How much does the 2018 Ford Explorer cost?

Prices have softened 9.81% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

With 4,717 listings available, you have a solid amount of inventory to compare across trims, mileage, and condition. If you find a listing below $15,700.16, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2018 Ford Explorer a good car?

Yes — the 4.74/5 user rating points to strong owner satisfaction. Drivers consistently praise the spacious interior, comfortable ride, and strong performance, and many also like the available heated seats and sunroof. That makes it a good fit if you want a roomy, family-oriented SUV with a more premium feel and everyday usability. With 26.2% of listings marked as good or great deals, you still have room to shop selectively.

Is the 2018 Ford Explorer reliable?

Owners rate it 4.74/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The user feedback also points to a dependable ownership experience for many drivers, with repeated praise for comfort, space, and performance that tends to matter in long-term use. At the same time, some owners mention pricing concerns and less comfort on long trips, so you should weigh how the vehicle has been maintained and whether it still feels solid on the road. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is ending up with a high-mileage example that has been worn down by heavy family use.

What should I look for when buying a used 2018 Ford Explorer?

At 67.1% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report so you can separate clean examples from those with accident records. After that, prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially for signs of uneven wear, repair quality, or neglected maintenance. Focus on overall condition first, since the best used example is often the one that has been cared for consistently rather than the one with the lowest asking price.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2018 Ford Explorer?

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop carefully without expecting every listing to be a bargain.

• Deal availability: 26.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 4,717 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.81% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 67.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $15,700.16, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2018 Ford Explorer's resale value?

The current average of $15,699 sits slightly below last year's $17,407.

That price movement suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy at a more favorable entry point today. For a future seller, it also means resale value may depend heavily on condition, mileage, and how well the vehicle has been maintained. A clean history and strong presentation matter more when the broader market has softened.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.74/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Should I buy a 2018 Ford Explorer or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2018 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2018 if:

• 26.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 67.1% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.81% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.74/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.

The bottom line:

The 2018 is a smart choice if you want a roomy, comfortable, family-friendly SUV and you can verify that the specific vehicle has a clean history and solid maintenance. If you are especially price-sensitive, you may want to compare nearby years and focus on the best-maintained example rather than the newest badge alone.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.