Was 2007 a good year for Ford Explorer?

Not particularly; 2007 was a transitional year for the Ford Explorer, with modest sales and few updates as Ford leaned into a crossovers-focused lineup. It reflected broader market shifts rather than a peak for the model.

Context: Ford's shifting SUV strategy in the mid-2000s

During this period, Ford sought to broaden the appeal of its SUVs by embracing crossovers that offered better ride, efficiency, and interior space. The Edge, a dedicated crossover, began production for the 2007 model year and became a cornerstone of Ford's strategy, while the Explorer was redesigned around a more crossover-like profile in 2006–07. The change mirrored a broader industry trend away from traditional, body-on-frame SUVs toward unibody platforms and car-like dynamics, challenging the Explorer to redefine its role among rivals such as the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander.

Sales and market performance in 2007

In 2007, the Explorer did not experience a sales surge or market-leading momentum. It remained in production, but volumes did not match the peak years of the early 2000s, as buyers increasingly flocked to newer crossovers with better fuel economy and interior refinements. The competitive landscape for midsize SUVs was tightening, with multiple rivals offering modern features and improved efficiency.

• The model year featured limited changes over the prior year, continuing the trajectory set by the 2006 redesign rather than introducing a fresh refresh.


• Competition from contemporaneous crossovers intensified, eroding some of the Explorer’s traditional advantage in space and practicality.


• Perceptions of rugged capability and towing power versus newer crossovers weighed on the Explorer’s appeal for a segment increasingly oriented toward on-road comfort and efficiency.

Taken together, these factors made 2007 a year of transition rather than triumph for the Explorer, signaling Ford's longer-term pivot away from rugged, body-on-frame SUVs toward mainstream crossovers.

Design, engineering and features in 2007

The 2007 Explorer drew on the improvements introduced in 2006, emphasizing interior practicality, ride comfort, and standard safety features. It did not receive a major redesign that year, and while it offered conventional four-wheel-drive options and V6 power, it faced competition from newer crossovers that highlighted efficiency, refinement, and technology amenities.

• Interior and features: Expanded space and more contemporary materials aimed at family buyers, with improved practicality in everyday use.


• Ride and handling: A smoother, more car-like ride relative to earlier generations, though some critics still compared it unfavorably to newer crossovers on handling and fuel economy.


• Capability: The Explorer remained capable, but the shift to a unibody framework reduced some of the off-road ruggedness historically associated with earlier Explorer generations.

The 2007 model delivered everyday practicality and familiar capabilities, but it lacked the standout updates that could have reinvigorated the lineup in that era.

Legacy and implications for Ford's lineup

The 2007 model year underscored Ford's strategic move to diversify its SUV lineup with crossovers. The Explorer’s evolution continued, culminating in a fully redesigned, unibody Explorer in 2011 that prioritized on‑road comfort and efficiency while preserving family-hauler versatility. As a result, 2007 is generally viewed as a bridge between generations rather than a high-water mark for the model.

Summary

In hindsight, 2007 was not a standout year for the Ford Explorer. It reflected Ford's broader pivot toward crossovers, with modest sales, limited updates, and a transitional status that shaped the model’s direction for the next decade. The year is best understood as part of the road toward Ford's later, more modern Explorer lineup.

How many miles can a 2007 Ford Explorer last?

A properly maintained Ford Explorer will typically last 200,000 miles, and with excellent care, it can reach up to 250,000 miles or more. Factors that affect mileage longevity include driving habits, climate conditions, and adherence to service schedules.

Is a 2007 Ford Explorer a good vehicle?

Among the 451 owners who provided feedback on the 2007 Ford Explorer for Kelley Blue Book, consumer sentiment is mostly positive, with 85% recommending the vehicle. As a whole, consumers found the vehicle's comfort and styling to be its strongest features and value to be its weakest.

What year to stay away from Ford Explorer?

The most widely cited Ford Explorer years to avoid are 2002-2006, primarily due to severe transmission problems, along with other issues like engine trouble and body/paint problems. Other years often mentioned as problematic include 2011-2013 (rust, A-pillar rattling), 2016 (various quality control issues), and 2020 (recalls and power loss). 
Third-generation models (2002-2006) 

• Transmission issues: This generation is notorious for widespread and expensive transmission failures. 
• Engine and other problems: Owners also reported engine issues, electrical gremlins, and premature suspension wear. 
• Specific models: The 2002 and 2006 models stand out as having the most complaints within this group. 

This video discusses the common problems with the Ford Explorer 2002 model: 59scar PROblemsYouTube · Nov 2, 2025
Fifth-generation models (2011-2019) 

• Initial redesign issues: The 2011 model year was a significant redesign that brought a range of problems, including transmission failures in some cases. 
• Rust and rattling: Models from 2011-2013 experienced premature hood rust and A-pillar rattling, with Ford eventually adding foam to fix the rattle in the 2014 model year. 
• Quality control: The 2016 model year is often cited for poor quality control and reliability scores, with issues such as faulty fuel tanks, suspension, and interior components. 

Later model years

• 2017: Issues included tire wear, exhaust fumes entering the cabin, and shattering glass. 
• 2020: The first year of the current design had significant recalls and reported issues with power loss and transmission problems. 
• 2023: This model year has faced numerous recalls, particularly related to in-car electronics and the exhaust system. 

What is the best and worst year of the Ford Explorer?

The best Ford Explorer years are generally considered to be 2007–2010, 2011–2012, and 2019, due to improved reliability, though some sources also praise 2023 for strong performance. The worst years to avoid are 2002–2006, primarily because of widespread transmission, engine, and electrical issues, along with 2016, which suffered from numerous problems.
 
This video discusses the best and worst years for the Ford Explorer: 1mcar PROblemsYouTube · Nov 2, 2025
Best years to consider

• 2007–2010: This period, especially 2009 and 2010, saw significant improvements in reliability after the problematic early 2000s models. 
• 2011–2012: These models are frequently cited as being among the most dependable years. 
• 2019: A solid choice for a newer vehicle, it is noted for its reliability. 
• 2023: This recent model has also received strong reliability ratings. 

Worst years to avoid

• 2002–2006: These years are widely regarded as the worst due to frequent and expensive issues, most notably with the transmission, engine, and suspension. 
• 2016: This model year drew significant complaints and is often cited as a year to avoid due to numerous problems, including issues with the EcoBoost engine and electrical components. 
• 2020: The first year of its current generation, it received poor reliability ratings and is often considered a year to skip. 

You can watch this video to learn about the 2016 Ford Explorer problems: 1mDriven By GearsYouTube · Feb 28, 2025
Common issues in the worst years

• 2002–2006: Transmission failures, timing chain problems, electrical issues, and suspension wear were very common. 
• 2016: Owners reported issues with EcoBoost engines, electrical problems, and a harsh ride.