2001 Ford Explorer Sport Reviews, Pricing & Specs
What owners say
"Overall, drivers find the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport to be a reliable and capable SUV. Many appreciate its off-road abilities, spacious cargo area, and powerful engine, making it a good choice for those who enjoy outdoor activities. However, some drivers have mentioned concerns about ride comfort, particularly the choppy ride and being top-heavy. Overall, it seems to be a fun and attractive option for a two-door SUV."
Bought this 4 wheel drive Explorer Sport used for a winter trip to Colorado, and kept it for two years afterwards. It was formerly an executive vehicle with a rental company, meaning it was not a daily rental, so it looked and ran showroom new when I found it on a Ford dealer's lot. It had the dreaded Firestone tires, which were replaced with brand new Goodyear Wrangler's at the Ford dealer, since it was still under the new car warranty. This vehicle had the 4.0 litre overhead cam V6, which impressed me, much more so than the 4 litre OHV V6 in my 1993 Explorer. It had enough power to easily maintain speed on hills and long grades and the trip to Colorado was an easy one. The interior was the standard bucket seats which were manually adjustable and reasonably comfortable. The 4 speed automatic transmission was smooth and no problems shifting; the 4 wheel drive easily tackled snow in Colorado, both in high and low ranges, although we really didn't need the low range in any area. Interior space is good in front; access to the rear is by folding the front seats forward and climbing into the rear, somewhat of a task for older adults or women in skirts or dresses, especially considering this combined with the higher door sills. Once in, rear seat comfort is acceptable, unless you are a tall adult in which case you would lilkely be uncomfortable. We didn't have the nerf bar running boards which I didlike, since I found they get your clothes dirty getting in and out, and, if you go off-roading, tend to get hung up on the oddest things. I did install Ford OEM fog lights and tow hooks though and the fog lights were a blessing in the early morning fog. There is adequate cargo space with the rear seats folded down, but this is a 2 door, and lacks much of the cargo space of the 4 door. If you need the greater cargo space in cubic feet, the 4 door is the way to go. The ride in the Sport 2 door is choppier than the 4 door due to the shorter wheelbase. Not uncomfortable, but I would say choppy. The difference, however, between the Firestore and Wrangler tires was night and day. The Wranglers made the vehicle handle as close to a 4 door ride as anything I've driven, while the Firestones made it feel like a bronco at feeding time. Tires can make a world of difference on these vehicles, as can proper inflation, etc.
August 24, 2007I love this car. It has serious trunk space especially with the rear seats folded down and that makes it the ideal car for the outdoorsy person.
April 4, 2008I bought this car used with 160000 km on it. It needed new leafs on the back though. It is very reliable and a good 4x4. It had all the electrical features including a premium sound system, I basically don't need to upgrade it unless you like wake up your neighbors loud. Love it! Buy one! Way better than the normal explorer.
July 15, 2013What owners say
Bought this 4 wheel drive Explorer Sport used for a winter trip to Colorado, and kept it for two years afterwards. It was formerly an executive vehicle with a rental company, meaning it was not a daily rental, so it looked and ran showroom new when I found it on a Ford dealer's lot. It had the dreaded Firestone tires, which were replaced with brand new Goodyear Wrangler's at the Ford dealer, since it was still under the new car warranty. This vehicle had the 4.0 litre overhead cam V6, which impressed me, much more so than the 4 litre OHV V6 in my 1993 Explorer. It had enough power to easily maintain speed on hills and long grades and the trip to Colorado was an easy one. The interior was the standard bucket seats which were manually adjustable and reasonably comfortable. The 4 speed automatic transmission was smooth and no problems shifting; the 4 wheel drive easily tackled snow in Colorado, both in high and low ranges, although we really didn't need the low range in any area. Interior space is good in front; access to the rear is by folding the front seats forward and climbing into the rear, somewhat of a task for older adults or women in skirts or dresses, especially considering this combined with the higher door sills. Once in, rear seat comfort is acceptable, unless you are a tall adult in which case you would lilkely be uncomfortable. We didn't have the nerf bar running boards which I didlike, since I found they get your clothes dirty getting in and out, and, if you go off-roading, tend to get hung up on the oddest things. I did install Ford OEM fog lights and tow hooks though and the fog lights were a blessing in the early morning fog. There is adequate cargo space with the rear seats folded down, but this is a 2 door, and lacks much of the cargo space of the 4 door. If you need the greater cargo space in cubic feet, the 4 door is the way to go. The ride in the Sport 2 door is choppier than the 4 door due to the shorter wheelbase. Not uncomfortable, but I would say choppy. The difference, however, between the Firestore and Wrangler tires was night and day. The Wranglers made the vehicle handle as close to a 4 door ride as anything I've driven, while the Firestones made it feel like a bronco at feeding time. Tires can make a world of difference on these vehicles, as can proper inflation, etc.
August 24, 2007I love this car. It has serious trunk space especially with the rear seats folded down and that makes it the ideal car for the outdoorsy person.
April 4, 2008I bought this car used with 160000 km on it. It needed new leafs on the back though. It is very reliable and a good 4x4. It had all the electrical features including a premium sound system, I basically don't need to upgrade it unless you like wake up your neighbors loud. Love it! Buy one! Way better than the normal explorer.
July 15, 2013Well built, good milage for the engine size, a V-6, Sunroof, plenty of cargo room, folding rear seats for more room. Plenty of power for size. Good stereo system and temperature controls. No Trailer hitch installed. Everything else has been great!
July 29, 2009Provides power when needed, looks great both clean and dirty. Safe, and the 4x4 is outta this world. Bought this truck at a low cost and I would have to say that it is well worth the money. GREAT TRUCK!!
January 30, 2012murdered out all black, i like the performance and the spacious interior is great.the options available are more than other brands have to choose from. The parts are easily available and inexpensive at any auto parts store. I love this vehicle.
May 21, 2009Didnt dislike anything. The only thing that remotely would come close to dislike woulf be, it didnt come with an ask tray. That it! Otherwise, I truly love this vehical! It was my black beauty. Sharp looking, kicking sound system, power sun/moon roof, running boards, lugage rack, fog lamps, cruise, big ass wheels/tires, road nice & drove even better! :~)
January 23, 2015I love that custom paintjobs look good on it. The V6 engine just keeps going when at full throttle. It's not too bad on gas, fun to drive because it's small but not to small. The AWD could go but it's good for winter conditions. With a lift and tires and many accessories this would be a bad ass truck.
December 9, 2008Performance wise, it's....well it's an SUV so what do you expect. Quality wise, not so good. It's been through three transmissions, and just an incredible amount of repairs, but for a truck with 206000 miles, what do you expect? It's a pretty cool looking truck, but again, it's still an SUV. A gas guzzler, but it could be worse...and it's a b**ch to maintain. Overall though, it is a fun little truck, and I wouldn't want to go mudding in anything else. Also, it hauls. Sure I've probably maxed out the weight limit, but it hauled. Every summer I back it into the ocean a dozen times with the boat, so the body is rusted to hell, and it's a miracle that it's still holding up, actually.
April 14, 2012i like the power and drive..got average room. gets 19 mpg not great but not horrible. its a tolerable car i enjoy it because its a good size truck to fit groceries and anything else. the sport trac is better in my opinion.
November 24, 2009
