The Many Generations of the Ford Explorer

If you live in or around Buford, GA, and you’re searching high and low for used SUVs for sale, stop looking and head to Rick Hendrick Chevrolet of Buford. Our premier dealership has all sorts of vehicles besides brand new Chevy models. We carry other brands as well that have been traded in. No matter what type of vehicle you are looking for, our sales associates will help you pick the perfect one. When we asked our team what their favorite non-Chevy used SUV was, most of them said it was the used Ford Explorer. This magnanimous ride has become a household name over the years, so we thought it would be best to show you what options you may run across in the used SUV sector.

Used First-Generation Ford Explorer

To cover a bit of history, the first-generation of Explorers were produced from 1991 until 1994. Grumbling under the hood was a 4.0L V6 engine that generated 155 hp. Buyers could get this SUV in a 2-door or 4-door body style with either RWD or 4WD. They also had a choice between a 5-speed manual transmission and the 4-speed automatic transmission.

This first-generation model was offered in four trims, including the base XL, followed by the XLT, Sport, and Limited models. These vehicles are hard to come by these days. If you found one, it would have some very basic features. You’d be looking at an AM/FM radio and a cassette player unless aftermarket parts were added.

Used Second-Generation Ford Explorer

Round two went from 1995 until 2001. A whole bunch of changes came with this second-generation of Explorer, including an extra engine option. The 5.0L V8 motor made 215 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. All of the term levels remained the same from the first-generation until 200 when the XL was replaced by the XLS. Again, this isn’t a vehicle that many people desire due to its lack of entertainment, convenience, and safety features.

Used Third-Generation Ford Explorer

From 2002 until 2005, the third-generation of Ford Explorer reigned. However, it was a short reign. Ford engineers scrapped the old Ford Ranger chassis that had been used to build previous models, and instead, they built the third-generation of Explorers with a body-on-frame.

Under the hood, it still had the same base 4.0L V6 engine, but this produced 210 hp and 254 lb-ft of torque. It could also be made with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission. The other powertrain choice was a new 4.6L V8 engine that generated 238 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque. This one was paired with the 5-speed automatic transmission only.

Another major change could be seen in the interior of the Explorer. The cargo floor was lowered by several inches giving drivers an extra ten cubic feet of storage space. With three rows of seating, this vehicle could carry seven passengers with no problem. It was also available in five trim levels, including the XLS, XLT, NBX, Eddie Bauer, and Limited. Three optional packages were also made available, including the Sport Value, Sport Choice, and Sport Premium. You might run into a couple of third-generation used Ford Explorers, but your chances are low. The next generation is where you will start to see significant-tech changes that may pique your interest.

Used Fourth-Generation Ford Explorer

In production from 2006 until 2010, the fourth-generation of Ford Explorers got a new chassis, a redesign rear suspension, a power-folding third row of seating, and so much more. Electronic stability control and a tire pressure monitoring system became standard on all trims. Power running boards were also made available. These were great to help kids, and elderly passengers step up into the vehicle. The engine options remained the same.

In 2007, an auxiliary jack was added to every trim level. Optional packages included a heated leather seat package, the Ironman Package, and the XLT Appearance Package. Then, in 2008, side curtain airbags became a standard safety feature that was very enticing for families. Optional for this model year was a voice-controlled navigation system. Drivers could simply speak a command, and the navigation system would present a route to the desired destination.

By the time 2009 rolled around, the Ford Explorer got another standard upgrade. This was the trailer sway control system. Ideal for folks who travel with a trailer, RV, or boat in tow, this system helped to keep your tow in line with your vehicle. Drivers would no longer have to be concerned with the trailer sliding off from side to side during turns or at high speeds. As for the optional navigation system, it too received an upgrade. It got real-time traffic flow monitoring that could also provide you with the fuel prices of nearby gas stations. In 2010, the Sync infotainment system with Ford MyKey became standard.

Used Fifth-Generation Ford Explorer

The latest generation to find used Ford Explorer models is the fifth-generation, which was produced from 2011 until 2019. These are the ones you will most likely find at our dealership. Using a unibody structure, this mid-size SUV got its 5-door design back as well as a slew of engine options. First was the 2.0L Ecoboost I-4 engine that generated 240 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. The second was the 2.3L Ecoboost I-4 engine that pushed out 280 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The third engine option was a Duratec V6 motor that produced 290 hp and 255 lb-ft of torque. Lastly, the final engine option was a robust 3.6L Ecoboost V6 that could get up to a whopping 365 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque.

By 2016, the Explorer underwent a complete makeover. Adding fog lamps, LED headlights, and a restyled front fascia, hood, and front bumper, this vehicle never looked better. The latest trim level was the top-ranking Platinum model. This came with a Sony surround-sound stereo system, front/back parking cameras, enhanced active park assist with perpendicular parking and semi-automatic parallel parking, a hands-free liftgate, and a heated steering wheel. Talk about luxury! This model was the ultimate SUV for comfort, safety, and entertainment.

Other additional features that buyers could opt for included push-button start, remote start technology, heated and ventilated seats, leather upholstery, and a dual-screen entertainment system for the kids to watch their favorite movies during long drives. The Sync infotainment interface, along with MyFord Touch, became the standard system. With Bluetooth connectivity and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on later models, drivers could safely text, call, stream audio, and engage with their favorite apps.

Finding the Perfect Used SUV

No matter what kind of SUV or vehicle you are looking for, there’s a pretty good chance that we have it right here at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet of Buford in Buford, GA. Contact us or stop by to take one of our vehicles out for a spin today!