2013 Ford Explorer Review: An Updated SUV With Some Owner Complaints

Alex Showalter
Jan 22, 2022

The 2013 Ford Explorer is a full size SUV with a price range of $13,427 to $19,463. Pricing is better than the competitors, but a high cost of ownership and more problems make upgrading to the 2014 a better choice.

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likeFilled The Good
An upscale interior for the price, good fuel economy with the optional 4-cylinder engine, and an excellent ride with a smooth suspension.
dislikeFilled The Bad
The third row is very cramped for passengers, there’s less cargo space than other SUVs, and there are long-term reliability concerns with the engines.

2013 Ford Explorer: Quick Overview

  • New features for the 2013 model year include the introduction of the Sport model with the EcoBoost V6, and updates to Ford’s Sync infotainment system.
  • Reliability ratings are worse than the competition, according to J.D. Power, with more complaints than other SUVs.
  • Three engines are available including an efficient four-cylinder, and powerful turbo V6.
  • Fuel efficiency is better than other full-size SUVs, with a combined rating of up to 23 miles per gallon.
  • Safety ratings are excellent, with a five-star rating in government crash tests and earning the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick award.
  • The 2013 Explorer ties for 5th place out of nine full-size SUVs based on owner reviews. There’s not as much space as some competitors, but the smooth suspension and car-like driving experience help the Explorer stand out.

Expert Ratings

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Jessica D
Rides very smoothly, and does not bounce around.
I love how roomy the SUV is, very reliable, comfortable seating, clear sound. Performs very well. Pulls great even towing my camper. Very quiet when running. Not horrible on gas mileage. Has a lot of room for 7 people and there is still plenty of storage space.
accountCircle Joy H
Perfect size and love the sunroof
I love the roomy feel and comfort of the Ford Explorer. It's perfect for a small family and it rides with ease. So far no problems.
accountCircle Janet S
It rides good and free hand phone.
It is hard to get something between the seats when something falls between them. I love the back up camera and navigation. I like the plug ins for my phone and iPad.
accountCircle Michael B
Best SUV ever for the price, a great family car.
It's really comfortable and. Gets excellent gas mileage l, it fits 7 people and 2 dogs, its towing package is impressive and the GPS is spot on, the sound system cannot be beat either, it has wonderful bass and all the controls are right. At your fingertips.
accountCircle karen t
The handling is surprisingly fantastic and makes you look while driving
Great handling. Good power. Nice lines. Decent mileage for 90% of the time
accountCircle Danielle B
Good on gas, smooth ride..
Third row seating, navigation, leather seats with front warmers. Cannot turn back seat over head light off unless the door are shut.
accountCircle Julie K
This car is great for large families.
I love my Explorer, with three kids and two dogs it has enough room for everyone. We also have enough room to fit a huge car seat in the back seat. Runs great. Is not bad on gas. Is great for long trips. We take 4 hour trips often to see family and everyone is happy and comfortable. The only thing I do not like is the way the seats fold down to get to the third row. All the do is fold down and you have to climb on top of the seat. Most of the time the kids just crawl through the back.
accountCircle Alicia F
Double sunroof Ford Explorer with 3rd row.
I had to have my sunroof worked on but my car has been amazing. It drives very well. The 3rd row is nice and the trunk space is great too. When the 3rd row is up there is still decent trunk space and when you put the 3rd row down there is a lot of trunk space.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Kearston M
Do not buy this hunk of garbage.
Problems-mechanical and cosmetic. Door handles have been replaced three times. Both catalytic converters went out at 70,000 miles, trouble with tires and I do not drive that much. Drive shaft and both struts were replaced on front at only 120,000 miles.
accountCircle Eylyka Ford
Not a SUV anymore.
In 2012 I traded in an ‘02 Explorer I had bought new for a new 2013 Explorer. I was in a hurry and I didn’t think I’d need to try it out before making the deal because I liked the old one so much. I can’t tell you how sick I was when I drove it home. It was a hasty deal and I had to leave on business the next morning for several days so I couldn’t just take it back the next day and say, “Oops”. I’m 5’ 5” tall and I could hardly see out the windows in front or to the sides. It felt like I was sitting on the floor and the seat would not raise high enough to make much difference. Backing up without the camera is almost impossible and very dangerous. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the backup camera and that was the 2nd biggest mistake I’d made with the purchase. After many near misses, and too many bumps into things that could not be seen, even in the rear view mirrors, I took a financial loss and traded it in on a 2014 F-150 super crew. The vehicle sat so low, there was no view of the road at all like I always had in the ‘02. It felt like I was scraping the highway when driving down the road and getting out of it is like crawling out of the smallest car I ever sat in. Instead of stepping down from the seat, you have to pull yourself up. The ground is right there when you open the door. You can reach down and touch the pavement. That’s why you don’t see them with side steps like I had on the 02. Also, there is no room inside like the old one had. I travel a lot and I never had an issue with getting what I needed in the old one, but I found out quick the 2013 couldn’t hold half as much stuff in an orderly way. The headlights were worse than the 2002 headlights. I don’t think they were LEDs because they were so dim I expected them to be as good or better than an 11 year old model. I knew it was a totally different style than the 2002 model but I didn’t know it had turned into a Mini Cooper. I asked a cop how he liked the one he was driving and he referred to it as a pregnant Pinto.
accountCircle Kevin Marshall
Water Pump
My 2013 Ford Explorer is lookingengine coolant. Ford charge me $200 for a die test. Then quoted me $2500 for a water pump. Then told me my transmission was also failing. I just paid this truck off last month.?????? I couldn’t select 0 stars so I had to select at least 1 star to post. I will never buy, lease, rent, or refer anyone to ANY Ford vehicle, dealership, or anyone who supports. I’ve been researching, FORD has been using this part in Ford vehicles for years. They know they are ripping people off. ?
accountCircle Susan
Junk
Not only does this car have poor headlights that you can not see at night, it has galvanic corrosion on the hood where the paint bubbles on the aluminum, a Ford problem that they will not fix, plus the ecoboost is trash and at 70,000 needed the turbo replaced. The car is very underpowered, I can't imagine driving with 8 people, luckily only 1 person in the car.
accountCircle Brian A
Fix or repair daily. The truck worked until 100k, then it fell apart.
Various electrical and mechanical problems. Some issue is always popping up. Issues with the heat which quit on me in the middle of winter, after working intermittently, power steering locking up and costing over $800 to repair, overheating due to a faulty sensor, various leaks, alignment issues that needed a $600 fix, tire pressure monitoring system gone bad.
accountCircle Tr L
Great mileage on gas usage. Last you plenty of years.
It had a fuel line leak that took over 3 weeks to fix a month after we purchased it. The auto start does not work correctly. It smells like fuel or something like fuel when it is turned on.
accountCircle Theresa B
Water leakage coming from where?
Water leakage somewhere in the inside. I have had it to the garage shortly after it was bought and now again a year later. Other than that it is good.
accountCircle Devan M
I would not buy another ford. Especially not a Ford Explorer.
There is so much maintenance to be done on it. It costs me so much money to have it fixed by the dealer.

What Problems Does the 2013 Ford Explorer have?

The 2013 Ford Explorer’s problems include 11 recalls, over 1,450 complaints, and a notorious six-speed automatic transmission. The 2013 Explorer has more owner complaints than other full-size SUVs, and is a bad choice for shoppers. There are significantly more problems than the 2014 model, making the extra $1,000 to upgrade worth the cost.

Paint bubbling on the hood is the most common complaint owners have. The only way to solve the problem is to repaint the hood, which can cost over $1,200 depending on local labor rates.

Windshield trim problems are also widespread on the 2013 model. Replacing the trim is the only solution, and costs about $400.

Exhaust odors in the cabin are frequent complaints across all Explorer models. Usually, an exhaust leak, or HVAC system issue causes the smell, and repairing either costs about $800.

There are 11 recalls, which is worse than other SUVs from 2013. The recalls include fuel tank leaks, fuel delivery module leaks, child safety locks, electric power steering, interior door handles, hub bearings, and the rear suspension toe links. Most serious are fuel issues since they can lead to a fire in the event of an accident.

What are the Prices, Models & Specs?

The 2013 Ford Explorer’s four trims offer everything from an uncomplicated base model to a luxurious and sporty range-topper. The 2013 Explorer is more affordable than other full-size SUVs, with a price range of $13,427 to $19,463 depending on the mileage and model. When new, the price range was $32,925 to $54,600. Depreciation is worse than other SUVs, dropping about 50% in value over the first five years.

  • Base is the entry-level model with 17-inch steel wheels, cloth seating, a 6-way power driver’s seat, and a six-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo system with AUX connectivity.
  • XLT is in the middle of the lineup with 18-inch alloy wheels, leather steering wheel, keyless entry pad, Sync infotainment, USB connectivity, rearview camera, dual-zone climate control, and a nine-speaker stereo system.
  • Limited is a luxury model with 20-inch wheels, keyless entry, and ignition, remote start, leather seating, a power liftgate, ventilated front seats, navigation system, and adaptive cruise control.
  • Sport focuses on performance with the EcoBoost V6, cloth insert seating, unique 20-inch wheels, and a sport-tuned suspension.
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How Long Will the 2013 Ford Explorer Last?

A properly maintained 2013 Ford Explorer will last over 200,000 miles, which is lower than average for an SUV. Annual maintenance is more expensive than the competition. Repair Pal estimates the costs to be $814 per year.

accountCircle Andrea S

Yes it has been a very reliable vehicle other than a few problems. We have had issues with the ac compressor and also the ball joints in the front end.

accountCircle Brooke Z

Yes it is reliable with no problems. There is a crack in the windshield but the engine and transmission runs smooth.

accountCircle Sara B

It has been reliable for sure! Minor body work. Interior deteriorating fast as mentioned in previous comments.

accountCircle Naomy m

Nope like I said we have never had an issue with the vehicle since we have had it. We absolutely love it and will continue to use it for most of our traveling.

accountCircle Jake C

I have had a small issue with the sunroof leaking water, and there have been a couple recall to fix safety concerns.

accountCircle Susan W

Yes it is. It runs good. It is a good size which helps with driving. It has good power and breaking ability.

accountCircle Mindy M

Yes. I haven't had any mechanical issues with my vehicle since I bought it a year ago. It is great I love it.

accountCircle George M

It is a very reliable vehicle. I have only had to do routine maintenance on the vehicle. I would highly recommend it.

What Technology & Safety Features are Included?

Technology is improved in the 2013 Explorer over the 2012 model, with the addition of the latest Sync software.

  • Base technology includes a standard AM/FM/CD stereo system with six speakers, and an AUX input.
  • Upgrades include an eight-inch Sync infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, navigation, and a nine-speaker stereo system.
  • Standard safety features include antilock brakes, airbags, traction and stability control, and trailer sway control. Options include a blind-spot warning system, collision warning, brake support, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.

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What Engine Options are Available?

The 2013 Ford Explorer’s engine options include V6 with twin turbochargers and up to 365 horsepower. Performance is excellent on the 2013 Explorer Sport model, going from 0 to 60 in 5.7 seconds. The towing capacity is lower than other full-size SUVs, with a maximum weight rating of 5,000 pounds.

  • The base engine is a 3.5L V6 with 290 horsepower.
  • A fuel-efficient 2.0L four-cylinder turbo is available and has 240 horsepower.
  • The most powerful engine found in the Sport model is the 3.5L V6 turbo, which produces 350 horsepower.

What Color Options are Available?

How Big is the Explorer?

The 2013 Ford Explorer is slightly smaller than other full-size SUVs. Passenger space is good in the first and second row, but legroom is cramped in the third row and is best suited for children. There’s less cargo space than other full-size competitors, with 21 cu. ft. of space behind the third row, 43.8 behind the second, and a maximum of 80.7 with all the seats folded flat. The cargo area easily fits five suitcases.

Centered wide dash shot

How Does the 2013 Ford Explorer Compare to Other SUVs?

Tying for 5th place out of nine full-size SUVs, based on owner reviews, the 2013 Explorer is in the middle of the class.

In the first place is the more expensive GMC Yukon. The Yukon offers more cargo space, a luxurious interior, and powerful V8 engine choices with a higher towing capacity. The Explorer is a more comfortable SUV with a smoother suspension, and has up-to-date technology. Overall, the Yukon is better if you need to haul more people and equipment.

Another competitor is the Toyota Sequoia, which is also more expensive. Reliability ratings and passenger space are better in the Sequoia. Where the Explorer wins out is with a more luxurious interior, and better infotainment system. If you want a long-lasting three-row SUV, the Sequoia is the winner between the two.

Ranks #5 Full Size SUV by Owners

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4.56
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4.44

Final Verdict: Is the 2013 Ford Explorer a Good SUV?

No, the 2013 Ford Explorer is not a good SUV based on information from 682 owner reviews, and 16 government and automotive websites. Positives include technology updates, and a nice interior for the price. Where the 2013 model falls short is with more problems than other years, and a lower towing capacity than other full-size SUVs. If you’re in the market for an Explorer, go with a 2014 or newer model since they have fewer issues.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Floy B on June 24, 2021
Comfortable for road trips!
Has a lot of space, very comfortable. Has been very reliable on our road trips. The only thing we have had issues with is the Bluetooth connection. Drives smooth, third row is very convenient as well and gives more trunk space when not in use. Would highly recommend!
accountCircle Ron K on June 22, 2021
Good family SUV, good power and gas mileage for a 4x4.
Very comfortable vehicle, nice interior, great for families, third row seating tailgating function is nice. Good power and handling. My biggest complaints are that the cargo lighting is a single led ceiling mounted and it is very anemic. Additionally, there is no courtesy light at all under the hood. This is either a horrible oversight or perhaps something intentionally omitted to prevent you from poking around under there. But it is very cumbersome to check or add fluids after dark, even at gas stations and such. Also the antenna on the. Roof is right in the middle and makes it difficult to gault things like plywood or drywall on the roof rack. Brakes could be upgraded and I intend to do so soon.
accountCircle Diane B on June 16, 2021
Ford explorer. A decent SUV.
For the most part, I have loved owning the ford explorer. The exterior look and quality is above average. There have been some issues I have had such as the door lock mechanism being faulty and the rear air conditioning leaking. I would recommend this model but if I had to do it again, I'd spring for the rear camera.
accountCircle Robin J on June 8, 2021
Explorers are great! They are the perfect family vehicle.
I have never had a problem. It fits lots of people and drives like a car. My white ford has a tight turning radius. This makes parking easy. I love the backup cameras, this also makes parking an easier task. The third row seating folds down so I can fit my groceries easily along with the rest of my family.
accountCircle Aftab A on May 30, 2021
Ford is the best car company.
My vehicle is the best vehicle of all time no exacerbation. It is runs so amazing. It is really rehabilitation in the snow, the rain, and normal weather. I would recommend anyone who is looking for a really good car to drive everyday for work to buy this car no matter what other car pops up. It is just a super beast.
accountCircle Ali L on May 19, 2021
Good SUV for reasonable price.
The downsides are that it is small on the inside once car seats are in it. Especially when a car seat is rear facing. Another downside is that it has horrible blind spots while driving. One more thing that is small but still aggravating is that the back up camera stops working. It is a nice feature to have and once you get used to it, it is difficult to not have it, especially with the before mentioned blind spots. As far as performance goes, it has a very nice get up and go for a grocery getter vehicle. I believe it is extremely reliable considering mine has over 150,000 miles on it and has yet to let me down. As far as comfort goes, the ride is very smooth however there are a couple of details that are not perfect. For example the head rest is pushed too far forward. Another small detail is that mine specifically didn’t come with heated seats, not that big of a deal since the interior is cloth, but it would have been nice.
accountCircle Aimee T on May 18, 2021
It is a great, roomy family vehicle.
It is very roomy and wide. The back could have more storage. I love the rear view camera. The heated seats are a must have in the winter. The seats easily recline. I like the fabric of the seats, it's great for messy kids and pets, you can clean them easy.
accountCircle James B on May 16, 2021
Comfortable, reliable - lots of bells and whistles.
My explorer is comfortable, made with taller, larger people in mind. Some of our favorite features are the heated leather seats, heated, steering wheel and large display for the GPS, comfort controls and entertainment options. Includes Sirius XM, Bluetooth, USB. Has a solid hands free platform. Mostly regular maintenance but had an issue with the ac and some alignment issues causing increased tire wear. Mostly due to the age of the vehicle/mileage. We are at 195,000 miles. Good in snow with all wheel drive but not as good as older explorers that we have owned that are true for wheel drive. Electronically operated third row seat had been versatile.
accountCircle Ally J on May 11, 2021
2013 ford explorer limited.
The front seats are extremely user friendly, everything adjusts, including wheel and pedals for driver side and seats have memory settings. The steering wheel and front seats have warning and seats also have cooling option. There's a double sunroof, love the extra light, feels very safe while driving, can handle different terrain and climates/ consortia & conditions well.
accountCircle Nathan F on May 4, 2021
Turn radius of this car is extremely impressive.
Easy to drive but always has issues with the ac unit. One side works while the other does not and the engine light comes on even when there is no issue at all. The Microsoft technology installed for hands free is useless as it glitches almost every day while driving.
accountCircle Teresa D on May 3, 2021
Pluses about owning a ford explorer.
It is very comfortable to ride in and drive. Smooth riding and easy handling. Gets good gas mileage. It is very reliable and quiet. Plenty of room for all passengers. I love the heated seats and the satellite radio. I also love how the different ways the two back rows of seats fold down.
accountCircle Mariah N on May 3, 2021
Great vehicle by ford motors.
Great gas mileage, love the room especially for little kids. Performance is good, I can take it up the mountains for camping and fishing. AWD works easy and amazing. I like when the oil is low and I need to have it changed. Drives great and smooth. Love this vehicle.
accountCircle Melissa O on May 2, 2021
Spacious and reliable vehicle.
The explorer is extremely spacious and great on all terrain. I have had very few issues with it in the time I have owned it. The thing I love the most about the explorer is the fold down third row seating. One complaint I have about it is the paint job. About two years after purchasing the vehicle the paint began bubbling on the hood and had since starting chipping off the entire front of the hood.
accountCircle Melissa Y on April 30, 2021
Long lasting vehicle great for families.
What I like about my explorer is the how comfortable it is. It has Bluetooth, power windows and locks. It has plenty of seating for my large family. It does need shock and struts and the brakes sometimes grind, but I had it checked and there is nothing wrong with them. My explorer has almost 200,00 miles on it and I think I will be able to drive it more many more. I keep the oil changed and hopefully I can afford to fix the shocks and struts at some point.
accountCircle Ash C on April 27, 2021
I will never purchase another vehicle! Love my explorer!
Love my explorer! It is very spacious and accommodates our entire family. The back has an option for third row seating and folds down which fits my two German shepherds very comfortably. The dash is all electronic and has tons of personalization options.
accountCircle Soledad A on April 27, 2021
Great family orientated vehicle.
Really enjoy how drivable my explorer is in the winter never have a problem getting anywhere in the winter months. Feel very secure especially when driving the kids to school. Very spacious when taking trips. Gas mileage cannot complain. Vehicle is very reliable and cost effective.
accountCircle Mark P on April 26, 2021
Very roomy. I have had maintenance issues.
I have had some issues with my explorer. On two occasions I have had electrical problems. Vehicle had to be towed in. I have had issues with the windshield washer on two occasions. The seat and console coverings have not held up well. I have had console covering replaced twice. I now have seat covers on the front seats. Molding on front of vehicle has came unfastened on several occasions.
accountCircle Sarah O on April 24, 2021
Quality vehicle with lots of space!
I went from a Honda civic to a ford explorer when I had my son and I love it! The leather seats are nice, the third row seating is super convenient. Mine also came with the LCD screen where I can control the air and radio. It is really spacey and comfortable. I love this vehicle.
accountCircle Lori Y on April 24, 2021
Love my ford explorer XLT!
Have had no problems in the over 7 years I have had my explorer. Over 175,000 miles and only routine maintenance and tires. Roomy enough for family trips for 6 people. Love being able to put the 3rd row seats down for extra storage, makes it easier to haul larger items.
accountCircle Tiffany A on April 14, 2021
Highlights and also downfalls.
My explorer has been very dependable with lots of comfort features. I really enjoy the heated and cooled seats along with the ambient lighting for the cab. The third row seats are awesome when you need them, but everything stows away so easily and gives enough space to use the SUV like a truck. My only problems have been with the moon roof, I will not purchase a vehicle with one again. If you live around lots of trees and cannot garage your vehicle then the drain tubes clog, cause the roof to leak and short out the motor. Wasn't a cheap repair.
accountCircle Jessica D on April 8, 2021
Rides very smoothly, and does not bounce around.
I love how roomy the SUV is, very reliable, comfortable seating, clear sound. Performs very well. Pulls great even towing my camper. Very quiet when running. Not horrible on gas mileage. Has a lot of room for 7 people and there is still plenty of storage space.
accountCircle Pea M on April 3, 2021
The exciting and sheec 2013 Ford Explorer
It is the most reliable and comfortness exceeds expectations. It sits about seven passengers comfortably and a quiet ride. No complaints the few years I have owned the vehicle. It really is a luxury vehicle including towing package. I would buy another at a later date.
accountCircle Jennifer F on April 1, 2021
It is a great family vehicle.
I love the 3rd row seat, provides more room when we need it, but also when folded makes for more cargo room. The heated leather seats are nice in the winter months. I enjoy the navigation feature. I have had no problems in the years of driving this vehicle, I have only had to replace the battery.
accountCircle Sterling B on March 31, 2021
My 2013 ford explorer XLT.
It is a great vehicle. It needs new brake pads, but we recently got the oil changed and it runs great. It has good acceleration. Good handling. It is very reliable. It always sounds good when the engine is running. Looks great, it is a light olive green color. Has 3rd row seating. Heated front seats, and grade a sound system. Very good bass.
accountCircle Ruth H on March 31, 2021
This is a perfect car ideal for any situation.
The car rides smooth. I feel safe and protected while driving. Its spacious for my family and perfect for road trips. The seats can fold down and create a larger trunk space if needed to haul larger things. The back opening however is quite small and getting wide items can sometimes be difficult. The dashboard is neat and not overwhelming with buttons. The rear view camera is extremely helpful and accurate. Overall it's a great car and would definitely be interested in purchasing a new model once this one has given its all.
accountCircle Blake S on March 28, 2021
Great family car with awesome features.
Have had no major problems with our explorer. Minor issues with front bumper dragging and back up camera. Love the sunroof and all the extras. Leather held up well with 2 boys. Was a great family car. Gas mileage was pretty good - no complaints from me. Plenty of room for traveling.
accountCircle Suzanne P on March 26, 2021
Owner for 5 years. Still feels new.
I like how my car drives. I have had two other ford explorer years. It is needed standard upkeep since I bought it used like a new battery, brake pads, tires. The interior is comfortable and has features like Bluetooth, satellite radio, heated seats. It is mileage is decent.
accountCircle Sam K on March 22, 2021
Excellent explorer so far.
It handles very well in the winter weather. I like the electric features. My vehicle has 150k miles and it still runs great. Maintenance is easy. There is plenty of room in my vehicle for my whole family. I like that the third row drops down leaving tons of storage space. I never have problems fitting anything in my vehicle.
accountCircle Tamara V on March 20, 2021
Overall reliable car, minor inconveniences.
Automatic seat control broke about 60k miles in. The car has been reliable with no major issues. Love the full sunroof! Great experience with the technology in the car (GPS, phone connection, music, etc). The fold down back seat wasn't as usable or spacious for how big the car is due to gaps between chairs when folded down.
accountCircle John D on March 17, 2021
Ford Explorer best of the best.
It is reliable and provides a lot of comport and it gets miles to gallon with it being a SUV. It also had heated seats which helps in the cooler months. I have very little problems with all years I have owned a ford. Wireless answering is pivotal when needing to Focus on the road.
accountCircle Bonnie G on March 17, 2021
The fact that the mirrors are set up to accompany the more difficult blind spot.
The vehicle has no major problems. The Explorer is extremely reliable and is consistent on gas mileage. The comfort is great in the 2013 base model, but with the newest models coming out every year the car has gotten more and more comfortable. The only slight issue I have with this vehicle is that the blind spot is a bit larger than most.
accountCircle Cody A on March 16, 2021
The eco boost is great, has plenty of get up and go and very roomy.
2013 Ford Explorer with the ecoboost is an amazing SUV. It has third row seating and plenty of room in the back for leg room storage just anything. I would highly recommend this six for a family car, the SUV gets great mileage on a long drive and even on a short drive to and from town it in a city.
accountCircle Kelly K on March 16, 2021
It is a reliable car and suits my family’s needs.
I enjoy my vehicle and it is features. The only thing I wish it had was more space for the third row. Adults cannot fit comfortably in the third row. I like the heated seats and the navigation system. The display is nice to have and easy to use. I wish the third row was easier to access. The release on the back seat is hard for kids to do.
accountCircle Amber R on March 16, 2021
Lots of room, fun to drive.
I love the car. It has a lot of room for my 3 kids! Even cargo space! It is a perfect car for me and my family.
accountCircle Jennifer D on March 16, 2021
It overheats because the radiator is cracked and needs to be replaced.
Needs radiator replacement, headlight reassembled, body damage fixed, oil changed, suspension fixed, brakes and brake pads need done, need new tires soon, overheats, catalytic converter needs replacement, fuse number 43 needs replaced.
accountCircle Nicole K on March 15, 2021
It has room for 7 people.
My car is a black Ford Explorer SUV. It has a third row of seats, rear temperature control, and several places to charge devices. I love my car because it is very roomy and has voice activated features. I have no complaints.
accountCircle Ashley T on March 15, 2021
Great everyday vehicle and for those weekend adventures.
I have had this explorer since 2013 and have not had any major issues with it except for regularly needing new brakes. I have had the opportunity to use all 3 rows but most of the time the 3rd row is folded down. We've also installed a great bike rack and am impressed with the towing capacity and am now looking at a small camping trailer to tow. So this vehicle has been excellent in providing both every day usage as well as our outdoor adventures. We also drove it cross-country and it performed great. I love the power that this explorer has. I do miss the height of my old explorer now but I am getting used to it.
accountCircle Allie R on March 14, 2021
Great family SUV, very spacious and comfortable.
I love how much space there is in the back and enjoy the option for a 3rd row. There is plenty of room for my family of 4. The GPS feature is great. The seats are comfortable and the heating source on the seats are wonderful. I have had no problems with this vehicle.
accountCircle Krista R on March 13, 2021
I love all the bells and whistles, heated seats voice activated features.
More than average problems. Electrical and transmission problems. Power steering went out some vehicles were part of a recall, mine was not. Several other recalls including problems with the exhaust. Average fuel economy was told it would be better.
accountCircle Christy B on March 11, 2021
Spacious third row seating with a moonroof which I absolutely love.
Spacious third row seating. Comfortable for all passengers and is good on gas. I can fill up my vehicle and go for about 350-375 miles before having to refill. I love the moonroof. This vehicle has a great amount of trunk space when the third row seat is let down.
accountCircle Jeff D on March 10, 2021
The ford explorer is a dependable vehicle for a family.
This 2013 ford xlt has really been a great vehicle. It has been a solid performer with minimal issues to date. The one issue I did experience was with the auto transfer/take off unit. This was under warranty and the dealership, which as the best I have worked with, took care of everything. Highly recommended.
accountCircle Katie H on March 9, 2021
Great car, plenty of room!
I love my explorer! For a four person family it had room for car seats. The third row is perfect for extra people and when it's not being used, the extra room in the trunk is great!
accountCircle Charles M on March 9, 2021
Good vehicle with a pain of an issue.
Love everything except for the fact that this year model came with the no gas cap feature which means that now it throws a code that says vapor system leak and we cannot get it inspected. Been at the dealer for three days and they are going to charge me to repair an issue caused by a Ford design flaw.
accountCircle Jessica H on March 9, 2021
Amazing family vehicle with lots of room for fun family trips!
I absolutely love the fact that both of the back rows lay down flat so that I have the space to transport whatever I want. It is awesome that the back two seats flipped backwards to become bucket seats in case I am tailgating… being able to control everything for my steering wheel is also helpful, it makes my driving safer because I never have to take my attention away from what I am doing.
accountCircle william b on March 6, 2021
It's an awesome ride,would not trade it for another vehicle
I love everything about it, all the room, the power,gas milage, and i feel comfortable when transporting anything
accountCircle Therese V on March 5, 2021
It is reliable. In 5 years it has not given us any problems.
We really like the dependability of the car. We've had it for 5 years now with no problems. We've had some issues with the comfort of the seats. If we do not get the seats adjusted just right we sometimes get back aches on long drives. Could be our age though.
accountCircle Christine B on March 5, 2021
My 2013 Ford Explorer is awesome.
My vehicle has hands free phone and a navigation system that is awesome. It also has heated seats, back up camera and power windows. It gets great gas mileage and dual a/c controls. It also has third row seating and a back up camera. The only things it does not have is a moonroof and cameras in the head rests.
accountCircle Stephen B on March 2, 2021
Luxury in a car that'll get you through the worst weather.
Love how it handles the snow! Dislike the cargo room! Has great optional equipment including Bluetooth connectivity.
accountCircle Erika P on March 1, 2021
Right side of exploring with an explorer.
Performance is great. Used for highway travel for work. The leather interior holds up well. I do not like the tan interior wish it was a different color. Fully loaded with extras. 4 wheel drive works excellent especially when in the snow belt. Great family vehicle everyone has their own space and can fit comfortably.
accountCircle melissa f on February 28, 2021
It's the right fit for my family. I love my vehicle.
Great vehicle for a family with young children. It's comfortable and has plenty of room. Drives great too.
avatar 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.