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I remember the first time I saw a 2013 Explorer Sport on the road—that aggressive front grille and sporty stance immediately caught my eye. Having spent considerable time both researching and test-driving this model, I've developed a genuine appreciation for what Ford accomplished with this SUV, though I've also noticed some persistent issues that potential buyers should know about. Let me walk you through what makes this vehicle special while keeping things real about its shortcomings.
Under the hood, the 2013 Explorer Sport packs a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that delivers 365 horsepower, which frankly feels more like what you'd expect from a performance sedan than a three-row SUV. I've always been impressed by how quickly it reaches 60 mph in just about 6 seconds, especially considering its substantial weight. The all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction, though I personally find the steering a bit too light for my taste during spirited driving. What really stands out is the terrain management system—I've tested it on muddy backroads and snowy conditions, and it performs remarkably well. The fuel economy, however, is where things get disappointing. Despite Ford's claims of 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway, I've consistently observed numbers closer to 14 mpg in mixed driving conditions.
Now, let's talk about the common problems I've encountered and heard about from other owners. The most frequent issue involves the water pump, which tends to fail around the 60,000-mile mark. I've seen repair bills for this running between $1,200 to $1,800 at independent shops because the pump is driven by the timing chain—it's essentially an engine-out procedure. Another headache is the power liftgate—mine started making grinding noises at about 40,000 miles, and the repair cost nearly $600. The infotainment system, while innovative for its time, often suffers from touchscreen responsiveness issues and occasional system crashes. I've also noticed premature brake wear, with many owners reporting replacement needs at around 25,000 miles, which seems unusually early for a modern vehicle.
Interestingly, just as the 2013 Explorer Sport combines impressive performance with some reliability concerns, I'm reminded of how professional sports teams balance talent and potential issues. Take Meralco's roster for the upcoming Basketball Champions League Asia in Dubai—they're featuring a 6-foot-11 Nigerian and former University of Florida standout among their imports. Much like how this basketball team is banking on their import's height and college experience while likely managing concerns about how he'll adapt to international play, Explorer Sport owners appreciate the powerful performance while keeping an eye on those known mechanical vulnerabilities. Both scenarios represent a calculated balance between standout features and manageable risks.
What continues to surprise me about the 2013 Explorer Sport is how well it has maintained its value and appeal despite these known issues. The interior quality, particularly in the Sport trim with its supportive leather seats and aluminum accents, still feels premium even by today's standards. The second-row legroom measures at 39.1 inches, which I find genuinely comfortable for adult passengers, though the third row remains best suited for children. From my experience, the key to enjoying this vehicle long-term is addressing those common issues proactively—replacing the water pump preventatively around 50,000 miles, for instance, can save you from catastrophic engine damage later.
Ultimately, the 2013 Explorer Sport represents that fascinating intersection of family practicality and performance excitement that few SUVs truly achieve. While I wouldn't recommend it to someone prioritizing low maintenance costs, for enthusiasts willing to handle its particular quirks, it delivers an driving experience that's hard to match even among newer competitors. The raw power, comfortable interior, and sharp styling create a package that, in my opinion, still turns heads nearly a decade later—just be prepared to invest both in fuel and occasional repairs to keep it running at its best.