The Usefulness of Ford’s Pre-Owned 2023 Explorer

Photo Source: Ford

Americans adore their cars, or more specifically, their SUVs. Even though traditional sedans reigned the road for a better part of the last 100 years, SUVs surpassed sedans in 2014 as the most popular vehicle choice for the first time. If a consumer is in the market for a used SUV, their options have never been greater. That said, the Ford F-150 maintains its number one ranking as the most popular used car, an unsurprising feat given that it is also the top-selling vehicle on the new market. 

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a close second, but the Ram 1500 unexpectedly lost its position in third place for the first time in recent years. To reach this conclusion, experts at iSeeCars evaluated over 9.2 million used car sales from the last five model years (2018 – 2022) in 2023. Each model’s share of used car sales was calculated nationally as well as within each metro area and state. 

Karl Brauer, iSeeCars Executive Analyst, explains the reasoning behind Ram’s drop in standing: “Trucks have been so dominant in the U.S. market for so long that it’s strange to see the Ram lose its top-three ranking, even to an SUV as popular as the Chevrolet Equinox.” He added, “This shift reflects the jump in gas prices during 2023, which led many consumers to move away from large trucks and SUVs and into smaller, more fuel-efficient models.”

2023 Ford Explorer: The Utility of a Used SUV

The Ford Explorer is a mid-size SUV that ranked ninth among all used vehicles in 2023, accounting for 1.5 percent of all one- to five-year-old used vehicle sales in the United States. To that end, the Ford Explorer originally replaced the Bronco II. Over the years, the Explorer has made a name for itself as a family-friendly vehicle that emphasizes practicality and versatility. 

The Explorer was fully redesigned for the 2020 model year, marking its sixth generation, and today (2024) is one of only a few models in its class to offer traditional rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive SUV configurations. Over the years, V-8 and V-6 engine options have been plentiful, but there are also some Explorer Hybrids roaming the roads. In recent years, Ford has phased in more efficient turbocharged four-cylinder engine options as well.

With three decades in the rearview mirror, there are a plethora of used Explorer SUVs on the market. Later examples from the vehicle’s fifth generation, from 2011 to 2019, will likely be best in terms of condition and features for reliable SUVs, but going older could prove useful for buyers on a budget, especially if they are less concerned about convenient trim levels and technology such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.  

Prevalence of the Ford Explorer

In the thirty years since its 1991 introduction, the Ford Explorer has woven itself into the daily fabric of suburban American life. It continues to be a big seller for Ford, thanks largely to its versatility. In its purest form, it is essentially an updated version of the venerable family station wagon, but it can also be optioned as the light-off-roading Timberline. Indeed, there is even an Explorer designed for fleets, police, and first responders.

One of the keys to the longevity of the Explorer is its easily configurable interior. It is spacious enough for seven passengers and has 18.2 cubic-feet of cargo space behind the third row of seats. The automobile has always been roomy and comfortable, and it falls in line with the competitive set. The driver and front passenger seats are supportive, while heated and ventilated leather seats are standard on the Limited trim and up.

In short, the challenge is not finding an SUV, necessarily. It is finding the best SUV that suits a customer’s needs, and the 2023 Ford Explorer is a favorable option as a used vehicle. If you believe the Explorer is beneficial for you, please come visit Sunrise Ford. Are you considering one of our quality pre-owned vehicles? We have a wide range for you to choose from. Allow us the pleasure of helping you today.