The 2008 Ford Explorer lasts around 250,000 miles with only some transmission and sun visor issues. At $5,472 to $7,171, it’s an affordable choice for a larger SUV.
Is the 2008 Ford Explorer a Good Used SUV?
- Yes, 2008 is a good year for the Explorer. Owner reviews praise the spacious cabin, reliable engines, and excellent build quality.
- Interior quality is similar to other SUVs in the same price range, but there is a lot of plastic on the entry-level models. The infotainment system is also good for its age.
- Reliability ratings are above average. Models from 2007–2010 are good choices, with more issues in 2011.
- Performance is poor from the V6 engine, but the V8 offers decent power for the size of the vehicle.
- The Explorer is a reasonably safe SUV, getting 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests, scoring well in all but the frontal offset crash test.
- Fuel economy is poor even with the V6 engine, getting up to 16 MPG combined which is lower than midsize SUVs, but decent for a full size SUV.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Explorer?
- Consumer Reports says the Explorer has a flexible interior with folding seats and high towing capacity with average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds gives the Explorer a 4.3/5 liking the driver-focused controls, but doesn’t like the weak V6 engine.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the Explorer 4.2/5 and enjoy the cargo hauling capacity, but owners dislike the low resale value.
What Common Problems Does the 2008 Ford Explorer Have?
The most common problems found on the 2008 Ford Explorer include the transmission stumbling, broken visors, and broken spark plugs. Most of the issues are not widespread, and not as serious as some other SUVs.
Transmissions stumbling while shifting between gears are the most common complaints from owners at around 60,000 miles. The problem is caused by the power control module, and replacing it costs roughly $1,400.
Broken visors in the cabin are another widespread issue that shows up at roughly 40,000 miles. The mirrors and mirror covers fall off the visors, and replacing them with a new assembly costs about $200.
Spark plugs breaking and getting stuck in the engine is a common problem with all V8 Fords from 2008. Extracting and replacing the spark plugs fixes the problem, but costs about $550. The problem doesn’t show up on the V6 models, but the V8 offers much more power.
There are 4 recalls, with the most serious being for the transmission cooler line, which can cause damage to the transmission if it fails.
How Long Will the 2008 Ford Explorer Last?
A well-cared-for 2008 Ford Explorer should be able to last around 250,000 miles, which is around 50,000 miles more than other SUVs like the Dodge Durango. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than average, at $663 per year, according to Repair Pal.
Since most 2008 Explorers will have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace items including the blower motor for $375, water pump costing $500, and the liftgate lock actuator which costs $175.
It is been very reliable for 11 years. It does not have any problems now and when it does it is been simple and affordable to fix.
We haven't had any problems with the car, but we heard the transmission normally needs to get replaced quickly.
No it's not reliable. It's always having leaking problems, the inside lights are always coming on while we are driving.
The air flow is just now having problems. The rim tracks are broken. And the headroom and legroom is seriously lacking.
After driving this car for upwards of three years, I have encountered little to no issues. I have over 200,000 miles on it, and everything still works great!
It is reliable. We have kept up with the maintenance so it has lasted us. We have not had any major problems
It’s a great car, we drive it a lot and it hasn't given us one problem. We live 30 minutes from town so we drive it just about everyday
How Much Is the 2008 Ford Explorer Worth?
Blue book values range from $5,472 to $7,171, making it about $4,000 cheaper than a Chevy Tahoe or Toyota Sequoia. When new, the price range was $26,495 to $36,690. Depreciation is similar to other SUVs, losing about 10% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Explorer?
There are three models of the 2008 Ford Explorer available. Technology was just updated for the 2008 model year, with a complete redesign in 2011.
XLT is the entry-level model with:
- 16-Inch Cast Aluminum Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Cruise Control
- Power Windows & Locks
- AM/FM/CD Stereo System With 3.5mm AUX Jack
Eddie Bauer is a step up, adding:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Two-Tone Paint Job
- Leather Seating
- Heated Front Seats
- Wood Interior Trim
- SYNC Infotainment System
Limited is the luxury model and adds:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Dual-Zone Climate Control
- Premium Leather Seating
- Heated Exterior Mirrors
- In-Dash 6-CD Changer
What Engines Come In the Explorer?
- The base engine is a weak 4.0L V6 which makes 210 horsepower, gets up to 16 MPG combined, and can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
- An available upgrade is the more popular 4.6L V8, which produces 292 horsepower and gets up to 15 MPG combined. With this engine the Explorer can tow up to 7,310 pounds.
What Colors Does the Explorer Come In?
How Big Is the Explorer?
The 2008 Ford Explorer is larger than most midsize SUVs like the Toyota 4Runner, but a bit smaller than full size SUVs including the Chevy Suburban. Passenger room is great in the first and second row, but the third row is best suited to younger children.
Cargo space is decent for an SUV, but not class leading with 13.6 cubic feet of room behind the third row, 45.1 cubic feet behind the second, and up to 85.8 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. That’s enough room for 3-4 suitcases with all 3 rows up, and 6-8 behind the second row.
How Does the Explorer Compare to the Competition?
The Chevy Tahoe is a rival which costs about $4,000 more. Power and performance are both better in the Tahoe, but the Explorer has a higher-quality interior. We recommend the Tahoe since there are fewer issues, but both are very good SUVs.
The Ford Expedition is another competitor from Ford costing about $1,500 more. Passenger and cargo space are both better in the Expedition, but the Explorer handles better on the roads. We recommend going with the Explorer since it has less problems based on owner reviews.
Do Owners Recommend the Ford Explorer?
Yes. I have owned it for 11 years with only a few problems we could fix ourselves at a low cost. It has provided many years of safety for myself and family.
Yes it is a very smooth SUV. It has great space and since we have it we noticed it is economic on gas.
No it isn't it always having new problems. I don't like the car and can't wait to trade it in. Always something wrong with it.
It's alright. Definitely could be better. I wish it would bigger. But we haven't had any major issues worth it.
Absolutely - it is reliable, durable, and multi-purpose. It is large enough to accommodate large loads and several passengers; it contains several helpful additions, such as seat warmers, extra trunk space, rear ac, etc.; and, it maintains a manageable gas tank!
Yes it is a good family car. It is reliable and good for going around town. Plenty of space for our family and everything we need.
It’s great, we live 30 minutes from town but drive it every single day and it hasn't given us a single problem!