The Ford Explorer traces its roots all the way back to 1990, when the first generation arrived for the 1991 model year and lit the SUV market on fire. The current Explorer is now in its fourth model year and offers buyers a roomy interior with a third row, athletic exterior styling, and three powertrain options. It's a competent vehicle that's more than capable of getting the job done, especially when the job is hauling a family and its gear, and there's even a high-performance version—but it's never been able to break-out from the massive pack of mid-size SUVs currently on the market. There are more premium and more refined offerings, including the Kia Telluride, the Hyundai Palisade, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee L. Ford has attempted to improve the Explorer's competitiveness by rolling out spruced-up variants, like the off-road-oriented Explorer Timberline. Even so, we still think shoppers in this segment ought to at least research other options, of which there are many.