The 1994 Ford Explorer continued to enjoy tremendous popularity in the SUV market. No big changes were initiated for this model year; the '94 Ford Explorer was offered in the same trim lines and bodystyles as the previous year. Buyers had a choice among the Sport, XL, XLT, and Eddie Bauer trims, as well as the luxurious Limited edition, available only as a four-door, four-wheel drive vehicle (other trims came in a choice of two-door and four-door versions, and offered both 4WD and rear-wheel drive options).

Roomy interiors and cargo capacity, as well as the rugged reliability for off-road adventures, were huge selling points for drivers attracted to the new sport-utility vehicle market. The 1994 Explorer promised reliable, safe family transportation, as well as the toughness for which Ford's lines of trucks had earned a well-deserved reputation.

The '94 Explorer also offered a decent amount of power under the hood: its 160-horsepower V-6 engine yielded quick acceleration and strong towing power. When it came to gas mileage, though, the Explorer was less impressive, with estimates ranging from 15 to 18 mpg city, 20 to 22 mpg highway, depending on model.