has a combined MPG of 21 which ranks it #3 of 8 other Full Size SUVs.

1
car
2010 Chevrolet Traverse
23 MPG
2
Tie
car
2010 GMC Yukon
20 MPG
3
car
2010 Ford Explorer
19 MPG

Is The 2010 Ford Explorer A Good Car?

Yes. It is a great vehicle for the Alaskan roads and safe for my kids. I like that I do not have to worry about getting stuck.
Emma T.
Yes, excellent! 4 wheel drive is very important and works great. Still in great shape after almost 10 years!
molly R.
Yes it is a very reliable vehicle it is the best car I have ever owned I love that it has 3rd row seating so I can have room for all my kiddos and a couple of their friends and the 4 wheel drive works... Read More
Amanda D.
It fulfills my daily needs as well as my recreation goals. Decent gas mileage and durable. I would purchase again.
John L.
I think it is a very good vehicle. I have not had any major problems with mine I've had very good luck with ford vehicles.
Mary D.
I love it. It is dependable, roomy and a really nice ride. I have been driving this vehicle for 7 years now. Other than regular maintenance this vehicle has not had to have any service. I can count on... Read More
Bev H.
Yes it's a great family vehicle and rides well with pretty good gas mileage it's roomy and comfortable
Michael L.
Absolutely. Very reliable. Very comfortable it has been exceptional. Great gas mileage I’ve. Even driving it for 6 years & the maintenance has been minimal
Kinda D.

How Reliable Is The 2010 Ford Explorer?

It is reliable. I haven't had any problems with it. It is this reliability that makes me want to keep it.
Emma T.
Lights could be a little brighter and it could have updated screen capabilities and it does not have great gas mileage.
molly R.
Yes it is very reliable all I have ever done is basic maintenance and no problems I have never been stranded on the side of the road in this vehicle.
Amanda D.
With over 150,000 thousand miles and no major complications I consider the vehicle to be very relatable especially for the price.
John L.
I've only had minor problems, it is 9 years old so that is to be expected. This is the 3rd ford I have owned, my other 2 vehicles ran well over two hundred thousand miles on the odometer.
Mary D.
The ford explorer XLT is very reliable. I have the oil changed as recommended and other routine maintenance performed but other than that it has not spent any time in the shop for anything out of the... Read More
Bev H.
Res it currently doesn't have any problems with the motor the only problem is sometimes when in party the gear shift gets stuck
Michael C.
Very reliable. Absolutely no problems. I was in a bad accident in 2012. A cement truck turned over on my 2002 Ford Explorer. & I knew at that time my next vehicle would be a Ford Explorer
Brenda W.

Is The 2010 Ford Explorer A Good Value?

I got it used for $15,000. I believe this is a good value and I have enjoyed this vehicle a lot. Thank you.
Emma T.
Yes, excellent value. Still working well after 10 years and has not had very many repairs. It also includes lots of good features like heated seats and Bluetooth.
molly R.
It was a little bit more expensive than we wanted but it was worth every penny it met all of our needs and then some.
Amanda D.
I bought it used at a very decent price so I consider it to be a very good value especially with the high cost of other SUVs.
John L.
I paid 4500 dollars for mine and yes it is very good value. I will definitely purchase another ford vehicle, or at least it will be in the running.
Mary D.
The fair market value of this used car according to Kelly blue book is about $8000. I see several listed for the approximate same mileage as is on my vehicle (130,000) for between $11,000 and $12,000.... Read More
Bev H.
7500 yes because of the basic ferries it brings to a family vehicle and how comfortable and affordable it is with gas
Sergio G.
Mine was bought used & I do not remember the cost. But I've never been disappointed. However much it cost I would gladly buy it over again & will definitely buy another explorer in the future.
Jenny K.

Related Articles for 2010 Ford Explorer

From the Vehicle History blog

car
Ford Explorer Cargo Space
car
Ford Explorer ST Specs: Worth the Extra Price?

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my 2010 Ford Explorer gas gauge not working?

Answer: The 2010 Ford Explorer gas gauge not working causes are loose fuse or faulty float unit. Vehicle parts will eventually become ineffective. The fuel filter needs to be replaced every 30,000 miles or so. If it...

What's the 2010 Ford Explorer obd port location?

Answer: The 2010 Ford Explorer OBD port is located under and to the left of the steering wheel. OBD-II is an onboard computer that monitors emissions, mileage, speed, and other data about Your car. It's connected to...

What type of antifreeze does my 2010 Ford Explorer use?

Answer: The type of antifreeze the 2010 Ford Explorer uses is Yellow 50/50. The coolant needs to be changed every 60,000 miles or so. Your air filter needs to be changed every 15,000 to 30,000 miles or so. The spark...

Where is the 2010 ford explorer transmission dipstick located?

Answer: The 2010 Ford Explorer does not have an oil dipstick and has a way of testing the oil in the infotainment device settings menu instead. To do this, go to the "vehicle Info" button on the main menu and then...

Does the 2010 ford explorer sport trac have adrenal problems?

Answer: The 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Adrenal offers a ton of different functionalities, and builds upon the original Explorer Sport Trac model. It is slightly larger, with up to 30 percent more cargo hold...
openInNew See all Frequently Asked Questions

Answers are provided by third parties. We do not guarantee accuracy of responses

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Logo
NHTSA Crash Test

Overall

Front

Rollover

Side

*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
IIHS Logo
IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front

Side

Roof Strength

Not Rated

Driver-side Overlap Front

Not Rated
*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety