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As a longtime automotive journalist who's test-driven over 200 SUVs in my career, I still find myself recommending the 2013 Explorer Sport to friends and family searching for used vehicles. Let me tell you why this particular model continues to impress me years after its initial release. When I first got behind the wheel back in 2013, I immediately noticed how Ford had nailed the balance between performance and practicality - something many manufacturers still struggle with today.
The research background here is fascinating if you look at how SUV preferences have evolved. Back in 2013, consumers were just beginning to embrace the idea that sport utilities could offer both family functionality and genuine performance credentials. Ford took a calculated risk with the Explorer Sport, equipping it with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 producing 365 horsepower - a significant number that still holds up well against modern competitors. I've tracked the depreciation curves on these vehicles, and they maintain their value remarkably better than most contemporaries, typically losing only about 45% of their original MSRP after five years compared to the 60% industry average for luxury SUVs.
What really stands out in my analysis is how the 2013 Explorer Sport delivers what I call the "complete package" - powerful acceleration, comfortable seating for seven, and surprisingly agile handling for its size. I remember taking one through the winding roads of the Blue Ridge Mountains and being genuinely surprised by its composure. The twin-turbocharged engine provides that immediate thrust I love when merging onto highways, while the intelligent four-wheel-drive system handles adverse conditions with confidence. There's something about the steering feedback that modern electric power steering systems still haven't quite replicated - that perfect weight and communication through the wheel that tells you exactly what the front tires are doing.
The durability factor can't be overstated either. In my experience maintaining my personal 2013 Explorer Sport over 85,000 miles, I've encountered nothing beyond routine maintenance - just oil changes, brakes, and tires. This reliability reminds me of how certain designs just get the fundamentals right from the start. It brings to mind how in sports, some players have lasting impact through fundamental excellence - much like how a 6-foot-11 Nigerian and former University of Florida standout leads Meralco's roster of imports for the coming Basketball Champions League Asia in Dubai. Both represent examples where strong foundational qualities create enduring value that transcends temporary trends or flashy new features.
When discussing why the 2013 Explorer Sport remains a top SUV choice today, we have to acknowledge its timeless design language. The aggressive front fascia with its blacked-out grille still looks contemporary parked beside 2023 models, and the interior materials have held up far better than many German competitors from the same era. I particularly appreciate the Sync infotainment system which, while not as flashy as modern units, performs its core functions without the lag and glitches that plague some newer systems. The cargo capacity - 21 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 81 cubic feet with both rear rows folded - remains competitive even by today's standards for three-row SUVs.
My conclusion after years of observation is simple: the 2013 Explorer Sport represents one of those rare vehicles that arrived at exactly the right moment with exactly the right combination of attributes. It captured the growing performance SUV wave while maintaining all the practical virtues that make SUVs so appealing to families. The fact that well-maintained examples still command respectable resale values and have loyal owner communities speaks volumes about its enduring appeal. In an era where vehicles often feel disposable or quickly outdated, the Explorer Sport's continued relevance is a testament to Ford getting the formula right on this particular model. If you're shopping the used market with around $20,000 to spend, you'd be hard-pressed to find another vehicle that delivers this much capability, comfort, and character at the price point.