Used Ford Explorers: 8 Best Model Years To Invest In

You’ve probably found yourself on this page for a reason. You’re looking for used Ford Explorers, and you have many questions surrounding them. Well, the team at Kings Ford is here to answer those questions by listing the Ford Explorer’s top 8 best years and why. You might assume that the newer the year, the better the model, but that’s not necessarily the case.

Sometimes, older models prove more durable and reliable than newer ones. Further, older models occasionally have valuable features there were later dropped. This guide will help you decide what features are right for you. So, without further ado, buckle up and let’s get this thing going.

2001 Ford Explorer

This one is about as common as daisies, but there’s a reason for that. The 2001 model has a V6 engine and a V8 option, and it comes with four-wheel drive. Customers claim it is beyond satisfactory. In fact, customer reviews on Edmund’s website show how reliable it is. It averages between 4 and 5 stars on almost all reviews. For only a couple thousand dollars, this model is a great option if staying on the road at an affordable price is your main goal.

Additionally, when the seats are folded down, this Explorer comes with 80 cubic feet of cargo space, making it a great travel vehicle. The Eddie Bauer and Limited trims come with fancier options, but given that this came out in 2001, you won’t find many truly advanced features. Still, if you want leather seats, the high-end trims are worth pursuing.

2008 Ford Explorer

This one is a great option if you’re looking for mid-level technology. It’s new enough to support keyless entry but old enough to still come with a CD player. You can also find 2008 Explorer models that have sunroofs, navigation systems, and even DVD players. And most importantly, the 2008 model year introduced curtain airbags for greater safety.

This model is also much more visually appealing than its predecessors. Ford decided to add a new grille and a new tailgate, creating a better aesthetic. Where strength is concerned, the two-wheel drive trim can tow up to 7,300 pounds. All in all, it’s visually appealing, it gets stuff done, and examples can be found for under $10,000.

2013 Ford Explorer

If you’re looking for a sportier option, this is a great place to start. For 2013, Ford introduced the Sport trim, creating a stronger Explorer with better looks to boot. Even with the sporty upgrade, this trim gets better gas mileage than earlier Explorer models, landing at around 20 mpg combined. While previous models lack in the fuel-economy department, this one ranks best among its class.

There are also much better safety options in this one. The 2013 model comes with traction control, trailer sway control, and more modern technologies as well. Lane departure and collision warnings are available. However, this version doesn’t have a V8 option, so if that’s a dealbreaker, you might want to try another year instead.

2016 Ford Explorer

This one ranks high in steering and handling, as well as in comfort. Because these SUVs are only four years old, they will cost a bit more than the above models. However, even base-level 2016 Explorers come with great features, so you really don’t have to get pricey to get a good vehicle. For example, entry-level 2016 models come with a rear-view camera, Bluetooth, and they have an optional V6 engine that packs 290 horsepower. If you’re looking for affordability and dependability, the 2016 Ford Explorer is the way to go.

2002 Ford Explorer

The 2002 Explorer is like a souped-up version of the 2001 model. It comes with all the same comfort and mechanical benefits while adding in better technology. The 2002 model offers a DVD entertainment system, as well as a six-disc-changing CD player.

This was luxurious in the early 2000s, and it’s still pretty cool now. It’s like a cheaper alternative to streaming services: a nice variety of music, but on a budget. It’s also important to note that the 5-passenger version is more spacious, so if you need more cargo, avoid the 7-seater. Overall, the 2003 model is a good option, and prices are rather low.

The 1999 Model

Yep, we’re going there. We’re touching on a 90s model. The 1999 model is a good option for off-roaders, with its durability and four-wheel drive availability. If you’re looking for something cheap to take camping on the weekends, this one is it. And with plenty of cargo space, this SUV is great for rural adventures.

If you don’t have a long commute, it’s also a good work vehicle option. However, if you have to drive far, it doesn’t get the best gas mileage. It’s dependable and cheap, though, so don’t overlook it.

The 2019 Model

Twenty years later, the Explorer no longer even looks like the same vehicle as the 1999 model. The 2019 model is the best used option for those who want the newer vehicle without buying the absolute newest model. This one has an amazing aesthetic appeal, with optional black wheels and a much nicer grille than older Explorers.

The base trim has everything you need, and the higher trims come with everything you want. So, it depends on your budget, just like with any other model. This model can also get up to 27 mpg on the highway, which is a major upgrade from older models. Overall, this is the best choice out of the newer used options.

The 2011 Model

Are you looking for something that’s not dirt cheap, but not too expensive either? Do you want to put your kid in something safe without breaking your bank? The 2011 Explorer is a great way to go, then. This is largely because of its price tag, but also due to its safety.

This model even offers something called MyKey, which is a safety feature for parents of new drivers. MyKey includes speed caps, and it controls volume levels. If you want to really kick up the safety, the Limited trim offers all those modern safety features, like blind-spot monitoring and the gist. That will, of course, cost you, though.

The Used Ford Explorer Screams Dependability

Used Ford Explorers are dependable as a whole. As long as your potential vehicle is well taken care of, you should be in the clear. However, these eight models are the best options for their features and for their prices. When shopping for a used model, everyone has a different objective in mind. You may have a limit on how old or new you want to go, and that’s okay! This guide will help you feel out each model based on your personal needs.

Also, remember that Explorers go all the way back to the 1991 model year, so Ford had plenty of time to practice and develop the Explorer by the time the mid-2000s arrived. And if you’re feeling really brave, you could shoot for one of those really old models. However, we realize that those are probably best left to those who want to put time and effort into rebuilding and upgrading an old vehicle. If you want more advice on buying a used Ford Explorer, then feel free to drop by our Cincinnati dealership and discuss your planned purchase with the Kings Ford team.