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Ford Explorer

An SUV-boom catalyst with 445,157 buyers in 2000.12

Researched October 29, 2026 from 34 sources

At a glance

0200400
155–400 hpPower
07.515
5.2–10.8 s0–60 mph
0125250
158–235 km/hTop speed
0300600
298–563 N·mTorque
01,2502,500
1,920–2,354 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.3479101213

Engine
1991–1994: 4.0 L OHV V6; later I4/V6 turbos, V8s and 3.3 L V6 hybrid410
Layout
Gen 1–4: RWD-based; Gen 5: FWD/AWD; Gen 6: RWD/AWD4711
Gearbox
Gen 1: 5-speed manual/4-speed auto; later autos: 5-, 6- and 10-speed47
Built at
Gen 1: Louisville/St. Louis Assembly, United States; now Chicago Assembly3

The story

Built to blend off-road ability with family duty, the 1991 Explorer replaced the Bronco II with Ranger-based hardware. Its name came from an F-Series trim package; it helped ignite the SUV boom.13

1990: 1991–1994: The family SUV arrives19901995: 1995–2001: Dual airbags arrive19951996: Mustang V8 brings 210 hp19962000: 445,157 buyers; Firestone crisis20002002: 2002–2005: Independent rear suspension20022006: 2006–2010: 292-hp V8, 6-speed auto20062011: 2011–2019: Front-drive unibody reset20112020: 2020 onward: Rear-drive unibody20202025: 2025: Cabin reset, 400-hp ST2025 Ford Bronco II: 1984–1990Ford Explorer (first generation) (UN46): 1991–1994UN46Ford Explorer (second generation) (UN105/UN150): 1995–2001 (5-door); 1995–2003 (3-door)UN105/UN150Ford Explorer (third generation): 2002–2005Ford Explorer (fourth generation): 2006–2010Ford Explorer (fifth generation): 2011–2019 198519901995200020052010201520202025
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones13421
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1984–1990Ford Bronco II
1991–1994Ford Explorer (first generation) (UN46)
1995–2001 (5-door); 1995–2003 (3-door)Ford Explorer (second generation) (UN105/UN150)
2002–2005Ford Explorer (third generation)
2006–2010Ford Explorer (fourth generation)
2011–2019Ford Explorer (fifth generation)
19901991–1994: The family SUV arrives
19951995–2001: Dual airbags arrive
1996Mustang V8 brings 210 hp
2000445,157 buyers; Firestone crisis
20022002–2005: Independent rear suspension
20062006–2010: 292-hp V8, 6-speed auto
20112011–2019: Front-drive unibody reset
20202020 onward: Rear-drive unibody
20252025: Cabin reset, 400-hp ST
  1. 1990

    1991–1994: The family SUV arrives

    Launched in March 1990 for 1991, the Ranger-based Bronco II replacement offered Touch Drive 4WD or a manual-shift transfer case with locking hubs.34

  2. 1995

    1995–2001: Dual airbags arrive

    Softer contours and rounded lamps marked the second generation; dual airbags were a first for an American-brand SUV.13

  3. 1996

    Mustang V8 brings 210 hp

    A modified Mustang V8 joined the XLT, paired with a 4-speed automatic. Control-arm front suspension had made room for the larger engine.5

  4. 2000

    445,157 buyers; Firestone crisis

    Firestone tire failures triggered rollovers and a reputational crisis; by 2005, sales were about half their 2000 tally.12

  5. 2002

    2002–2005: Independent rear suspension

    A purpose-built body-on-frame chassis replaced Ranger roots; independent rear suspension lowered the cargo floor to make room for a third row.46

  6. 2006

    2006–2010: 292-hp V8, 6-speed auto

    A 292-hp 4.6 L V8 shared with the Mustang GT teamed with a 6-speed automatic; the V6 kept a 5-speed.14

  7. 2011

    2011–2019: Front-drive unibody reset

    A front-drive unibody replaced the truck frame; AWD and naturally aspirated or twin-turbo V6s were offered. The turbo four grew from 2.0 to 2.3 L for 2016.1

  8. 2020

    2020 onward: Rear-drive unibody

    Sixth-gen options included a 318-hp Hybrid: 0–60 mph in 7.7 seconds, up to 27/29 mpg with RWD, and 2,268 kg towing.17

  9. 2025

    2025: Cabin reset, 400-hp ST

    Active, ST-Line, ST and Platinum received a cabin rework. The AWD ST ran 0–60 mph in 5.2 seconds, pulled 0.86 g and stopped from 97 km/h in 33 m.89

Every generation

  • Ford Bronco II
    Ford Bronco II1984–1990
  • Ford Explorer (first generation)
    UN461991–1994
  • Ford Explorer (second generation)
    UN105/UN1501995–2001 (5-door); 1995–2003 (3-door)
  • Ford Explorer (third generation)
    Ford Explorer (third generation)2002–2005
  • Ford Explorer (fourth generation)
    Ford Explorer (fourth generation)2006–2010
  • Ford Explorer (fifth generation)
    Ford Explorer (fifth generation)2011–2019

Power over the years

From 155 hp to 400 hp in 29 years.

0100200300400 1990199520002005201020152020 hp 1991 · 155 hp · 1991 4.0 L OHV V61993 · 160 hp · 1993 4.0 L OHV V61996 · 210 hp · 1996 XLT 5.0 L V81997 · 205 hp · 1997 4.0 L SOHC V61997 · 215 hp · 1997 V8, revised heads1998 · 286 hp · 1998–2001 Saleen XP8, supercharged2002 · 240 hp · 2002 4.6 L V82006 · 292 hp · 2006 4.6 L V82011 · 290 hp · 2011 Limited 3.5 L V62020 · 300 hp · 2020 XLT 2.3 L turbo I42020 · 318 hp · 2020 Limited Hybrid 3.3 L V62020 · 400 hp · 2020 ST 3.0 L twin-turbo V6 400 hp 2020 ST 3.0 L twin-turbo V6 155 hp 1991 4.0 L OHV V6
12347101415
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
19911551991 4.0 L OHV V6
19931601993 4.0 L OHV V6
19962101996 XLT 5.0 L V8
19972051997 4.0 L SOHC V6
19972151997 V8, revised heads
19982861998–2001 Saleen XP8, supercharged
20022402002 4.6 L V8
20062922006 4.6 L V8
20112902011 Limited 3.5 L V6
20203002020 XLT 2.3 L turbo I4
20203182020 Limited Hybrid 3.3 L V6
20204002020 ST 3.0 L twin-turbo V6

Versions

12 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    XL / XLS / XLT

  • Eddie Bauer / Limited

    Standard

    Eddie Bauer / Limited

  • Explorer Sport (two-door)

    Standard

    Explorer Sport (two-door)

    1991–2003

  • Special

    XLS Sport / XLT Sport

  • Platinum / King Ranch

    Standard

    Platinum / King Ranch

  • ST-Line

    Special

    ST-Line

    2022–2025

  • Sport (crossover generation)

    Performance

    Sport (crossover generation)

  • ST

    Performance

    ST

    2020–2025

    400 hp
  • Timberline

    Special

    Timberline

    2022

  • Special

    NBX

    2003–2004

  • Special

    ST Sinister Package

    2027

  • Saleen XP8

    Performance

    Saleen XP8

    1998–2001

How to spot one

Look for

  • Body-colored C-pillars and black rear D-pillars are a recurring Explorer signature.18
  • First-generation trucks put the Ford oval at the very top of the grille.3
  • Early three-door bodies have a sloping rear side pillar and pop-out quarter windows.3

Year by year

  1. 1993

    Plastic trim is added to the lower body.19

  2. 1991–1994 / 1995–2001

    Square early bodies give way to softer contours and rounded lamps for 1995; larger front and rear bumpers arrive for 1999.120

  3. 2002–2005 / 2006–2010

    Later trucks have a waterfall grille and reshaped headlights with little round extensions underneath, plus a new tailgate.115

  4. 2011–2015 / 2016–2019

    The crossover body arrived for 2011; its 2016 refresh pushed the styling further toward a Range Rover look.1

  5. 2020

    A longer hood and a roofline that pinches toward the tail distinguish the rear-drive redesign.1

  6. 2025

    A larger grille, slimmer LED headlights and taillamps reaching onto full-width liftgate trim identify the refresh.8

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Ford Explorer
    Explorer
    Photo of a Mazda Navajo
    Mazda Navajo

    Mazda Navajo

    The first-generation twin has dark gray bumpers without chrome, plus different front styling, taillights and wheels.3

  • Photo of a Ford Explorer
    Explorer
    Photo of a Mercury Mountaineer
    Mercury Mountaineer

    Mercury Mountaineer

    Early Mountaineers were five-door only; the Explorer Sport's two-door body rules out the Mercury.13

  • Bronco II

    The first Explorer is longer and wider, with its spare underneath; Bronco II uses a swing-away rear carrier.4

Against its rivals

  • Toyota Highlander Hybrid

    Explorer vs Toyota Highlander Hybrid

    EPA combined economy

    Explorer25 mpg
    Toyota Highlander Hybrid35 mpg
    16
  • Kia EV9 GT-Line

    Explorer vs Kia EV9 GT-Line

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    Explorer5.2 s
    Kia EV9 GT-Line4.4 s
    9

Prices

Value today $3.0K–$7.2K4

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$20K$40K$60K$80K 19901995200020052010201520202025 Value today: $3,000–$7,200 1991 · $21,586 · US Eddie Bauer, base1996 · $26,140 · US XLT V8, as tested2002 · $36,915 · US Eddie Bauer 4x4, as tested2003 · $26,285 · US XLS, base2006 · $34,270 · US Eddie Bauer 4x4, base2011 · $39,995 · US Limited 4WD, base2020 · $62,020 · US ST Street, summer tires, tested2022 · $44,600 · US ST-Line base, before destination2025 · $41,220 · US base, including destination2025 · $58,465 · US ST 4WD, base 1991 · $21,586 · US Eddie Bauer base, 1991 model year 2026 · $17,000 · 1998 Sport 2-door 4x4, 19k miles, BaT2026 · $5,400 · 2001 Eddie Bauer V8 AWD, 134k miles, BaT2026 · $13,500 · 1991 XLT 4x4, 42k shown; possible rollover, BaT2026 · $9,250 · 2007 Eddie Bauer V8 4x4, 76k miles, BaT2026 · $7,199 · 1999 XLT AWD, 107k miles, BaT2026 · $6,200 · 1994 XLT, 29k miles shown, BaT2026 · $15,250 · 2002 XLT V8 4x4, 26k miles, BaT $17.0K BaT, 2026
2456891012131626293031323334
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1991Launch price$21,586US Eddie Bauer base, 1991 model year
1991Price when new$21,586US Eddie Bauer, base
1996Price when new$26,140US XLT V8, as tested
2002Price when new$36,915US Eddie Bauer 4x4, as tested
2003Price when new$26,285US XLS, base
2006Price when new$34,270US Eddie Bauer 4x4, base
2011Price when new$39,995US Limited 4WD, base
2020Price when new$62,020US ST Street, summer tires, tested
2022Price when new$44,600US ST-Line base, before destination
2025Price when new$41,220US base, including destination
2025Price when new$58,465US ST 4WD, base
2026Auction sale$17,0001998 Sport 2-door 4x4, 19k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$5,4002001 Eddie Bauer V8 AWD, 134k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$13,5001991 XLT 4x4, 42k shown; possible rollover, BaT
2026Auction sale$9,2502007 Eddie Bauer V8 4x4, 76k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$7,1991999 XLT AWD, 107k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$6,2001994 XLT, 29k miles shown, BaT
2026Auction sale$15,2502002 XLT V8 4x4, 26k miles, BaT
2026Value today$3,000–$7,200

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 12 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “The patrol SUV topped the speed charts”
    • “3 straight Class 6 titles”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 6 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 34 sources
  1. The History of the Ford Explorer, from 1990 to Today caranddriver.com
  2. 2011 Ford Explorer Limited 4WD Test – Review – Car and Driver caranddriver.com
  3. Ford Explorer - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  4. 1991-2010 Ford Explorer Generations: Everything You Need to Know motortrend.com
  5. Tested: 1996 Ford Explorer XLT V-8 caranddriver.com
  6. From the Archive: 2002 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4x4 caranddriver.com
  7. 2020 Ford Explorer First Test Review: 3 Rows, 3 Engines, and Something for Everyone motortrend.com
  8. The New Ford Explorer: It’s All in the Name fromtheroad.ford.com
  9. 2025 Ford Explorer ST First Test Review: Big Power, Bigger Value motortrend.com
  10. The 400-HP 2020 Ford Explorer ST Is Quick, Compelling, and Unexpected caranddriver.com
  11. How To Buy A Used Explorer motortrend.com
  12. 1991 Ford Explorer First Test - Motor Trend motortrend.com
  13. Tested: 2006 Ford Explorer vs. 2006 Jeep Commander caranddriver.com
  14. Hooniverse Obscure Muscle Car Garage – The 1998-2001 Saleen Explorer XP8 – Hooniverse hooniverse.com
  15. Ford Explorer Used SUV Buyer's Guide | Autoweb autoweb.com
  16. 2022 Ford Explorer Review | Niches covered by Timberline, ST and King Ranch - Autoblog autoblog.com
  17. 2027 Ford Explorer ST Goes Dark with New Sinister Package caranddriver.com
  18. Ford Explorer Design a Global Endeavor | WardsAuto wardsauto.com
  19. Reference: Ford Explorer Guide | Jurassic Park Motor Pool | JPMotorpool.com jpmotorpool.com
  20. 1991-05 Ford Explorer/Sport Trac/Sport | Consumer Guide Auto consumerguide.com
  21. Ford Bronco II - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  22. Rough Riders Off-Road Racing Team (1991-1995) - Blue Oval Trucks blueovaltrucks.com
  23. John Swift's Rough Riders Ford Explorer - Blue Oval Trucks blueovaltrucks.com
  24. The Original "Jurassic Park" Ford Explorers Were Self-Driving—But How? motortrend.com
  25. Ford Explorer Remains Quickest Police Car Sold Today, for Now caranddriver.com
  26. No Reserve: 19k-Mile 1998 Ford Explorer Sport 2-Door 4×4 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $17,000 on April 9, 2026 (Lot #237,120) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  27. Ford Explorer Internal Water Pump Failure | Black Oval Automotive blackoval.com
  28. Ford recalls over 238,000 Explorers to replace axle bolts that can fail after US opens investigation click2houston.com
  29. No Reserve: 2001 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer AWD for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $5,400 on May 19, 2026 (Lot #243,389) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  30. No Reserve: 1991 Ford Explorer XLT 4x4 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $13,500 on July 15, 2026 (Lot #252,441) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. No Reserve: 29k-Mile 1994 Ford Explorer XLT for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $6,200 on March 12, 2026 (Lot #233,203) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. One-Owner 2002 Ford Explorer XLT V8 4x4 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $15,250 on March 5, 2026 (Lot #232,335) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. No Reserve: 2007 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer V8 4x4 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $9,250 on May 1, 2026 (Lot #240,523) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. No Reserve: 1999 Ford Explorer XLT AWD for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $7,199 on April 14, 2026 (Lot #237,792) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • motortrend.com
  • fromtheroad.ford.com
  • hooniverse.com
  • autoweb.com
  • autoblog.com
  • wardsauto.com
  • jpmotorpool.com
  • consumerguide.com
  • blueovaltrucks.com
  • bringatrailer.com
  • blackoval.com
  • click2houston.com

Photo credits

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