Used 2018 Ford Explorer SUV Consumer Reviews
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Best SUV in it's class
Gman1, 07/30/2019
2018 Ford Explorer Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A)
25 of 25 people found this review helpful
I have the 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum. The 3.5L Eco boost twin turbo Engine is unbelievable. For It's powerful engine which is 365 HP its a rocket ship on acceleration. I drove to Florida and back covering 2800 miles. It averaged combined mileage between 23-24 Mpg. Very comfortable vehicle and quiet.
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After 11 Beemers, a Ford
Billy Scholtz, 04/24/2018
2018 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
73 of 78 people found this review helpful
After 11 BMW's and 2 3 stars, I thought to give an American car a try. My friends recommended the explorer. What a total surprise. I simply love it. Wish I had bought one years ago... Mine is 2018 XLT.
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Fantastic American SUV
Colin Blackaby, 07/17/2018
2018 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
34 of 37 people found this review helpful
Quality = After working for a supplier to all the auto industry I know Ford expect very high quality equal to if not better than all the auto manufactures. The Design of the Explorer is one the best on the market both inside and out. Reliability of all Ford cars I have owned has been excellent. This is my 3rd Explorer and it drives perfectly and feels very stable on the road. It is a comfortable SUV to drive and for the money it hard to beat. I have driven many of the cars in both Europe and the States on business trips and found the top 3 to be Ford, Cadillac and Toyota. BMW, Volvo etc. did nothing for me.
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First new car in 15 years
Scott, 01/15/2019
updated 07/17/2020
2018 Ford Explorer Limited 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
The Ford Explorer is a solid all around good car. Nothing really outstanding or sets it apart from the rest of the mid size SUV field. Its AMERICAN MADE in Illinois (important to me) This car replaced a 2001 Expedition. Its a much higher quality car as far as safety and technology goes. Definitely not the road monster in shear size and weight the Expedition was! But as our family has moved out (two boys) we decided to downsize slightly for better economy and parking convenience. I am 6" 3" and i have a slight trouble getting in and out due to being lower to ground than Expedition was. But I LOVE the driver tech for safety, the adaptive cruise control is great.The auto-dim headlights and the lane keep assist are also good features. The longest trip so far has been 4 hours/250 miles. So far so good! Jury still out on the Hankook tires (bad reviews about mileage expectancy). Will probably upgrade to Michelin or Toyo whenever factory tires wear out.
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Until I towed ONCE now Service People run & hide
Disappointed Dan, 06/23/2020
2018 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
All was good until I actually attempted to Tow a tandem axle trailer (2450#) with one (1) H-D FLD (800# bike) to Jax (about 90 miles each way) about 70 miles in the wrench icon appeared along with the statement to "Review the manual". The same warning appeared at about that same distance on the return trip. Set up an appointment for Warranty Service Work and now the NIGHTMARE begins. No Repair Order, no answers, more issues found, Service Manager Goes MIA and I think all of this could have been avoided had I listened to the older guys I know who said "Dan your going to regret that purchase those Fords even appear to be made cheaply".
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Why did I waste so much money on Mercedes
Herb F., 09/23/2018
2018 Ford Explorer Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A)
13 of 14 people found this review helpful
Why did I waste so much money on Mercedes Benz all these years. The Ford Explorer Platinum is truly a pleasure to drive. I’m sure that if the decal and badge logo were marked MB or BMW the cost for the same vehicle would be 35,000 more.
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How to buy any new car... at the best price
Justin watts, 03/01/2018
2018 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
68 of 80 people found this review helpful
The Ford Explorer is a Great SUV... it’s very nimble. The dash is a bit deep but you get used to it. Makes the interior spacious for front seat and passenger. I want to share my car buying formula to get the best deal..... whatever MSRP price the dealer gives you.. take that number and deduct 15% to 20% off the price and INCLUDE the tax and license and that will be the best rock bottom price for any car you buy and shop as many dealers as you can.... this is my opinion but it has worked for me. I bought my 2018 Ford Explorer XLT with aftermarket leather added and had 20 inch wheels installed as part of sports appearance package. My out the door price was $41,700. Not too bad!
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Love/Hate Relationship
Mike S., 12/31/2019
2018 Ford Explorer Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
This is my second Explorer. The first was a 2016 Explorer Sport. First the positives, with caveats. 1. The twin turbo engine is fast and makes you look forward to red lights. However, if you immediately floor it, there is a tremendous pause. It's not turbo lag, but more like lack of fuel. By easing into the throttle initially, you'll eliminate this. 2. It has more than enough power to tow. I tow a 25 foot travel trailer and it will pull most hills at 65 plus, but if it's hot outside, the temperature gauge climbs quickly, causing you to have to back off. Granted, I'm towing at the maximum GVWR. 3. The seats are very comfortable in the first and second rows. The third row seats are two individual buckets as opposed to a flat bench like the 2020 Explorer. Like other similar sized SUV'S, it's great for teenagers only. 4. The 2018 Platinum has LED auto high beams, along with the LED low beams and work great. Inexplicably, Ford went back to incandescent bulbs for the high beams for 2019. Now the negatives: 1. At 18 months and 25k miles, the driver's seat heater/cooler motor stopped working The driver's window motor also malfunctioned by continuing to operate after the window was fully up. This was fixed under warranty, but now the right front window motor is doing the same thing. Also, the sensors in the front and rear bumpers that warn of close objects inexplicably go off with nothing nearby. 5. The original tires are terrible in snow and ice and wore out at less than 20k miles. Conclusion: I'm fearful of keeping the car past the warranty although I really enjoy driving it...hence the title of the review.
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Explorer Platinum Explodes with a Wealth of Luxury
Kim, 04/09/2018
2018 Ford Explorer Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A)
33 of 39 people found this review helpful
The Explorer Platinum is the way to go! We looked at the other Explorer models and until we got done building them with the options we wanted it was coming in the same price as the Platinum. So we took the plunge and are we VERY pleased with this SUV! I can't tell you how wonderful she handles and every bell and whistle you could ever imagine is included in this model. If you want to spoil yourself rotten............fall in love with the 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum! We did and we are totally ecstatic!!!
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2018 Ford Explorer
Alisha White, 10/10/2018
2018 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
11 of 12 people found this review helpful
I purchased my Explorer 2 weeks ago and I am really impressed with it. I have gotten better gas mileage that I expected so far. It does have the 3.0 6 cyclinder so if you have a heavy foot..Gas mileage isn't so great. I think the cabin area could be a little better sealed so there's not as much wind/road noise but it is not to bad. I bought the XLT on the lower end so there isn't any navigation to speak of. There could be a couple more USB ports added to make better for passangers. Overall, I am impressed with my new explorer and am happy with my purchase.
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Exhaust/CO2 leaks still not fixed!
TE, 08/19/2018
2018 Ford Explorer Sport 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A)
100 of 122 people found this review helpful
Leased my 2018 Explorer Sport with Ecoboost June 2018. Several weeks later I began having headaches, dizziness and tiredness. After a long trip I had to pull over several times due to nausea and feeling like I had to vomit. After missing 3 days of work and taking several pregnancy tests (all negative), I thought I had the flu. I then began smelling a “rotten egg smell” during and after hard acceleration. All this only 3 months of driving the vehicle. I looked up “rotten egg smell on acceleration Ford Explorer” to diagnose what I could be smelling to see if it was an issue that I should bring to Fords attention, and I was appalled of the articles that popped up. The smell I was smelling was exhaust leaking into the cabin and was the reason I had been feeling sick. Ford had been receiving complaints about this since 2011 models and was refusing to recall these vehicles and continued to produce and sell them. Ford is refusing to admit there is a problem. The deny all claims and told me that because my vehicle was a 2018 it wasn’t affected by this, although they allowed it to go on from 2011-2017, and admitted to smelling the “rotten egg smell” however claimed my vehicle was safe and the smell was “normal”. They refuse to perform the inspection on my vehicle which would determine if CO2 and other hatful exhaust fumes are leaking into the cabin and I am terrified to drive the car and refuse to allow my family to do so. Ford should be ashamed and I am furious I didn’t do better research before purchasing from Ford, because thousands of complaints over the last 8 years prove their neglect.
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Absolutely Love!
Joseph, 11/18/2020
2018 Ford Explorer Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
Coming from a BMW back into a Ford has been wonderful. Every bell and whistle and not draining to the pocket. Purchased a 2018 Explorer Platinum and could not be happier. Smooth shifting, Very quiet cabin, far better than earlier years, great features, comfortable not bumpy ride.
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4x4 Sport package option review (not AWD)
Alicia, 10/12/2018
2018 Ford Explorer Sport 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A)
20 of 24 people found this review helpful
Traded in a 2010 Escape with over130,000 miles for a 2018 Exploder sport 4x4 and was on the fence about the purchase to be honest. Kinda skeptical and guarded as the Escape proved itself over and over but 2 kids and their accessories deemed a third row option a requirement. Looked at Volkswagen Atlas to compare. Two months and over 2,000 miles later - only regret is why didn't I buy an exploder sooner?? The drive is effortless, the acceleration on point, each child literally has his own row, wifi hotspot is awesome and no worries when it comes to extreme weather conditions. Gas mileage wasn't expected to be great; didn't buy a Prius for many reasons so knowing that ahead of purchase can't complain. Primary driver is 5'0" tall and can see surprisingly well. Seats accommodate easily. Have had no issues with exhaust or rotten egg smell and to date, no recalls. Being 100% honest with fellow consumers, will trade this in as soon as the Bronco's become available. Other than the Bronco option, would have kept this for another 128,000 miles
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What you’d expect
Mark Schoenhals, 10/28/2018
2018 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
23 of 28 people found this review helpful
Nice and comfy. However, don’t be surprised about poor fuel economy with the V6. Brakes are weak, pick up is acceptable. Utility is great. Great seats for long drive.
Ford Girl Loves her Explorer!
Miriam, 07/14/2018
2018 Ford Explorer Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
15 of 18 people found this review helpful
This is a comfortable, roomy, smooth driving big vehicle. I had an Explorer years ago, then a Taurus sedan, then tried a Subaru and hastily fled back to Ford. I have only leased it for a short time so no experience with reliability or bad weather (yet) but it is supremely comfortable both seats and ride wise, and for a big beast it has good visibility especially forwards. I have the front camera and park assists which are very helpful. Front camera great for small spaces and seeing the driveway over the big hood. Love it. Drawbacks: slurps gas (I knew this going in). Does not have active pedestrian detection/ night vision systems which are available on some other Ford models. I am leasing because I am hoping this will become available in a few years. Ford, you need to put this on all your cars! Audio controls a little fiddly, and headlights could be a little stronger (I live in very dark area where streetlights, where they exist at all, are often non functional.) But I am very happy with it so far despite relatively high price.
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Love the car - a few features need redesigned!
ds, 02/02/2018
2018 Ford Explorer Sport 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A)
37 of 47 people found this review helpful
We love the Explorer. It rides well and handles well. The entertainment system and safety features are good. Down side is design of cup holders. Too small and the ones on the side of the front seat doors don't fit anything but a bottle and the way the angle is you really cannot use them. Car looks great.
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Great Features and Ride
John P, 07/17/2020
2018 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
The Explorer has exceptional safety features including automatic emergency braking, blind spot system, rear-view camera, etc. It is very comfortable and handles the road very well.
Glitchy Sync
Sbragg965, 04/18/2022
2018 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I love the way this vehicle rides. It's very comfortable. My only issue and it's a big one, is the Sync system. Worked fine for about a week and now it will not connect to my phone (have the latest iPhone) to play music. I get "no device found" but I can talk on the phone. I get "bad media track" on a song that's playing on Spotify. I've tried Apple Music, too, just to make sure it's not the software. Half the time when I plug it in, I have to plug/unplug numerous times before I can play a song or podcast. It also will fight me if I am trying to move to next song. I wanted to take a hammer to it this past weekend. I tried to do a master reset, nope. Software is not there to do that. I can't get it from Ford either because it tells me that my Sync system is up to date. I traded in an Edge to get a vehicle that didn't have Sync issues. Boy, was I wrong.
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Won’t start!
Christina, 06/25/2019
2018 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
14 of 17 people found this review helpful
Bought in August and it’s been in the shop 5 times! Every 2 months, it just won’t start and has to be jumped off. The battery has been replaced and power relay switch. Dealership has no clue! First new car in 22 years and I have to jump start it to go to town!
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Worst car we’ve owned
M Anderson, 12/26/2018
2018 Ford Explorer Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A)
60 of 79 people found this review helpful
We have had problems with this car from day one, dead battery after dead battery. Dealership can not find a reason for the problem. The car has been in the shop for 50 days with no resolution and FORD refuses the acknowledge or do anything about it!! I would not recommend this car to anyone, it’s a real LEMON. I’ll Take a Toyota any day!
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The worst suv I have owned!!!!
Lorain, 01/09/2021
2018 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
I bought my explorer in 2018. The first year and a half I liked it. As of today my car only has 18k on it. At 17k I had a rear caliper seize. That destroyed my rotor and brake. Fought with ford to pay for rotors and brake. Well in the ford contract it states if a covered part causes damage to non covered parts then it is replaced as covered. They didn’t hesitate when I said that. replaced fully covered. Today at 18k I had another seized rear caliper. So now it will be another shop visit! Also when using remote car starter it acts up. One day I start my car and get in and all the heat, heated seats, and steering wheel are on right where i left them. The noxt day it could be all off. I am very disappointed in the suv.
After Many Jeep Grand Cherokees, Switched to Ford
SailorPat, 10/01/2018
updated 05/08/2023
2018 Ford Explorer Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A)
9 of 12 people found this review helpful
My new vehicle searched narrowed down to another Jeep Grand Cherokee or a change to a Ford Explorer. I am quite satisfied with my decision which was based primarily on: 1 — more cargo room and fits golf clubs better, 2 — safety options, 3 — price including V-8 Hemi in Jeep versus V-6 3.5 liter Turbo on Ford . . . Jeep eliminated V-8 on LTD forcing upgrade to Overland or Sumit level, and at that trim/option level the vehicles were equal in price AND Ford offered Zero percent, Zero down, Five Year Ford Credit financing while the Jeep interest rate was 4.9%. After 2500 miles of mixed highway and local driving: I am happy I made the switch! UPDATE in April 2020, not unite 2 years later: I remain very satisfied with my new car choice. All features perform flawlessly and I appreciate and use the many safety and display electronics I might not have factored in to the original purchase decision; example, I can leave displayed the individual tire pressure levels and as (Michigan) moves thru Season’s, outside temperatures dictate adding or reducing tire pressure to minimize tire wear and maximize safety. The scolding, flattening and storing rear seats are a relief on my weak shoulder — just push buttons. I know that the 2020 version is quite a bit updated but do not appreciate why. I like my 2018 just as it is. Now I have driven 14,578 miles, and in the most recent 866 miles I averaged 21.5 mpg. I have changed the oil and rotated the tires and carefully kept the tire pressure at specifications. All is good and the vehicle is a great long distance road car as well as a super shopper with folded down seats room for lots of flowers or whatever at market days.
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Total Transmission Failure
Ronda, 03/25/2019
2018 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
12 of 17 people found this review helpful
I love the Ford explorer until now. 2018 new vehicle 4 months old less than 3000 miles suddenly has total transmission FAILURE with no known cause. Transmission must be replaced. I believe that Ford should give me a new lease vehicle. I GOT A LEMON!
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remote start climate control fixed
Al Hayden, 08/01/2018
updated 08/05/2019
2018 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
17 of 25 people found this review helpful
issue was repaired under warranty air conditioning does not function well with remote start, fan barely comes on no matter what you set it on (last setting or automatic) I've spent hours playing with it in 100 degree weather, I took it back to dealer today and they said all of their explorers are not functioning well with remote start air condition. This 2018 explorer is one week old and is back in dealers service area waiting for Ford factory tech people to try to find a solution. Air condition works well, but not when using remote start (why else would you use remote start).
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Service and quality
Kaan Yilmaz, 04/30/2019
2018 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
10 of 15 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car like 10 months ago. Every couple months I went to service. Car does warranty until 36k. So first of all after 10k brakes started noises when I applied brake it’s making a lot of noise. Because of this 4 times I went to service they telling me it’s normal! What’s normal brand new car it’s. Yeah every time they told metallics pads can make noise. Whatever Believe or not they didn’t do anything. After 15k steering wheel started making noises when I turn right or left. I went to service again. Advisor told me it’s normal! I asked service technicians to come to see. Technician agreed it’s not normal after that they changed spring clock. Anyway not too long at the same time brake pedal started click noise. I really cold from ford because of the service. Because I knoe if I go service they will tell me it’s normal. Yeah You will see I went service again and advisor told again it’s normal. Omg this guy don’t want to do anything. I said not only pedal suspensions also clicking noise come from there. Car stayed at the service I night. Next they he called me and said everything is perfect no problems. The problem is I bought this car because I don’t want to deal with the anything but as you see It’s not worth because ford doesn’t have quality service. I will drive until 99k after that I will sell this car and ever never I will not buy ford again. Before the buying ford think twice.
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Annoyingly horrible on gas....
Kimberly, 10/09/2018
2018 Ford Explorer Sport 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A)
11 of 19 people found this review helpful
I can't believe how much gas this SUV uses! It is nothing compared to what the salesman said. Very disappointing.
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Ford Explorer wins out
Mike McKay, 04/07/2019
2018 Ford Explorer Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car, the Platinum edition, has many Bells and whistles, some that I'm still trying to figure out. It is a comfortable ride, I've left Toyota 4 Runner behind and have moved into the Ford Explorer with high expectations and so far they've all been met.
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bad
brian, 08/12/2018
updated 08/19/2019
2018 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
18 of 33 people found this review helpful
Trans mission constantly down shifting on slightest incline .. Seat is not wide enough feels like your falling off one side not like my 2008 Merc Mountaineer . door sill is way to high making it difficult to swing you feet out of vehicle. Cabin is to cramped for long drives . shifting devise needs to be put back where it belongs on the steering column. Gas mileage is nowhere close to what is stated and told by salesman. gas mileage is BAD..rides like a buck board even with the Michelin tires and the suspention feels cheap I will NOT consider another ford explorer again .stereo is cheap sounding . never came with tow capabilities .never again news flash I just had to replace a tail light assembly because you cant just replace the bulb .the assembly cost is 750.00 with a 80.00 core charge .ford and their better ideas my butt.
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MY 2018 EXPLORER SPORT IS EVERYTHING I EVER WANTED
Liv-No-More Guy, 07/05/2022
2018 Ford Explorer Sport 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
This is my second Explorer, and I love it more than my first one (a 2018 Explorer XLT)! Mine is painted in "Ruby Red", which simply lights-up in direct sunshine, and garners a lot of positive comments when out in public. The interior is laid-out thoughtfully; controls are easy to use, and performance is top-notch! The only thing I had no use for is the 3rd Row Seating, and the resulting "mini-spare" tire! I therefore removed the useless 3rd row seat and mini-spare (gave them away on Craigslist), and converted the rear cargo area to the usable cargo area (and full-size spare tire) as is used on the police interceptor versions. Instead of having useless (to me) folded rear seating taking up space, I now carry a full-size spare tire, as well as am able to store additional road safety items in the same wheel well. I did all this using new Ford OEM factory parts, which was not cheap, but was well worth it. I now have the vehicle the way I like it... a high-powered, tight-handling SUV that also has all the bells and whistles one could ever want! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
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Worst car I ever bought
Bob V, 03/04/2021
2018 Ford Explorer Limited 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
The car was delivered with a hood that was almost in half an inch out of level. The dealer took it back for a week and a half while I was in a Rent-A-Car to decide if they were going to fix it. They finally accepted the fact that it looked stupid, and was an assembly/welding issue only after I read the manufacturing specifications and proved that it was done wrong. On that same delivery I noticed the turbo was leaking in the car and was dangerously slow when trying to accelerate quickly, they were happy to take my car in for a day to fix the second issue. The display screen once in a while goes black for a day, the guy at the shop told me to disconnect the battery once in a while to fix that. Now with a two plus year old car the horn doesn’t work. I tried the to replace the fuse and the relay with no success, now I have to wait four days for an appointment, takeoff work to get horn fixed. I have owned many cars throughout the years, the only car I’ve ever had with a broken horn, before this Explorer is one of my current cars, A 1952 Chevrolet pick up truck, I can expect that from A 69 year-old vehicle. This is the worst vehicle I’ve ever bought, and will be the last Ford I ever buy!
Trapped at the Drive thu.
Donald Guthrie, 01/14/2019
updated 01/21/2022
2018 Ford Explorer Sport 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A)
5 of 8 people found this review helpful
Performance is less than my identically equipped 2015 Sport which would nearly rip the steering wheel out of your hands on hard acceleration. Braking performance also seems a little less effective than the 2015. Current problem showing up at 11,000 miles is repeated blowing of the fuse that controls windows, sunroof, outside mirror adjustment (interior fuse #23 ). This fuse is extremely difficult to replace even by an expert with hyper flexible limbs. This fuse has blown 3 times in the past 3 weeks. I am hesitant to take it to a dealer after reading horrible reviews of every available dealer in my area. Update: After repeatedly replacing the fuse (which is the most difficult and deeply hidden fuse panel I have ever seen) I noticed the wire harness on the left side of the footwell was bowed outside the cover trim. When the parking foot brake was used it rubbed against the wire harness eventually abrading the insulation away and causing a short through the metal lever of the brake and thus blowing the fuse. I had the a dealership repair it under warranty. I see they taped it up with electrical tape but I was not impressed since they did not seem to improve the routing of the wire bundle. I am still concerned there might be contact between the brake mechanism and the wires so I usually do not apply the parking brake anymore. New issue: Vehicle not at 71k miles> roof rails are on a recall due to structural defects. New issue: Plastic cladding on roof pillars around windshield and between front and rear side windows are separating from underlying structure. These trim strips were apparently glued on and the glue is failing. Vehicle is out of warranty so I will likely have to bear the cost of this fix. Lesson learned never buy a vehicle with plastic parts or panels glued on.
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2018 Ford Explorer Sport Subpar MPG
Kathy Trosclair, 07/25/2019
2018 Ford Explorer Sport 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A)
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
I'm sorely disappointed with my 2018 Ford Explorer Sport. I have yet to get it above 13mpg. The cargo rack on top has come loose. Scared the heck out of me while driving from Austin to Houston. There is now an issue with the 3rd-row seating. There's a piece of metal that is sticking out. This vehicle has less than 17k miles on it! I came from a Tahoe, Mercedes, and a Ford Expedition. Also, the Ford app is disappointing. The app told me to change the oil at less than 5%. When I brought it in to the dealership, the serviceman jumped my case about changing the oil every 5k miles or 3 months. I know this! I was following your darn app! Can we get better programming on the app? I refuse to use it at this point! Grrrrrr!!!
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why Ford, why
Tony c, 05/03/2019
2018 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
6 of 12 people found this review helpful
Bought at least 7 new Fords in a row over the last 20 years an escape, focus, edge and 4 explorers. Last bought a 2018 xlt explorer and while the vehicle runs fine there are a lot of little issues that make me hate it and never want 2 buy another Ford. First the phone voice command sucks. I sometimes have to say phone multiple times before it understands what I'm saying. Maybe it's my Brooklyn accent. Then the panic alarm on my key chain constantly goes off in my pocket or as im exiting the vehicle or as I lean in to retrieve something from it. The honking sound reminds me constantly of all the car break ins in the south bronx in the 1970s and my neighbors are none to pleased with the noise. Also hate the fact all the doors wont unlock as I exit the vehicle causing me to gave to go back and pop the door lock from the inside. I have a Samsung phone. The vehicle will not allow the Phone GPS, Google maps, to talk to me so I have to look at the screen on my phone to see when and where I need to turn. These 3 issues are among others that annoy me to no end. Hope this will help you to make a rational decision.
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Buyer beware!
Mark osmer, 12/04/2021
2018 Ford Explorer Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A)
4 of 8 people found this review helpful
I own two Ford vehicles a F350 Ford diesel King ranch 2016 and a 2018 Ford explorer Platinum two of Ford's top of the line vehicles. The Ford explorer third row electric seat began having issues within the warranty period at 21k miles and within 1 month of the vehicle warranty expiration. Just a couple of weeks after the expiration of the 36th month warranty but well within the 36k mile warranty (25k miles on The vehicle) third row seat would no longer operate (only having been used a few times). One of the main reasons we purchased the vehicle was for the third row seat for our grandchildren. After several trips to two different dealerships it was determined that the wire harness would need to be replaced and in order to do that apparently much of the vehicle needs to be disassembled . A very significant effort and expense to repair. I felt surely Ford would stand behind me and rectified what was clearly a defective mechanism. After several months of back and forth and Ford stringing me along ultimately they would not provide ANY assistance. Worse multiple requests for them to provide that decision in writing we're simply ignored. I have never been so appalled at a major corporation's lack of professionalism in handling a customer service issue. My experience with them has left me realizing that FORD is a two-bit company not interested in customer service or standing behind their product. FORD NEVER AGAIN
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Loving my ride.
Cliff, 08/06/2018
2018 Ford Explorer Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A)
4 of 8 people found this review helpful
The 3.5 non EcoBoost engine is thirsty didn't do my homework on MPG? But it's a smoooth! Rider.
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2.3 eco boost is a great
Jason Frederick, 12/10/2018
2018 Ford Explorer Limited 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Average 20mpg but has plenty of power and the snow traction setting does a great job
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Won’t start
MomOfive, 06/02/2020
2018 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
My 2018 Explorer is everything I want in a family SUV. It’s spacious. It drives like a dream. It has loads of cargo space and a third row of seats. But after two years of driving Under 24k miles my car won’t start! First they said it was a loose battery cable. Then they said it was fine. Now they are at their wits end trying to figure it out. It’s been weeks and I’m threatening them with lemon law action. I’m constantly on the phone w Ford Customer Service. I hope they fix it. I’ll Try to keep u updated.
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Satisfied
Jamie, 12/11/2018
2018 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
great leg room, great steering, low noise, easy on the pocket
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Bad trim design
40yr Ford Owner, 06/12/2019
2018 Ford Explorer Sport 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A)
3 of 7 people found this review helpful
Fords trim design on the 2018 Explorer Sport needs re-engineered 1st week was driving down highway trim between windows on passenger side blew off had to go to dealer to have replaced , 1st time going through car wash rack moldings on roof one side came off filed claim with with car wash said bad trim went to Ford service tech said was a problem Ford had clips that's suppose to fix problem well it didn't got another wash at different car wash same thing happen molding on roof pulled off again went back to Ford their suggestion was find a brushless car wash I was in awe. Asked show me in owners manual spent 50k I should be able to run through car wash without worry
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Could be better, could be worse ...
Kashley, 08/09/2019
2018 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
I wanted an explorer for a long time before making the leap of purchasing. I liked the idea of having a 3rd row, even though it’s not a requirement for my size family. I purchased a 2018 explorer after looking into the sante fe and the Volkswagen Tiguan. The explorer didn’t drive better than the others or have any extra added feature but I still went with it anyway. It’s a great suv and I got it for a pretty fair price brand new but there’s no extra special fun features with the explorer that I feel deserves recognition. My complaints are 1. The doors are really freakin heavy!! Like, if I try opening the door with stuff in my hands, The stuff will likely end up on the ground. They’re just really heavy. And 2. The gas mileage is AWFUL!! Granted, I’m used to my fusion, which only required filling up once every 2 weeks. I still feel like it consumes more gas than it should. I have to fill up at least once weekly, sometimes twice a week!!
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Disapointed
Howard, 03/04/2018
2018 Ford Explorer Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A)
20 of 62 people found this review helpful
Very difficult to get in and out of especially if you are tall or big. I liked all the bells and whistles and was very disappointed that I could not get in and out of the front seat.
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Love my Ford
Southerngrl, 12/25/2019
2018 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love my explorer. Has alot of room and rides great. I wanted a truck but I got 4wheel drive explorer and I absolutely love it.
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Crafty features with respectable handling.
Michael, 01/24/2023
2018 Ford Explorer Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Won me over on two or more handling tests, I'm from the muscle car era and made a career out of chassis and alignment formulas. Almost too techy for me but I know enough to use it when required. The climate control feature is vaguely depicted in the menu and is going to take some study. This particular Explorer has a proven reliability record and is in good condition inside and out.
Biggest [non-permissible content removed]
Cj evitts, 03/17/2022
2018 Ford Explorer Sport 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
From oil leaks, cracked start button,door gaskets falling apart,water leaks,rim coating coming off, rusted hood,rusting roof,exhaust leaks and it only has 40k.never again will I buy a explorer.
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Fast and efficient
Novelette , 03/31/2021
2018 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Great price! Drives very good. 3rd row seats. Huge trunk. Great for the family! Would recommend if you have kids!
Love my 2018 Explorer Sport
Joel Staknis, 01/23/2019
updated 07/24/2019
2018 Ford Explorer Sport 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I get everything I want from my Explorer Sport - performance, quiet ride, safety for my family. Looking forward to the 2020 Explorer ST! Loving my Explorer Sport and will be getting a 2020 Explorer St in the next 7-8 months.
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Best SUV out there!
Emliy, 03/20/2019
2018 Ford Explorer Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car is actually everything to me because the third row is so roomy that I managed to fit my six foot tall brother back there. Also in the 2018 limited Ford Explorer you get massaging seats which is great for long trips or just to use on everyday basis. Also on the driver sides door you can have up to 3 different seat settings one being your setting nd the other two are for other people which I find so helpful.
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All Right
Art, 03/14/2018
updated 03/16/2021
2018 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
9 of 31 people found this review helpful
First, don't use TrueCar. Worthless. I'm happy with the overall performance of the vehicle. Much better gas mileage than I had expected. A quieter ride than I had expected. Lots of interior cargo space when the seats are down.
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Explorer #3
C Douglas, 03/29/2019
updated 04/03/2020
2018 Ford Explorer Limited 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is my 3rd Explorer in 15 years and I have each one more than the last! My family is a Ford family as I have the 2018, my husband has the 2014 Explorer Sport and my daughter has a 2010 Escape. My husband bought the 2001 Ford Explorer in 2000 and sold it for the 2014 with over 300,000 and it was still running like day one! We LOVE our Fords!!
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Plug it in
Old Timer , 05/10/2022
2018 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
2018 Ford Explorer Limited (6cyl) Purchased new in 2018. Door locks would stop working, Rear Hatch door stopped opening, Plus other "quirky" problems. Ford dealer could document problems but, could not find any cause or or reason for the problems. The car is only driven once or twice a week +/- 15 miles and occasional 150 miles. Problem found: Sitting in the garage for days, the onboard computer keeps operating, draining the battery. A Ford design is to shut down "non-essential" equipment if the battery becomes low. Problem solved by plugging is a small battery trickle charger with connector located by left windshield corner. Additional problem: Had Ford dealer update Syn3 navigation GPS system for latest maps. Still woefully out of date, not showing major streets built over 5 years ago. Overall: Comfort, handling, viability, heated/cooled seats and heated steering wheel very nice. Not our old Lincoln Town Car, but it will do.
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