MSRP: $28,470 - $39,180
Invoice: $26,458 - $36,203
MPG: 14 City / 20 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores

Overall:8.1
Performance:7.8
Exterior:5.7
Interior:8.2
Safety:9.0
Reliability:9.0
Research we analyzed for this review
Pros and Cons
  • Excellent off-road capabilities and good towing capacity
  • Smooth transmissions contribute to a comfortable ride
  • Plenty of passenger and cargo room
  • Exterior suffers from indistinct styling
  • Heavy steering detracts from overall performance
  • Sub-par fuel economy

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Ford Explorer - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Explorer is a solid if unspectacular performer, with straightforward styling and nice comfort and safety features. Thanks to a 2006 redesign, most test drivers say the Explorer rides better and is much quieter inside than previous models.

"Explorer and its Mercury Mountaineer sibling are highly competent overall performers with an outstanding array of available features," says Consumer Guide. "These include V8 power, seven-passenger seating, and a power folding 3rd-row seat. Their traditional truck-type design serves trailering needs without giving up much refinement to lighter-duty midsize crossover SUVs." For 2009, the Explorer gets standard Trailer Sway Control for additional safety when towing. For smoother on-road performance, consider the Toyota Land Cruiser or GMC Acadia.

The 2009 Explorer is available in three trims: the base XLT, the Eddie Bauer and the premium Limited.

Be sure to check for current Ford deals that may be available on a new Explorer.

  • "We find the Explorer fully competitive in a tightly contested segment, succeeding as both an excellent machine and a high-value purchase. It's handsome, smooth, quiet, comfortable and competent." -- New Car Test Drive
  • "Redesigned for the 2006 model year, we give the Explorer high marks for solid construction, impressive fit and finish, quiet operation, the six-speed automatic transmission that goes with V-8 models, and excellent ride quality that comes in part from its independent rear suspension, still something of a rarity among traditional SUVs." -- Car and Driver
  • "Consistently the most popular midsize sport-utility vehicle since its introduction in 1990, the Ford Explorer's sales have been slipping somewhat in recent years as the market shifts toward car-based crossover models. Still, it remains handsomely styled inside and out, and is a solid performer in most respects, with many family-focused features." -- Forbes
  • "The midsize 2009 Ford Explorer still deserves consideration if you need a traditional SUV with substantial towing and off-roading capabilities. But considering the Explorer's mediocre engine performance, you might be better off with a more modern seven-passenger crossover if you just need a family vehicle with plenty of passenger and cargo space." -- Edmunds

Explorer Performance - 7.8 (Good)

The Ford Explorer's performance is adequate, but doesn't stand out in its large class. Car and Driver says the Explorer will "go, corner, and stop well enough, but excitement is absent." While the Explorer's on-pavement ride isn't as refined as some rivals, it's off-road and towing capabilities are excellent. Read More

Explorer Exterior - 5.7 (Mediocre)

Reviewers have little to say about the 2009 Explorer's exterior, which hasn't changed much since its 2006 redesign. "The Explorer remains boxy and bold, a paragon of toughness," says U.S. News reviewer Rick Newman. Read More

Explorer Interior - 8.2 (Very Good)

Reviewers are generally pleased with the Ford Explorer's five-seat (seven-seat-optional) Explorer's quiet, high-quality interior and ample cargo room. "Interior materials feel solid, and assembly quality has been good on all models tested," says Consumer Guide. "There are many hard plastic surfaces throughout the interior, which are fine on Explorer, but inappropriate for Mountaineer, given the Mercury's upscale aspirations." On the plus side, reviewers love the silent cabin. Read More

Explorer Safety - 9.0 (Excellent)

The 2009 Ford Explorer does very well in federal government crash tests. Read More

Explorer Reliability - 9.0 (Excellent)

The 2009 Ford Explorer reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Explorer comes equipped with a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. Read More

Review Last Updated: 7/1/09