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2013 Ford Explorer consumer reviews

$29,100–$31,100 MSRP range
side view of 2013 Explorer Ford
(212 reviews)
84% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.6
  • Interior 4.5
  • Performance 4.4
  • Value 4.2
  • Exterior 4.6
  • Reliability 4.4
Explore the 2013 Ford Explorer
Shop the 2013 Ford Explorer

It's no Chevy!

Just kidding, I've been a Ford customer forever. I presently own a 2011 Explorer it's been a great vehicle-no problems

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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Problem Car

Carbon Monoxide smell is coming through A/C system on higher RPM's. Fuel leakage and smell, hence fuel lining assembly replaced under warranty. Very poor design for 2nd row seats.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 2.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 3.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does not recommend this car
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ford guy

I like the new body style, it got more interior room, the ride is excellent for a front wheel drive vehicle. The area that I live you can't find a used well maintained vehicle like this one, for the price that I paid for it, thousands dollars less. thanks

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
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Worst Police vehicle!

This is reference to the 2013 Explorer police package. First! This is the most uncomfortable police vehicle that I have ever driven since 1980. Second! When pushing the vehicle for longer than 5 min. It losses most of it's power. Third! The only cup holder in the vehicle, is in the door, which makes it almost impossible to have an open drink in the vehicle! At high speeds, it becomes too easy to oversteer, although it handles exceptionally well. Forth! If you accelerate on an uneven road ssurface, it makes you appeart like a drunk driver as it pulls all over the place!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 1.0
  • Interior 1.0
  • Performance 2.0
  • Value 2.0
  • Exterior 1.0
  • Reliability 3.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Does not recommend this car
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Hate the redesigned Explorer

After purchasing the new 2013 Ford Explorer XLT I noticed a slight problem when driving home. . . I could not stretch out my legs! I was angry at myself for not noticing this during the test drive but after I sat in a couple old Explorers, with plenty of leg room, I cannot figure out why Ford made the new Explorers so small. I am 6'3" which is above average height but I am no GIANT. If you are thinking of purchasing this vehicle please do not get lost in all the awesome gadgets. This car is hard to see out of with the redesigned smaller windows, raised hood, and lower roof. Did I mention the "dead pedal" and lack of leg space? I used to love the old Ford Explorers but this new one is a certified waste of metal. The engineers at Ford need to go back to the basics before they screw up the next model. Wish I had read the reviews before purchasing one of my own.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 1.0
  • Interior 1.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 1.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Does not recommend this car
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2013 Ford Explorer: flushing money down the toilet

The fuel pump in my 2013 Explorer went out on May 24th. It is now July 17th and they still do not have a part or even a date the part will be shipped. Right now my Explorer is a big heap of junk metal taking up space in the dealer's parking lot. VERY DISGUSTED FORD CUSTOMER!!!!!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 1.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 1.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does not recommend this car
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2013 Ford Explorer XLT Review

After owning nothing but GM and Volkswagen cars without any major issues (drove many of these cars over 200k miles without putting as much as a dime into them) for my entire life, I was won over by the styling and technology of the new Ford Explorer. We made our purchase of a new 2013 Explorer XLT w/ the loaded option package. Within 6k miles and 6 months of ownership, the car started making a very noticeable creaking noise in the dash every time you turn the car or hit any slight bumps in the road. Within a few weeks of this creaking noise showing up, a wheel bearing went bad and the car started making a very bad growling noise when the car was in motion. They were able to fix the wheel bearing without any issues but they are still not able to find the cause of the creaking noise. The car has been in the shop for over 4 weeks now without any end in sight. They have removed interior trim, removed the windshield, broken and re-welded the A pillars, removed the entire dash to adjust welds in the firewall but still no luck. I've owned GM's and VW cars that cost 1/2 the price of this car and never had any issues like this. This was my first Ford vehicle and it will definitely be my last. I'll be filing for a lemon law refund since I do not want a "new" car that has had virtually every part of the inside of the car torn apart as well as two major "failures" within 6 months and 6k miles. Sorry Ford, the rumors of your improved quality are just that...rumors.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 2.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 1.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does not recommend this car
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2013 Ford Explorer Limited has it all

Beautiful tuxedo black metallic just glimmers in the sunlight. This vehicle has it all and more. It drives like a car, is super quiet and smooth. I read consumer reports somewhat negative review of the Explorer and have to say they got it wrong. I looked at all the SUV's in this class and trim level. The Explorer had the most room including the 3rd row and behind the 3rd row. The power folding 2nd row seats and power fold-away 3rd row seats are incredible and make it a breeze to load cargo or 7 passengers. It has very modern styling and looks very sharp. The big screen control center and navi are very cool. The double panel moonroof really brightens up the interior when you want it to. Mileage so far is between 18-20 mpg city. I have no complaints about this vehicle at all. Give it a close look, you won't regret it.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Keeping Up With Tradition

My family has owned an Explorer since they first came out and I couldn't be happier to own a 2013 edition. Ford continues to put quality into the Explorer brand and turns out SUV's that consumers want because they listen to what people want in their vehicles. Couple that with a dedication to quality internals (parts, engines, exteriors, etc.) and you have a vehicle that stands the test of time. 3rd row seating, plenty of space (both leg and head), and loads of features to pick and choose from. Our family personally appreciates the XLT model because of it's "just over" basic features that make the vehicle feel durable for a family, yet with some creature comforts to make the ride enjoyable. Ford really pushed us over with the I-4 EcoBoost engine. We appreciate the fact that Ford looks at different options for fuel economy and comes up with gasoline engines that can produce hybrid results. Ford shows a dedication to innovation while maintaining a high quality of product. If you're looking for a vehicle that can seat 7 (even two adults in the 3rd row!), has great gas mileage, has a ton of features, and is backed by a reliable brand, look no further than the Ford Explorer.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
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A big disappointment

Purchased a 2013 Ford Explorer Limited with 22,000 miles. Wish I had kept my old vehicle and wish I had thought this purchase more thoroughly. Vehicle has very small windows and the visability is very poor and dangerous. Most of all this vehicle is like riding in a bucket of rocks. It is extremely rough on all roads. I will be getting rid of this car as soon as I can. Unfortunately that won't be for a while. The back up system works great and I do like the computer features. There isn't a way to open the back door without unlocking or clicking. No button to push to lock when you are done in the cargo area. Just flat out disappointed to pay this much money for a vehicle that is made poorly.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 1.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 2.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does not recommend this car
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