First-Generation (1991-1994)
Ford launched the first-gen Ford Explorer in 1990 for the 1991 model year. Back then, it was a small-ish, body-on-frame SUV (sharing its underpinnings with the Ranger) aimed at rivals like the Chevy Blazer and Jeep Cherokee. At 174.5 inches long, it was compact – at least, relative to the current model (198.8 inches). And underhood, the 4.0-liter V6 produced just 155 horsepower and 220 pound-feet of torque. The new model is 215 horses more powerful, for what it's worth.
The design of the first-gen Explorer was relatively basic. It shared a lot in common with the Bronco that Ford discontinued a few years later – sharp, 90-degree angles, a simple three-slat grille, and rectangular red headlights made up most of its look. It was also available in two body styles: Both a two-door and a four-door. The former three-door would end production in 2003 with the second generation.
Second-Generation (1995-2003)
Four years after the launch of the first-gen Explorer, Ford refreshed its budding SUV with a new look. Granted, it wasn't exactly a dramatic departure from the original, but it was different enough. The grille and headlights now had a more distinctive look, and at 190.7 inches (five-door) it was significantly longer than the first version, due in part to the death of the Bronco the year prior.
Underhood of the second-gen Explorer, the same 155-horsepower (115-kilowatt) four-liter carried over. But in order to compete with cars like the Jeep Cherokee, Ford shoehorned in a 5.0-liter V8 producing 210 hp (157 kW) in 1995. In 1997, that same updated engine produced 215 hp, and Ford introduced a third engine to the Explorer range: A 4.0-liter V6 good for 210 hp.
But the second-gen Explorer, in particular, had its fair share of with criticism. In 2000, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation into possible Firestone tire tread issues and rollover deaths associated with the Ford Explorer. A year later, Firestone issued a recall of 3.5 million P235/75R15 and P255/70R16 Wilderness AT tires deemed unsafe for the road. According to court documents, 271 people were killed and another 823 people were injured as a result.
Third-Generation (2003-2005)
Hoping to put the past behind it, in 2002, Ford gave the Explorer its most significant transformation to date. Gone was the no-nonsense, rugged styling of yore – as was the Ranger platform underneath. Ford actually benchmarked this new Explorer against more mainstream crossovers like the Lexus RX300 and Volkswagen Tiguan and moved the Explorer to its own dedicated UN152 platform. And with this new platform meant new engine options.
The same 4.0-liter V6 from the previous generation producing 210 horsepower carried over. But a new 4.6-liter V8, shared with cars like the Crown Victoria and Grand Marquis, was also available. That engine produced 238 hp (177 kW) and 282 pound-feet (382 Newton-meters) of torque, making it the most powerful Explorer yet.
Fourth-Generation (2006-2010)
In 2006, Ford updated the Explorer, and Mercury the Mountaineer, with a new platform. Stronger and with a redesigned rear suspension, the Explorer continued to shift from rugged SUV to more mainstream crossover. And its updated design reflected that. The grille now had more chrome and the headlights with more pronounced features. Underhood, the same 4.0-liter V6 and 4.6-liter V8 from the previous generation carried over with only modest improvements.
Fifth-Generation (2011-2019)
In its most extreme makeover to date, the 2011 Ford Ranger shifted from body-on-frame to a unibody construction instead. The transformation from rugged SUV to family-friendly crossover was seemingly complete, consummated by a smooth, sophisticated look, complete with a floating roof element, and an entirely new range of engine options.
Initially, Ford offered a lone 3.5-liter V6 producing 290 horsepower (216 kilowatts) and 255 pound-feet (346 Newton-meters) of torque. Just a few months later, Ford's first four-cylinder arrived: A 2.0-liter unit producing 240 hp (179 kW) and 270 lb-ft (366 Nm) of torque. The fifth-gen Explorer was also the first to include an automatic intelligent all-wheel-drive system a la Land Rover.
In 2013, the Sport model arrived, adding sporty black trim pieces, a new twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 producing 365 hp (272 kW) and 350 lb-ft (470 Nm) of torque, and standard all-wheel drive. Ford gave the Explorer a facelift in 2016, complete with a new grille, sharper headlights, and fog lights inspired by the latest F-150 pickup. Ford dropped the 2.0-liter engine as part of the facelift in place of a more-powerful 2.3-liter inline-four that produced 280 hp (209 kW) and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque.
Sixth-Generation (2020-)
Four generations separate the all-new Explorer from the very first model that showed up in 1991. And a lot has changed. This new Explorer is one of the best-looking examples yet with a more defined fascia, a larger grille, and unique lighting elements out back. And with two powerful engine options – a turbocharged 2.3-liter inline four (300 hp) and an optional twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (365 hp) – it's also one of the most powerful.
We don't know details like price and availability just yet, but we should know more when the 2020 Explorer makes its in-person debut at the Detroit Auto Show next week.
