The First Generation Ford Explorer Is a Forgotten, Awesome, & Affordable Classic! 

Man i love this truck and the simplicity. Everything you need and nothing you don't. When you actually had to be all in when driving and had no assists. I Wish all trucks and suvs were still this simple.

I've got a 1994 2 door XLT 5 speed, probably next week it'll cross 300k miles. Truly underappreciated, especially in the ultra short 2 door, it's actually 10 inches shorter than a single cab short bed ranger, phenomenal turning circle. The German Engineered/Built (lol) 4.0 is all torque and doesn't like to go above 4k, but with the short length and high torque, it squirts around in traffic better than it has any right to, and with the high visibility and off road oriented suspension it makes a pretty good vehicle for going in to town. I've seen as high as 22 mpg on a road trip but on average it's in the 17-20 range depending on the time of year. I had to replace an ECM after I shook it around at altitude in Colorado, (it took me way too long to diagnose because "it's never the ECM") but it was a 20 something year old computer. I switched to manual hubs and leveled out the rear, I run a 30" tire because 31s are just a little too big at stock height. I rebuilt the transmission using the short gearset from the 2.3/3.0 ranger, (the M5OD really is a sweet shifting unit, you can tell that it's the same folks who did the Miata tranny) I also replaced the brake lines, incidentally the brake lines in my 94 Cobra went about the same time, must be a 94 Ford thing.... I really do love the stupid little truck, it's performed admirably in all the light off roading I've put it through. Plus it checks all the boxes, 5 speeds, 4 wheel drive, 3 ashtrays, 2 doors and 1 happy driver! It's even a lovely shade of dark green. I'd love to see you guys build yours... Maybe an F-150 TTB swap? You can use almost exclusively junk yard parts to build a pretty serious front end. Maybe forced induction of some kind? Keep the seats though!

Still using my '91 3-door as daily driver. Frankentranny (A4LD with 5r55 parts), heavy duty converter, huge tranny oil cooler and big hydraulic 25 micron filter. Pre-95 10cc 0.75 pistons and 95TM ported heads, hi-volume Melling oil pump, upgraded rocker shafts to prevent ticking noises, 410-8 CompCams cam, 73mm C&L MAF, 24lb injectors, CAI with huge filter and 90mm air hoses. Drives much better than stock.

still driving my 1992 Ford Explorer XL. Love it!

I've got a 93 sitting in my driveway. My neighbors don't love it, but I do! Best front seats. Best arm rest. Best cup holders. Good rear seat room. Great ride and steering. Great off road. Great cargo capacity. Yup. Great suv!

Ford really nailed it with this Explorer, I loved the way these looked. I had a friend whose parents bought a brand new 1991 Eddie Bauer with factory JBL subwoofer.

I love it. Imagine travelling back in time and getting your hands on a brand new one. Oh my.

I have a 94 XLT Auto. 314000 miles on the original A4D automatic. I've owned it since 99. Drive it every day. Going to purchase another one today with 141000 on an A4D automatic. The key to survivability with the auto trans.... change fluid every 60k to 80k miles. Not a flush, just drop pan, change filter and refill. As I said 314000 on mine and still going. I love the Gen 1.

I had one for many years and it is the most useful all around vehicle I've owned. Good off road, great in snow, long enough to sleep in the back, wide enough for 4ft wide construction materials, roomy up front and a comfortable highway cruiser. If I ever find another, garage kept example I'll probably buy it.

I own a 95 exploder and its actually been the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. Ive had it for only 9 years and ill nev it give it up no matter what falls apart. Ill fix it up soon.

I'm glad to see this version getting some attention. I love my rig! You'd be surprised just how capable they can be off-road with very little upgrades. Totally agree that one of the first should be manual hubs!

I had a second gen Explorer 5.0 AWD and it was absolutely boss. I'd own another one for sure. The first gens are great but I love the V8 option that came later. Those engines, both the 5.0 in the second gen and the 4.6 in the third gen, are dead reliable.

Just got my grandpa's old 93 up and running after a year of having it. Been driving to work for a couple weeks now with no issues Hoping to modify here soon but love the fact that it is clapped out but has a lot of sentimental value to me and my family.

These are sweet! I like the look of these versus the next gen that got really bubbly and rounded. My dad had I believe was a ‘91 Ranger extended cab he bought new. Bullet proof. I think it had a 4 cylinder in it. He had way over 200k mi on it. Sold it to his friends son and he’s been driving it still for many years now!

This was my highschool offroad rig, I love these things. So much so that I bought another one and spent the last 2 years building it into a monster with a cummins, 37s, and big axles. Love seeing these get some more love, especially first gens 👍👍

My first car was a 1994 Ford Explorer "Eddie Bauer" edition. I loved that truck! 4x4, Low Range, soft leather seats, and the back folded flat. Plenty of room for my girlfriend and I to camp and sleep in the back. Such good memories of that vehicle.

Takes me back to my teens. Went to auto expo in 1990 in Raleigh nc and we were amazed by the explorer on display. Compared to the jeep Cherokee it was so much larger. Dad bought the first 1991 shipped into the dealership. Midnight blue with gray cloth automatic 2wd. For eastern North Carolina didn’t need the 4WD. Pulled our 23’ boat in and out of the water great. Got my driver’s license in in this truck. Drove it and my date to prom. Years later my brother drove it to college. I have owned two others a rusty one in wisconsin 4WD did great in the snow with the 5 speed. Some day I need to find another.

I inherited my Dad's '93 Explorer with 490,000 miles on everything but the original engine.

This is why the Bronco 2 was so great. And a lot of parts from the Explorer bolts onto the B2 as well.

I am the proud 2nd owner of a 1992 first-generation explorer. It was a little neglected when I got it at 125,000 miles. I drained and filled all the major fluids. Got transmission serviced and it has 150,000 miles on it. It shifts good and seems like it will last a while. I am 6 ft 6 and this vehicle is very comfortable for me to drive. It has handled well and all claims of weather including snow. Got to love the first generation explorers. Thanks for your video

I have a 1992 ford explore with a manual transmission and it works great! Starts for me every time and gets up to speed

They put the 4.0 ohv motor in 2nd gens as well for 95/96, such an underated engine and vehicle, rides like a truck but still nimble enough to maneuver tight spaces in parking lots and ohv trails!

Hello from north east Colorado. I'm about 80 miles east of Denver on interstate 76. I found a 1993 Ford explorer in Kersey,Colorado near Greeley which had not been driven for over 10 years. It sat for 10 years not being driven along 34 high way at a farm house. I stoped to look at it. It actually has a manual 5 speed gear shift transmission. I got a good deal on it but it needed a clutch plate. Then the engine had alot debris in it under the hood. D AND L auto service fixed clutch plate and new battery along with a tune up the vehicle started up and drove real well with less the 80 k original miles on odometer. I detail cars and I went to work cleaning this 1993 explorer. With the correct cutter wax I with God's help and much prayer was able to get white film off black exterior paint. Then I spent quite alot more money on it getting new breaks rotars, and much under neath work as the first owner done alot of 4 wheeling with it. It gets 22 to 26 miles to the gallon on the high way. Then driving 5 miles one way to work for over 3 weeks I can get over 300 miles out of one tank of fuel. I noticed your lic.plate was Colorado. Today I hauled brush tree limbs and tree branches to land fill pulling trailer. It did very well. Then it worked real well on very rough terrain at land fill keeping it in first gear even pulling load up hill to dump trailer at locle dump. I also had factory wheels taken off replacing them with black after market black steel wheels making it look totally different. I've used the 4 wd in snow also which really seems to work well. With the floor shift it is challenging to install extra radio communication equipment so I mounted a metal pole to the floor and built shelf up above near front of dash which a weather scanner is mounted on. Then I removed the ash tray and installed a midland micro 2 way gmrs radio. Then with short wooden 2 by 4 board I mounted a flat piece of wood which holds a 40 ch am cb radio along with a multiple triple cigarette lighter plugs. Then also a stream light flash light and charger,so I have completely customized it for what I need it for so I can stay tuned in to what's going on locally on the air waved. It came with an after market Alpine am fm cd player with detachable face plate. I cleaned and shampood the interior. I took the middle console box clear out and cleaned underneath of it. It really was dirty and really needed cleaned. Then in thee back on each side above back doors I mounted amplified speakers for the cb,two way gmrs radio and scanner. It's been a project. For antennas I'm using 2 unmarked phantom short black antennas om magnetic mounts on roof. The cargo area in rear houses all my work related extra equipment and a full size spare tire. IM VERY THANKFULLED FOR THIS VEHICLE AND I THANK GOD FOR IT. thanks for your time reading my comments about the 1993 Ford explorer that I have with manual transmission. Take care and God bless you and your family. Have a good day and enjoy your explorer.

I LOVE 1991-1994 ford explorers my dad got a 1991 or 92 LIMITED EDITION in perfect condition wich we lifted 16 inches and trew on 32s it went from washington to new yark 4 times and now is in very used condition im fixing up

I owned several. One lowered on air ride, and one lifted. Loved them! Weak point was A4LD tranny. Never owned a standard version, believe it would have lasted a long time behind the 4.0. Later went to a 96 with the 5.0 and 4L70w tranny and 3.73LS 8.8 rearend. The 5.0 was super reliable and fun for a daily.

As long as its not rusted out underneath! I love the old vehicles! I don't need all the electronics that break after a few years. I'd love to buy one cheap and put money into it to make it like new. It's the rust!

I had a 1st Gen Explorer. Got almost 200k miles from it. The only major issues I had were auto locks on the front hubs, the transmission needed a rebuild after well over 100k miles (found out the automatic transmissions were the same used in the Pinto), too much play in the front end, and body rot. The reason I sold it was because of the rot (lived on the coast). The rot issue was the only bad issue(the other problems were easily repairable). Too many crevasses for road salt to settle into and very hard to clean out. I was sad when I traded it in.

I love my 94 XLT, 6" lift with 33" tires, its a beast off road.

I agree. One of the best trucks Ford ever made. I've had mine for 20 years...parent had it new for the first 12ish. That old Sport is now gaining on 1/2 a million miles as a daily driver on all original drivetrain. Never getting rid of it.

I was one the few people who has been trying find a first gen explorer, until in 2020 i find one with 40,000 miles, amazing to hear a motor built decades ago yet sounded new, rust was bad though. Still brought it and i want a twin to go with it.

This makes me miss my green 91 Explorer that I got used in 96. Traded it in on an 87 325i...never said I made the best decisions in my 20s 😆

I had a second gen explorer. I loved that thing and I had it for 2 years. I hated to sell it, but I bought one of the new ford mavericks, and couldn't afford 2 vehicles. I loved that thing with all my heart. All I had to do with that thing was replace the plugs and wires, and change the oil. It always started, had plenty of get up and go, and was comfortable to drive. Wish I still had it, but I will probably buy another one later down the road and fix it up.

The 4.0L V-6. The gas mileage of a V-8 and the power of a 4 Cylinder. My wife had a 2005 Explorer and it got 15 mpg. Two throttle bodies and an ECU in 100K miles.

There is one of these in my neighborhood, a 1993 in pristine condition, looks practically brand new, very rare to see one of these cars here in a little city in Spain.

1994 here. I always thought this box-look was the US version of an old Land Rover. Ok, so you have to squint a bit to see it that way but still... it's a basic box that does what it's supposed to do! Lots of stuff doesn't work on mine like the AC but it starts up and costs me a few hundred per year in small little repairs. Also in black paint, it's a sharp looking truck.

I own three, a 91 manual with limited slip rear differential, a 94 with an automatic and a 94 parts explorer. My 91 has a 4” lift and I put warn manual hubs on it. These little trucks with just a few upgrades make really good overlander’s and have a tight turning radius. I have a friend that had off roaded his whole life and he was pretty impressed with how it drove.

Weird way this video has helped and inspired me was that I wanted to know if I could add manual locking hubs on the 03 Chevy Tracker and I COULD!! It's very easy and thank you for the inspiration and idea from this video!

Soooo many friends in High School drove one of these, in 2 door, 4 door you name it. These were 2nd hand cars in 2000. All my friends who had one then, beat the living s**&^ out of it. I don't ever remember any of them having any significant issues from any of them...Ive been a believer since. Their still out there, in greater numbers than most would think. These were a truly great vehicle.

I’m perfect Agee with you because I got my own Explorer 1991 and this truck is a real one ..! I love it..!❤

My first car was a 1991 Eddie Bauer Edition Explorer 4x4 I loved it! It was an absolute tank almost 400,000 miles on it before the motor blew up

I'm actually going to go see 2 this weekend. A 94 sport and a 96 4 door both with under 100k miles

I had a 2nd gen, a 1998 XLT with about every option available on an XLT. I bought it used in 2005 with only 45k miles on it. Loved it for several months. Towed my boat better than the Dodge Dakota I replaced with the Explorer. Rode and drove GREAT! But then one day it died and wouldn't even turn over when trying to restart it. And it was on the interstate 2 hours from home, had to get it towed to a nearby mechanic. Nobody could find anything wrong, and a day later it just magically started and ran like nothing was wrong. Took it to a Ford dealer and they found no issues, no codes in the computer, etc. It happened again a month later, but this time in the grocery store parking lot 2 miles from my house. And again, no issues found at dealership. Unloaded it after less than a year of ownership.

I loved my 1993 Explorer. I learned how to drive stick on it and it fit everything for my Freshmen dorm room.

Still my favorite gen Explorer. They peaked right outta the gate lol

Just bought a 91 explorer today. Unfortunately a auto but does shift good. Paid $850 for it. 80k mi dirty and paint has faded bad but I feel these are a true classic SUV and plan on starting the restoration journey

We had 3 of them in the family and they were all excellent vehicles,, the last one was a 2000.. The whole Firestone tire debacle drove me nuts because I'd be walking by the TV here in Houston and there'd be another one on its side or flipped over on a hot summer day with 1 blown up tire and 3 other tires that were fine and my question always was what is the tire pressures in the other 3 tires ???? and no one ever did that test,, because people weren't maintaining their tire pressures...

I remember when the mother board for the electronic 4X4 system "only" cost $1500.00 not including labor.

If you want to snag one of these, take a trip to SW Missouri. There is a multitude of them driving around and in front yards.

Had a 92 eddie Bauer that I got for 500 canadian, drove a year a sold for 600 Canadian. That was a decade ago. Definitely it had character!

I guess I'll be the wet blanket. I owned the 2nd gen 2000 XLT with the 5.0L and leather. I put the Magnaflows on it, what an awesome tone. 4X2 and it seemed like it could hustle, yet it handled terribly, swayed for days and super fidgety at most speeds (like a Jeep). I traded it in on a 2003 Infiniti QX4 4X4, paid only $2K more than the Explorer! My dad had a matching Explorer to mine, when I lined up with him, I took him every time to 60 and would pull away from there on. The QX4 is the real forgotten gem. Comfortable, compliant, handled WAY better and was a damn goat on trails (yes I took mine in the Arizona desert). I love your videos, but man, all I remember about my Ford Explorer was a cool motor stuffed in a dog of a ranger pickup chassis.

I have a 2019, and I love mine. It's a base XLT, with no add ONS with the NA 3.5. Been great for the 55k I have on it right now, I am the original owner.

I bought a 91 in 2003 for $425. My first 4x4. These were everwhere back in the 90s here in Canada. Now they are non existent. How ever i still see 90s 4Runners everywhere.

I had a 1991 explorer eddie bauer manual transmission. And loved it

I’ve always loved those body designs! Great buy on your part!

I have a 94 2 door spot with the auto transmission. Had the transmission completely rebuilt and it’s run great ever since

I've never had one, but I've always loved them from a distance. And I would love to buy one but I ran out of room with vehicle space.

Way to Brendon so proud of you love ya champ your crushing these videos

I had a 92 4dr XLT and a 94 2dr Sport. Loved them both

Picked up a 94' explorer xlt 4x4 from Colorado this past month and relocated it to the Midwest. The issue with these is the potential for rust. Mine is in great shape with tan interior, but these really need undercoating to be kept anywhere outside of the western US.

I got a white 93 with an automatic transmission, 4WD, and with 365,000 miles for $500 two years ago. She didn't run and she was in rough shape. I was able to get her running again and cleaned her up. Thankfully, her automatic transmission shifts good. I'm thinking about converting her to a manual one day and applying some vinyl's and upgrades to her. She's a survivor. And I got a brown 94 for free which I'm planning on converting to a Jurassic Park vehicle.

Had a first gen explorer for 5 years. Picked it up for 500 bucks, put about another grand into it and never had an issue. I drove it everywhere. Took it off road, around town, everything. Ended up selling it when the slave cylinder went out of the transmission and started discovering way too much rust to justify the fixing it. Sold it last year for 750. Still miss it tho

One of the best vehicles i ever owned

This makes me want to get my 1988 Jeep Comanche 4.0 running properly again.

I had two different of the 1st gen Explorer. The first one was leased and then turned back at the end of the lease. It was OK but then I got another, a year older and had been owned by Harry Cary, the western actor. It was awesome.

Thanks for the review, Brendon. I miss the 80s-90s Japanese SUV classics, Isuzu Trooper, and Mitsubishi Montero. Why didn't Ford continue the 300ci straight 6 w/ 3 on the tree

They got these trucks perfect when they came out. The Explorer has always been a great truck in every iteration.

Thank you for this video! I really want to get one. Was looking for another 4x4.. sold my Suburban and was looking for something I can work on and enjoy.. and restore... I like this A LOT! Nice.

As a Ford commercial claimed back then, “the worlds best Exploration vehicle”. These were everywhere when I was a kid. Dad bought a new 4 door Blazer because it was a better deal and never liked it. We had it less than a year when he traded for an Eddie Bauer Bronco. Back then I wanted him to get an Explorer but quickly fell in love with the Bronco.

My wife had one of the first one's, Strawberry Red, 4x4, V6 5 speed stick like the one being reviewed.

We used to have a 91 Explorer. My mother in law has a 92 that is still running well.

havnt had any problems with my 93 just when it gets under 10 degrees the auto locking hubs dont like to disengage but kicks ass in snow

These are so dope and slept on! It actually drives like a truck. The v6 is reliable just do your maintenance. The 4.6 is super torqued out and believe it or not fun to drive with some mustang gt mods.

I own 5 of these ford explorers 2 of them are aut;s the rest are 5 speeds and 2 are 4x4 5 speeds plus I own 4 1990--94 rangers with 4.0 2 are aut's and 2 are stick none are 4x4. I love the 4.0 motors. 1 million miles can be gotten out of the short blocks

Have a beautiful day Everyone ✌️

I had one and loved it, square bodied SUV’s are the best, but it was also in the shop on a regular basis. Transmission needed rebuilt, oil pan seal, just endless issues until the day I sold it. And it was a 1992. Let’s face it. Found on road dead or fix and repair daily is earned.

I’ve owned 3 Explorers. Excellent vehicles, with the exception of the motor that had timing chain clatter.

Thanks for the info!! I get one next week as a gift im so happy!! ❤

Gotta find me a 90s Ford without rust up here in the northeast. Definitely gonna try and maintain it for the long haul.

This suv was good enough for John Hammond , spare no expense.

Worked at a Ford dealership in the parts dept when these came out

these were mommy wagons for mommies that didnt want minivans back in the day. I remember multiple folks buying these.

It had so many issues, but I love the first gen Ford Explorer.

You guys need a low-buck off-road challenge again

Had this with manual as well, and was great! i relaly enjoyed driving it.

Ah yes, the old 4.0L OHV motor, the same one in my folks 2000 Ranger. Ford then switched out that motor eventually for the 4.0L SOHC, that is in my 2004 Ford Ranger.

My first car was a 1991 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer Edition. I miss that truck

I would love to have one if I could find one that wasn't ratted out

I rented one of these when they were on the market. I was unimpressed because it felt underpowered, very narrow interior, and vowed I would never buy one….and I never did.

We called them exploders for a reason, they fall apart anywhere salt is present

First, gen explorers are awesome. Great off-road and is built on the solid ranger platform.

The 4.0 was also used in the Aerostar.. I own a 97

I bought a 94 limited for $200. I'm sitting in it right now in fact.

Those seats look in amazing shape.

After watching Jurassic Park, these first gen Explorers are not forgotten.

Still see these and Rangers everywhere

I really want to get one and paint it just like the ones from Jurassic Park!

You can't talk about the first gen Explorer without mentioning Jurassic Park. Not a lot of people make the connection, but it is the one from the movie. I have a '93 I've retrofitted with the older '92 cosmetic features and have been building it into a replica of the tour vehicle from Jurassic Park, inside and out.

Awesome video bro I still have my Bronco 2 it's a 1987

I had a 94 2 door with a manual, it was awesome!! Shouldn’t of gotten rid of it

Second gen explorers You still see everywhere almost as much as 3rd 4Runners. First gens are cool tho, tha Mazda manual will save you a lot of headache from that Ford transmissions