2015 Ford Explorer Review: An SUV With a Nice Interior and Bad Reliability

Oct 14, 2021

The 2015 Ford Explorer is available used from $17,886 to $25,618. It offers a better interior than most of the competition, but the questionable reliability means a low ranking in the competitive SUV market.

The Good

The 2015 Ford Explorer ranks well for fuel efficiency in its class. It offers above-average cargo room. Interior materials are higher quality than competitors.

The Bad

Reviewers give the Explorer low-reliability ratings. The infotainment system is known to be unresponsive. There are suspension issues that Ford has recalled several times.

The Bottom Line

For 2015, the Ford Explorer is near the bottom of the pack of SUVs. It is not as capable or spacious as the competition. The engine in the Sport model is powerful, but has problems.

2015 Ford Explorer: Quick Overview

The 2015 Ford Explorer has below-average reliability ratings. It can be found used for $17,886 to $25,618. The XLT model offers the best value.
Three engines are available. For the best performance, go with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6. If you are focused on fuel economy, the 2.0L four-cylinder is the best.
Explorer ranks second in its class in fuel efficiency. Owners report it rides smoother than the competition.
Ford offers four Explorer models in 2015. It earned a five-star crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The 2015 Ford Explorer is not the best choice for a used SUV. It offers decent cargo space and interior materials for its class. The main issue is its mechanical problems making the Explorer hard to recommend.

Positive Owner Reviews

Sara K

It's good in adverse conditions. It has great safety features.

I love the back up cameras, GPS, keyless entry, and spacious trunk. I don't have any dislikes.

Ashly H

Very dependable and luxurious for a "mom" car, as I'm used to driving a truck, but I love it. The dealership is also very amazing with maintenance packages that I got with mine and warranties.

Drives smoothly, spacious, has been dependable, has leather interior with heated/ac seats, 4 wheel drive, nice radio and speaker system, power everything, captain seats are the best for kids and needing a 3rd row. I love that it is a smaller 3 row seating.

Stephanie R

Space, comfortable, and easy maintenance.

I have had no serious problems with my ford. My children have plenty of space. Comfortable for traveling and long drives. My second row seating can recline each seat. It is great for a big family with children. Maintenance is extremely easy, conventional oil and regular gasoline.

Valerie K

2015 Ford Explorer: The Excellent Choice for a large family

The Ford Explorer has a 3rd row seat which makes driving places with my 7 family members very comfortable! It's been super reliable and so far I've had no mechanical problems with the car! The car rides very smooth. I love how easily the seats fold down to make a flat surface to fit large things in it if I need to! Also cleaning up the car is easy to do with how the seat lift all the way forward so that I can vacuum right under the seats! This is important with all of my children because they are always dropping food items that would normally be super hard to get to! The only problem I have with it is that when all 3 seats are upright, there is little space behind the back seat for luggage! It does have luggage racks on top of the car though so that we can pack that if we need to! We have done that several times! All seats have good foot room to make rides in the back very comfortable also'

Cheree B

In love with our 2015 ford explorer sport.

Our 2015 ford explorer sport is our primary car. I absolutely love the power it gives when pressing on the gas to get away from drivers that are not paying attention. The trunk space is very spacious when the third row seats are down. The only thing we have problems with is the sun roof leaks if the drains are clogged. I absolutely love this car.

Erin S

Ford explorer- plenty leg room.

Love the ford explorer. The third row is much more roomy than other brands with plenty of legroom. The trunk has generous storage with the third row seats up or stowed. The second row of seats also seems to have more legroom than I have seen in other SUVs.

Christie C

Classy comfort and still affordable.

I wish it had more power. It does not seem to generate speed quickly when going from a stop at a traffic light or stop sign. I love all the extra features like heated seats, even in the second row! The technology is great and it provides a smooth ride.

Matthew J

It is silver. It drives nice and it is new.

I think my car is nice. My car is new. Also it is in good shape. I love my car so much. I couldn't live without it.

Negative Owner Reviews

Stephanie G

Do not buy! Buyer please beware.

Constant problems since vehicle was purchased. First the from bearings had to be replaced, then the back ones, weather stripping all falling apart, leather ripping on drivers side and console, and electrical issues. We love the look and drive of the vehicle but the make is not up to par. And to note, we do take very good care of our cars.

Help !

No. Water leaks into my 2015 Ford Explorer. There needs to be a recall. Dealers don’t want to address this issue

Feldspar Trucking

Reliability

No Don’t do it! Five tow bills now with less than 10,000 miles and yet Ford says there is nothing wrong with the car. Time to trade for sure.

christopher w

Worst car I ever bought.

I would not recommend this car. This is my 3rd ford car two mustangs and one SUV always kept my cars serviced at ford service centers. My engine comes car knocks now costly repairs for a car I brought brand new

Tam

Hop

Heated side mirrors?

Chris b

The navigation does not work, the car is a gas guzzler and gets terrible mileage and the electrical never worked well

It's great for having lots of room, but it's not great for much other than that

Lynn S

Nice looking sporty explorer!

Bought brand new and the 1st 2 years stayed in the shop every few weeks! Comfortable ride and nice and sporty! They had to replace door plastic, seat wiring! Airbag light comes on and stays! The best part is you can always vacuum under the back middle seats, lift up all the way!

Mary J

Explorer review - not bad.

This car takes lots of gas. I do enjoy the heated and air conditioned seats. People always think I am a police officer when driving it. The option for satellite radio is also nice. I do like how much room it has and the leather is also nice. The gray color is also wonderful.

What Problems Does the 2015 Ford Explorer Have?

The 2015 Ford Explorer problems include unaddressed exhaust odor and recurring suspension recalls. Based on owner reports, the most common problem with the 2015 Explorer involves the power steering system. It has been reported to fail while driving and can make steering very difficult. This usually is a sign of electric power steering motor problems requiring replacement.

There are seven recalls affecting the 2015 Explorer. They include issues with the parking brake system, wheel bearings, and numerous recalls on suspension components. If your Explorer is affected by a recall, Ford will repair or replace the damaged components for free.

What are the Prices & Available Models?

The 2015 Ford Explorer’s four trims offer something for everyone, but the luxurious Limited and muscular Sport best represent. The 2015 Ford Explorer can be found used from $17,886 to $25,618 depending on the mileage and model. It had an original retail price of $30,700 to $43,100 when it was new.

The Base is the entry-level model for the Explorer. It has a power driver seat, a stereo system with six-speakers, and an AUX input.
A step up is the XLT, it adds in Bluetooth and parking sensors. There is also an optional technology package that includes navigation, and an entertainment system for the rear seats.
For luxury there is the Limited model. Featuring an upgraded stereo with an 8-inch touchscreen, USB connectivity, and leather seating.
The Sport model comes standard with all-wheel-drive, black exterior trim pieces, and the more powerful EcoBoost V6 engine

Base

290 HP 19 MPG

View Details

XLT

290 HP 19 MPG

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Limited

290 HP 19 MPG

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Sport

365 HP 18 MPG

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How Long Will the 2015 Ford Explorer Last?

A 2015 Ford Explorer should last 200,000 miles with proper care. This number is based on previous generations of the Explorer, and a few higher mileage examples on the road today. Repair Pal estimates it will cost $650 per year to maintain an Explorer.

What Technology is Included?

Base technology includes a CD player stereo system with AUX and MP3 capabilities.
The upgraded infotainment system has an 8-inch MyFord touch screen, navigation, an LCD gauge cluster, and an upgraded Sony stereo system.
For safety, available options include a backup camera, parking sensors, a forward collision warning system, and adaptive cruise control.

Does the 2015 Ford Explorer have Good Gas Mileage?

The Ford Explorer ties for second place in fuel economy among full-size SUVs in 2015. You can expect up to 20 miles per gallon in the city, and 28 on the highway.

What Engine Options are Available?

The Ford Explorer Sport is faster than a lot of the competition. It goes from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 6.1 seconds, which is great for its class. It can tow 2,000 to 5,000 pounds depending on the engine configuration.

The base engine found in the Explorer is a 3.5L V6 with 290 horsepower.
An upgraded 2.0L four-cylinder EcoBoost is the most efficient engine at 240 horsepower.
A 365 horsepower 3.5L EcoBoost V6 is found in the Sport model.

What Colors Options are Available?

How Safe is the 2015 Ford Explorer?

The NHTSA gives the 2015 Ford Explorer a five-star overall crash test rating. This includes five-star ratings in frontal and side crash tests. It gets a four-star rating in the rollover test. The optional backup camera, forward collision warning, and lane departure warnings help boost the score.

In tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the 2015 Explorer scores “good” in all categories except “small overlap front” on both the passenger and driver side. On the driver’s side, it scores “marginal”, and “poor” on the passenger side. The IIHS also noted that the front crash prevention system is a basic, but welcome addition.

How Big is the 2015 Ford Explorer?

The 2015 Explorer falls into a unique category, being larger than most midsize SUVs, but smaller than many of the larger full-size SUVs. It offers 21 cu. ft. of cargo space behind the third row, 43.8 cu. ft. behind the second row, and 80.7 cu. ft. with both rows folded flat. This is enough room to haul seven people and their gear on a road trip.

How Does the 2015 Ford Explorer Compare to Other SUVs?

Compared to other SUVs, the 2015 Ford Explorer ranks near the bottom of the pack. One of the competitors is the Toyota Sequoia. The Sequoia has a more reliable, powerful powertrain with its V8 engine. That larger engine helps with towing, but it does lose points in fuel economy. The technology is more up-to-date in the Explorer, but overall the Toyota is a better SUV.

Another competitor is the Chevy Tahoe. The Tahoe has a more spacious cabin than the Explorer, but the interior materials are not as nice. An Explorer is also more fuel efficient than the Tahoe, but it can’t tow as much. Both are very popular American SUVs and a lot of the choice comes down to brand preference.

Ranks #7 Full Size SUV by Owners

2015 Chevrolet Suburban

4.72

2015 Toyota Sequoia

4.67

2015 Ford Explorer

4.48

Final Verdict: Is the 2015 Ford Explorer a Good SUV?

No, the 2015 Ford Explorer is not a good SUV. The Explorer has some benefits like its high-quality interior. It also has a smoother ride than the competition since it is built on a unibody platform. The problems outweigh the benefits, though, since they score poorly in reliability. They also feel underwhelming to drive with the base engine choices. If you are in the market for a three-row SUV, there are better options.

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

Ian C. on April 26, 2023

Problem after problem

Definitely the worst vehicle I have ever owned. The list of issues: toe-links (done twice), climate control kicks off "auto", water leaks, transfer case seal ,(fortunately the mechanic I used found the problem before all of the oil leaked out and seizes the transmission. Note: there is no way to check this oil level), exterior plastic fades, wheel rims corrode, carbon monoxide in the cabin, poor fuel economy. I've had this vehicle from new and flat out a bad piece of Ford engineering and adding to the pain of the situation is Ford dealers that really don't seem to care.

ben on September 6, 2022

234.000 miles

234,000 miles on my 2015 explorer. Regularly serviced. Started seeing engine check ligths at 213 misfires, and codes) P0012 stands for “Intake (A) Camshaft Position Timing – Over-Retarded (Bank 1).. Was initially told no bigdeal shouldn't repeat itself after an oil change. It did, multiple times, dealership said timing chain and recommended replacing waterpump. $3700. Drove it until it died on the road, heavy exhaust fumes, and very rough idle, upon replacing timing chain and waterpump , engine was knocking. Traded it in.

Murphy C on October 15, 2021

Great, roomy SUV for a family.

I love my ford explorer. It is very roomy and comfortable. The sound system is amazing. I love that the third row adds more seating, but is easy to fold down to give more room in the back for hauling large items. The interior is very easy to keep clean, even with toting two dogs around daily. The only issue I have with my 2015 limited model, is that it does not have a back hatch control button which makes loading difficult sometimes. Otherwise, it is a great family vehicle.

Jessica S on October 15, 2021

2015 ford explorer: functional & fickle.

The ford explorer has many great functions & features. Mileage and speed is smooth without being too rough or bumpy, includes a built-in GPS system, & an ac/heated option for the seats. There are, however, a couple of issues that need to be recognized. There is a slight squeak within either the tires when hitting the brakes. A message that has something to do with the transmission will pop up on the screen behind the steering wheel while the vehicle refuses to start up.

Shawnee T on October 14, 2021

Needs more space for families with kids in car seats.

The middle row is very small, people buy these SUVs with kids in car seats, you will have to make the front seats up close to get a child’s car seat in the middle row. Needs more space in the middle row vs in the trunk area. At times the touch screen will freeze, or backup camera will not come on when you put car in reverse. Otherwise the seats are very comfortable. As very nice features.

Tara S on October 15, 2021

My least favorite ford I have owned.

The explorer is very cramped inside compared to other small SUVs. It says it seats 7 but really it can only seat 6. The middle seat in the middle row cannot even fit a small child. The seatbelts are strange in the back seat and passengers do not like them. Other than that I really like how it drives. It rarely has to be fixed. I always own fords and this is my least favorite.

Katie S on October 15, 2021

Runs wonderful, some cosmetic issues.

I love my explorer and the only issues I have had with it at all is that the seams on the leather door handle on the drivers side has come undone and the plastic overlay at the windows have come undone. There was a recall that fixed the plastic overlay, but not one for the leather seam. Also the black rubber trim around the front passenger door has come off several times.

Kirsten W on October 15, 2021

Love it, feel safe in it and will get another one.

Good on gas, great family vehicle, lots of room for traveling, runs great when cared for, had to replace weather stripping as it dried out, car is only 4 years old, had a recall on it that was corrected at no cost, no electrical problems, able to replace battery without taking to a car care place, bought all weather mats and carpet is kept in great condition.

Belinda W on October 14, 2021

Gas guzzler! Not a good car if you have a long commute.

The drive can be jerky at times with acceleration. And it is definitely a gas guzzler. I believe the internal parts are cheaply made. Specifically in the backseat in the charging location the flap broke off a week later. The seats do not fold down evenly which is part of the trunk. One is always higher than the other one fold it down.

Layne H on October 14, 2021

Comfortable to drive and good gas mileage.

This car is very fun to drive and is very comfortable. It has all the bells and whistles. I prefer to have more space for drinks and cell phones. Love the moonroof and heated seats. Should have gotten four wheel drive. Very comfortable and easy to maintain. Gets good gas mileage and is very roomy throughout the automobile.

Kari D on October 15, 2021

What my explorer has to offer; can handle kids and snow no problem.

I needed a vehicle that would get me through the South Dakota winter snow. My explorer sure can get that done. Great vehicle. Very comfortable for road trips. Has 3rd row seating which is super helpful for the kids. All their bags and sports equipment fit in there no problem! I am not used to the gas mileage quite yet.

Tela D on October 14, 2021

2015 ford explorer XLT pros & cons.

For the most part I love my car. It is spacious, comfortable, with little to no problems. However, my complaint would be that the interior is not as durable. The driver side armrest on the door split open shortly after I purchased it in 2016 along with the center console cracking and stressed seams in the seats.

Sarah W on October 15, 2021

It comes with many upgrades and a great manual.

It's not very comfortable but has lots of storage. I wish it had a better back seats. Some of the features I do not use but others I use all the time. Good price. Its reliability and you can put lots of miles on it. The problems are oil sometimes leaks and the tail lights go out a lot. Comes in great colors.

Wanda H on October 14, 2021

Minor brakes and tire issues.

We have had Issues with brakes squeaking as well as issues of bouncing when applying the brakes. We have also had issues with the tires wearing uneven. Interior has lots of creaks and cracks which is quite annoying. Water had somehow come in around the spare tire and caused mold on the carpet.

Justin A on October 14, 2021

Not the best but definitely it the worst.

Performance wise it is fine. Not very stylish. Comfort is 6/10. There’s three rows which is nice for bigger families but once they start growing small starts to get very limited in the back. Mileage is pretty decent and performance is very up to par as most fords are in my experience.

Emily E on October 15, 2021

Ford explorer is a great comfortable family car.

We have had a recall notice for something to do with the back end suspension that we need to take care of. Otherwise we have had normal wear and tear repairs like tires and brakes. The power is not great and not enough to pull a camping trailer, but enough to get around town.

Jessica T on October 15, 2021

Great gas mileage room for its size, overall a great vehicle

The back could have more leg room, way to many blind spots, the hooks to latch a car seat are way to hard, there needs to be something under the seat to latch a car seat to as well the seats could be bigger, the trunk should have more space, other than that I love my car.

Samantha M on October 15, 2021

Things I do not like about my explorer.

I hate that the backseat is only two passengers and that the middle seat is three. I hate how easy the interior gets stained. My driver seat went out and now I cannot reach the petals which is a huge hazard in my opinion. I also do not like how small the trunk space is.

Kim C on October 15, 2021

Things we like. Pretty good vehicle. Not many issues until now.

Right now the heat on your feet isn't working nor the defroster. Everything else works ok. It is comfortable and we haven't had many issues. We have a third row which we like. We also like the leather seats. We would probably get another in explorer in the future.

kelly h on October 14, 2021

My opinion of the newer explorer is it is cheaply made. Plastic falls apart and has been rattling since I bought it brand new

It is not my favorite vehicle. I have had 3 other explorers and this one seems to be made cheaper than any other that i have owned. It has been in the shop 4 times because the plastic rattles so much. Air conditioning has needed be be fixed multiple times as well.

Sarah B on October 14, 2021

Overall good car - reliable and good on gas.

It is not a bad car. It has been really reliable and is good on gas. I can fill the tank in under $50. It fits my family comfortably. We have never had any problems with it and get it serviced regularly. It is not my favorite car, but it is not terrible either.

I V on October 14, 2021

Had recalls but comfortable.

I have had problems with the touch screen control panel but no other issues. It was still under warranty. I have also had a couple recalls already, so wonder what might be next. It is otherwise very comfortable and is spacious and good value for the price.

Amanda G on October 14, 2021

Luxury for an affordable price.

The explorer is very spacious, great look, luxurious for the price. There has been a couple of recalls that we've taken care of, but it seems like once we fix the recall then there is another problem. But the problems are minor for sure.

Kimberly G on October 14, 2021

Ford explorer... Great but not so great.

Good vehicle. Dependable but craftsmanship on the interior is a bit lacking. They had a recall on the door panels. Leather on my driver door is torn and seam split.

Karen W on October 15, 2021

Ford explorer sport review.

I have had some problems with the power steering going out. Not covered under similar recalls for explorers.

Toni S on October 15, 2021

Gas mileage good for SUV.

I find it reliable. Only one problem that was corrected as part of a recall (door panel).

Fred on October 14, 2021

Practical and affordable

Drivers side door panel peeled away but was fixed free of charge due to recall.

Scott Z on June 25, 2021

The navigation has been great in going to football and basketball games.

I have had no problems with my vehicle. The performance has been good with gas mileage at 23 mpg. Also the navigation system has really been helpful as well as heated seats. The 3rd row seats work well for my grandsons football games. Also the parking assist and backing camera work will for me.

Joseph D on June 23, 2021

Explore with explorer. Anything else is less.

Can feel like it is tipping on some highway curves. Very comfortable and reliable. No repairs needed so far except one suspension recall. Traction modes add greatly to ability to drive towing, off road, or on snow. Backup camera and proximity alarm invaluable. Great turning radius, handles really well. Stock entertainment system is top notch.

Tammi P on June 13, 2021

Ford explorer: a safe way to explore.

My ford explorer is more than just a set of wheels to get me where I am going. It gets me there safely and in comfort. It is loaded with great options like heated seats and cooled seats. There are separate air controls in the back seat for my passengers comfort too. When I am ready for adventure, it tows my 2,500 pound camper like a champ. It is also fun to put it in four wheel drive and take the roads less traveled. The third row allows me to take many friends/family along too.

Shelby T on June 12, 2021

The third row seating flips up and turns into stadium seats.

I like my car mainly because it is reliable. I have owned my car for 3 years and it has never broken down on me. The only thing I have ever had to replace was my touch screen inside, however that could've happened to anyone. It is big enough for my family of 5, yet sporty looking and I do not feel like I am driving a bus. My car has heated leather seats which is probably my favorite thing about my car. It also has Bluetooth, electric seats and a backup camera, as well as a touch screen. We looked at many vehicles and out of all of the SUVs I liked the explorer had the most room with the third row up for groceries or travel. The Tahoe and other SUVs had the same amount of room from the back seat to the back hatch length wise, however the explorer is deeper in the back so you can stack more stuff, whereas the other vehicles we looked at was not deep so you only had a few inches of space to put your things in.

Bob M on June 9, 2021

It is great for family adventures.

Great for gas. 4x4 comes in use a lot. I have 4 kids so it is great to fit for them. The trunk is pretty big. I can put my dog in the back because it is a big space. It is great to take the family to the beach in. You can pack a lot in the back there is containers in the back to store. Spare tire is on the bottom of the car.

Amanda C on June 7, 2021

Love our sleek ford explorer!

I absolutely love my explorer. We needed the extra room when had our twins & bought it. Its sleek, we love the options that were available to choose, ours is the XLT with the sport appearance package, with 4x4 & tow package. We use it for everything we do.

Ashley D on June 6, 2021

I love my vehicle. Very spacious smooth ride.

Love my explorer. Had issues with the heating/ac only blowing out of the face vents and now defrost or feet. Ride is smooth, very spacious and love having the 3rd row with children. I would have personally picked a darker color if I were to buy another explorer. White seems to show all of the dirt in my opinion.

Sheri F on June 6, 2021

Plenty of space and comfort for the whole family!

I love the how the explorer offers the comfort and space I need for my whole family, including our large dog. The 3rd row of seats is a major bonus! I like the touch screen on the dash which gives me a clear and detailed picture when using the GPS. The seats and all comfortable for long trips and the heating option for the front seats is fantastic during the winter.

Michele M on June 2, 2021

Durable and family friendly.

The only issues I have had are with the 'plastics'. Door handles, trims etc have fallen off. They have all been replaced or are pending replacement now. Even the inside of the car, the door panels all had to be replaced. They have mentioned to me at the dealer there were many defective parts, that are only cosmetic.

Kara P on June 1, 2021

Black explorer with leather, two sunroofs, back up camera and automatic hatch.

I have had this car for a few months and have not really had too many problems. The sunroof was broke and we had to have that fixed, but that is the only problem we have had. It drives nice and is fairly comfortable. It has been a reliable vehicle and only cost about $20 to fill the tank. The cargo space is a good size and the leather seats are nice. I would prefer a little more leg room for the backseat. I have a rear facing car seat and it barely fits behind the drivers seat and I am only 5’3”. Over all, I would say it is a nice reliable car.

Linsey V on May 31, 2021

Great vehicle for young families.

I love my explorer. It is very comfortable to drive and ride in. Even on long trips. With the 3rd row folded up I can fit all 4 of my kids' car seats and buckle them in. I purchased the vehicle used and in the last year out about 50,000 miles on it and haven't had and mechanical problems yet. Three only thing I do not like is the controls for heat and radio tuning are touch not buttons so wrong buttons get hit or bumped a lot.

Tonya W on May 30, 2021

Reliable family car even for the dog.

I enjoy this vehicle and it is perfect for our family. We have used for numerous vacations, driving to/from work, and neighborhood errands. This is a reliable family car. I love the technology it is equipped with. My kids love the built in TV and DVD players in the back of the headrests.

Ania W on May 23, 2021

Ford explorer: a pretty reliable buy!

The vehicle is a wonderful drive, very smooth, and quiet. I would note that unfortunately, a year or two after purchase the hood started to peel. I would say it might just be this model but the peeling was very bad. Other than this I love the interior, leather seating that has stood up through average wear and tear. And I especially love the seats how they can all be put down for a huge back space. Which helped move us from one house to another. So much so that we only needed the movers for the big furniture.

Kk P on May 22, 2021

My ford explorer and it is valuable features.

I have never had any problems with this car. It rides very comfortable and it handles very well. It is well designed and it gets good gas mileage. It has a sport trim upgrade with leather and suede seating and heated seats. It is a good car for kids and travel as it can seat 7 people with its 3rd row seating and roomy cargo space.

Meray M on May 21, 2021

Heated steering wheel and automatic start.

It is overall a really reliable vehicle. Rarely have any issues with the car itself besides the maintenance you need to keep up with. Only problem with these ford explorers that are 2015 and older are the water pump problems. It is an expensive fix and that is really the only thing that can go wrong. Besides that it is really comfortable, really reliable and built for any weather.

Junior M on May 10, 2021

Ford sport lovers reviews.

My ford explorer is very fast and feels like you are not on the road. I also like the emblem lights in the car. It make it easier to see in the care at night. I love the sound system. Steering this ford sport is my favorite thing about it because it is easy to drive.

Devin B on May 4, 2021

Comfortable SUV with great features.

The SUV has so far been very reliable. I haven't had to do anything besides basic maintenance. The only true gripe I have is when I accelerate onto the freeway there is an exhaust smell inside the cabin. The seats are extremely comfortable for long trips, the engine is powerful enough to tow things with, and the SUV has great suspension and drives smoothly. I also enjoy the fact that it is easier to take onto a dirt road for some fun dessert time.

Jessica G on April 27, 2021

Has been a great family car.

I have not had any problems with this car. It has suits my family needs, and travels well. We are constantly on the go, and it holds all that we need as we go back and forth. The only thing I would have preferred was to have leather seats. This has been a great purchase.

Lisa G on April 25, 2021

Great family car with plenty of room and storage.

My ford explorer is my business car. It is very comfortable to drive. There enough space in the vehicle to drive with 4 adults and luggage space for 4 going on a week trip. It is easy to drive and has great speed for the freeway. The car drives quietly and has good air in front and back and places to charge your smartphone.

IB S on April 24, 2021

Very good SUV, will replace it with same model!

I find it very comfortable on long trips. Travel on long trips of up to 500 miles in a day. Have had only standard maintenance ie oil changes, tire rotation etc. Tire ware has been good. Have averaged 20.7 miles per gallon in 80,000 miles. Will get another explore when I trade.

Michael S on April 21, 2021

2015 ford explorer that goes and keeps on going.

Super reliable truck. Easily tows a trailer. Very comfortable and efficient. Low maintenance on repairs. This truck has barely given me any issues at all. The interior is durable especially with a kid. It has great power and the ride is smooth. I feel like I own the road when I am driving my truck.

Rachel D on April 13, 2021

Great family cars for those who want a vehicle that is not too large.

The size of the ford explorer is great, we have all leather interior which helps keep the seats clean. We have had very few issues but recently we did have some issues with our ac not working. Other than the active car has been working very well and it makes it easy to travel with the family.

Nicole H on April 13, 2021

Buying an explorer. Sport version is twin turbo black on black.

I love that it has black sport rims it's definitely an eye catcher. The black on black makes it look sharp too. I like how well it drives it's very smooth and you don't feel all the bumps on the road. I would say anyone that was thinking about buying a SUV, definitely consider and explore. You won't regret your decision.

Ashley G on April 13, 2021

Good seating and storage room.

I love how much room there is for seating. Having the third row really helps with extra seating. When the third row is down there is plenty of room for storage. I like the 4x4 settings on a dial. Gas usage is not to bad considering its a bigger vehicle. Haven't had a lot of mechanical issues. Just under 100,000 miles and still going strong. I am so glad that we bought an explorer and not a smaller vehicle.

PJ J on April 7, 2021

2015 ford explorer review.

My ford explorer has been a reliable car. The seats are comfortable, which is important to me. I have not had any major repairs. The one issue I have had is with the paint. I owned a ford expedition and had the same issue with the black paint flaking.Overall, I would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a safe, reliable and comfortable ride.

Kayla J on April 4, 2021

Decent vehicle experience.

We wanted a 3rd row vehicle. Overall we are pretty happy with ours. We haven't had any mechanical issues just regular maintenance. Only downfall is there is not a lot of room in the back. We like to be comfortable and the back seats don't provide much legroom. An average size adult is not very comfortable sitting in the back, whether it be the middle row or back.

Pam O on April 3, 2021

Safety features, warning you about driving too close, lane departure & side mirror lights.

I think my Explorer will last a long time. My old Explorer has 200,000 miles, hoping I have the same luck. I like the warnings, driving too close, lights on the mirrors telling me cars are along side me and lane departure warnings. I wish I picked a different color, don't like the white. My navigation is out of date and it tells me it can't be updated, that's ridiculous.

Sandra C on April 2, 2021

Safety, power, comfort and plenty of room.

The safety features of this car are very good. The reverse camera and all the alarms have saved me from a few fender benders. It is comfortable and fun to drive. It has plenty of power and get up and go.

Lena C on April 1, 2021

The Ford Explorer is roomy, comfortable and reliable.

I love my Ford Explorer! It's roomy and comfortable for our entire family. The third row really sold me so we're able to all travel in one car when family comes in town. The seat heaters are nice but living in AZ I should have opted for the air conditioned seats. It's been reliable and I love the look of it. Overall I'm very pleased with my purchase of my Ford Explorer and would consider purchasing another one.

Megan S on April 1, 2021

Nice and comfortable family SUV.

Comfortable vehicle to jump in and go. Easy to drive and handle. Reasonable on gasoline. Not a super fancy vehicle but nice luxuries to make a good all around vehicle for myself and my family. One of the better SUV options with the third row seating. Third row can easily be tucked away for extra storage.

Carrie C on March 31, 2021

Enjoying my 2015 ford explorer.

The has been a good, dependable and reliable family vehicle for my children and I. It is comfortable, has plenty of seating space but does lack in cargo space. The only issue I have had is with the air conditioning system needing to be cleaned regularly each summer for a moldy smell which is a nuisance and inconvenience.

Maegen J on March 27, 2021

The ford explorer is a great family car.

The ford explorer is very comfortable. Is very roomy, mine can fit 7 people. The back seats fold down for a convenient grocery space. I also love the leather seats, they are easy to keep clean. We also use the heated seats quite frequently. I also really enjoy being able to listen to my music through the touch screen radio.

agata B on March 27, 2021

Love our first ford SUV!

I love my ford explorer. We went from a small car to our first SUV and we couldn't be more happy! Smooth handling and all the extras make driving this car a dream. Leather seats and dual sunroof make us feel like royalty. So much fun and good times yet to come:).

dawn c on March 27, 2021

It has awesome features. The navigation system is very reliable.

My vehicle is very reliable. It's awesome for long trips. The gas mileage is amazing. The only problem I have is the engine makes a lot of noise, sounds like an old vehicle.

Jeanette H on March 25, 2021

Plenty of space and easy to maneuver.

Had to replace two wheel bearings which makes it difficult to drive in the winter. Wish I would have got it in 4 wheel drive. Really nice vehicle. Great for larger families while not being too large. Fits my 17 year old daughter well in the back seat she is 5’8”. No regrets on buying this vehicle the price was right.

Robin B on March 25, 2021

I am a Ford fan love my ford

Just love it lots of room plenty of seats the fold down for lots of storage or more space for passengers seats heat or cool in front and back picks up speed good gas easy to see through all the windows just love it no problems

Sabrina C on March 19, 2021

Ford explorer 2015 review.

Very comfortable. Not so great on gas. Lots of room. Great for families or people who want to take road trips. Very spacious. It is an in between for me. I love the room it provides but hate the mileage. Perfect for families. Very durable. Lasts very long.

Morgan T on March 18, 2021

Quick. Easy to clean. And convent for small kids in car seats.

Gas mileage is great for it to 4 wheel drive and all wheel drive, very convent for car seats and small kids. Easy to haul trailers, campers and or boats. Easy to keep clean even with small kids. Not a lot of trunk space when the 3 row seating is up but it does have some space.

Billie B on March 16, 2021

Ford explorer you will not be disappointed.

Bought our vehicle brand new already approaching 200,000 miles and have had no major issue just the normal tire and battery changes. Great vehicle, great on gas! Very comfortable and roomy with 3rd row! Easy to clean up and easy to drive and park!

andrea a on March 16, 2021

Year Round Ford Explorer - the BEST

It is a very reliable vehicle, one that we use in the biggest snowstorms, one that has great air conditioning. We love it!!

Brian W on March 16, 2021

It runs really well. Wish I had 3 of them.

The rsc speed sensor will go out and trigger the roll stability control. Had to disconnect the alarm. The light still comes on at times but unhook the dinger and all is well. This is the only issue that I know of. I love my explorer., it still runs like a dream. Wouldn't trade it for anything.

Alexandra F on March 15, 2021

SUV that's fun and easy to drive

Problems with steering wheel, but for the most part a very good and stable car. I feel safe in this car and it is easy to drive. It can fit 7 adults comfortably. The seats are easy to adjust. I like that you can connect your phone via Bluetooth or USB.

Alejandra D on March 14, 2021

Very satisfied with my ford explorer.

No problem very comfortable good on gas it has given me.No problems ever I feel safe everytime I drive it my kids love it my husband loves it is my parents love it. It is my first ford vehicle and I do not regret buying 1 it is I recommend this vehicle to everyone who tells me they're interested in purchasing a vehicle.

Christina D on March 9, 2021

2015 ford explorer review.

I have had a few problems with my vehicle for example factory safety recall parts had to be replaced and now the check engine light is on. It is very fast and performs well though. It is also comfortable and pretty roomy. I love the seat warmers and the remote start key fob.

Kayla T on March 9, 2021

Third row stow and go seating.

I have a 2015 ford explorer, very dependable SUV. We are a big family with three dogs and we all fit. I own the base model so the vehicle is pretty basic. If I could personally change one thing it would be the four wheel drive knob. The know is located by the shifter and when my dogs ride with me the change the setting while driving down the road. If the 4x4 was a button on the dashboard, the ford explorer would have received a five star rating!

Tanya H on March 9, 2021

Ford explorer built tough great family vehicle.

Quite a few recalls but ford was quick to get them out and fixed. Very safe family car. Sits high so people short like myself can see over. Gets up and goes and does well in any climate. I would say a negative would be going the speed limit and feeling like your going 30 mph. Positive I have had my vehicle since 100 miles and no problems other than the ones I have done myself.

Murphy C on March 9, 2021

Great, roomy SUV for a family.

Julie C on March 8, 2021

2015 Explorer review, definitely a winner in my book.

It is reliable, comfortable and drives well. I just wish it had better acceleration. The heated seats are great and has a great stereo system. The back hatch closes with a touch of a button. The car is very spacious and ideal for a family of four but can easily fit up to 6 passengers.

Julie S on March 6, 2021

Love my ruby red explorer.

I love the look both inside and outside. Very roomy. Doesn't eat up a ton of gas. On the negative side, the radio has terrible reception. Every time you pass under a bridge the radio turns to static. Cosmetically the inside of the car needs periodic fixing and upkeep.

Meghan G on March 5, 2021

Great vehicle for growing families!

We have been extremely happy with our ford explorer. It is spacious enough to accommodate two rear facing car seats in the second row, and we love being able to quickly convert the third row into extra storage space when we need it. The flex file option helps us save money on gas. Maintenance has been minimal, have only had to replace a few sensors, which my husband was able to do himself.

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.