Used Ford Explorer Buying Guide
The Rundown
Arguably America’s most popular SUV, the Ford Explorer is easily one of the most recognizable vehicles on the road. Not only that, it is most definitely the most American SUV to hit the road since its inception in the early 2000s. This SUV has flooded the market, which means that there are a wide variety of years and models of the Ford Explorer out on the market. We will inform you on what makes different years of the Explorer unique and maybe better suited to your family or your intended use of the Explorer.
2002 – 2005 Ford Explorer
This SUV feels more like a 90s vehicle than a 2000s SUV. This off-road warrior features a lot of color and 90s flair, while also offering more creature comforts from the 21st century. This Vehicle was based off the platform of the Ford Ranger, and featured more of an SUV frame than the current Explorer does. This vehicle would make a great mountain rig, off-roading warrior or weekend camp adventurer. It is built for fun and off-road performance. This generation of the Explorer is a great vehicle and definitely is made more for off-roading than road comfort.
2006 – 2010 Ford Explorer
This Ford Explorer might look very similar to the previous generation, but it offers more creature comforts, an extended wheelbase, and a more attractive design. This generation had a V8 engine optional on lower trims and standard on upper trims, this was the most power an Explorer would ever see, as more recent models have done away with the V8 in favor of better fuel economy. This also was the last time that the SUV was based off of a truck platform. This Explorer does great at being both an off-roader and delivering on road comfort at the same time. 2011 – 2019 Ford Explorer
This generation took America by storm. It came in 2011 with a complete new form and style. The Ford Explorer revitalized the SUV class, and quite possibly made the SUV the most popular vehicle style on the road today. Most SUVs take after the style of this Ford explorer now and do their best to appear just as sleek and athletic as this Ford Explorer. The updated styling is more like the modern Explorer we have come to know and love. This generation is no longer built on the Ranger platform, but is wholly a crossover. It offers more on road comfort than before and features more speed and peppy drives as well. Not only is the SUV extremely appealing and fun to drive, it makes for a classy vehicle at the same time. This Explorer truly does it all.
2020 – Current Ford Explorer
The current iteration of the Ford Explorer offers more creature comforts than ever. With more modern technology upgrades and an available hybrid powertrain this Explorer is the most modern, but also comes with the highest price tag.
Summary
The Ford Explorer revitalized America’s SUV class and made it into what it is today. The Explorer offers a host of powerful functionality and options. Older generations have more off-road capability while newer models offer more on-road power and comfort. This vehicle is easily one of the more popular SUVs yet made and will be a reliable vehicle for you and your family. It is sure to impress no matter where you drive it.
