Some vehicles are replaced every few years. Others become such a good fit for their owners that they simply don’t want to give them up. The Ford Explorer apparently falls firmly into that second category. According to a recent report from Ford Authority (https://fordauthority.com/2026/07/ford-explorer-among-americas-top-forever-cars/), the Explorer has earned a place among the top 10 “forever” vehicles that owners say they would never willingly sell.
The results come from a survey by American Trucks involving 1,005 U.S. vehicle owners. Respondents were asked about vehicles they intend to keep indefinitely, essentially continuing to drive them until they’re no longer practical or safe to operate. The Ford Explorer finished tenth overall, joining the F-150 in sixth and Mustang in ninth to give Ford three different models in the top 10.
Why do owners become so attached to a particular vehicle? The survey found several practical reasons. Having the vehicle completely paid off was the most common at 24 percent, followed by how well it fits the owner’s lifestyle at 18 percent, reliability at 15 percent, and sentimental attachment at 10 percent. Those factors make plenty of sense for a family SUV that can remain useful through many different stages of life.
In fact, SUVs and crossovers were the most common type of “forever” vehicle in the survey, accounting for 39 percent of responses. That’s ahead of sedans at 30 percent, pickups at 12 percent, and coupes and sports cars at eight percent. Overall, 79 percent of respondents said they have a vehicle they would never willingly sell, while 86 percent intend to keep driving their chosen vehicle indefinitely.
The Explorer’s showing is particularly interesting when combined with some of its other recent recognition. The Explorer ranked second in the upper midsize SUV category of the 2026 J.D. Power U.S. Initial Quality Study, while 2020-2024 models were also included among Consumer Reports and IIHS recommendations for used vehicles for teen drivers. It also remains a popular choice on the pre-owned market, ranking sixth among used SUVs in Experian data covering the 12 months leading into Q1 2026.
For families here in BC, it’s not difficult to understand why an Explorer might earn “forever” status. Three-row versatility, available all-wheel drive, plenty of room for passengers and gear, and the ability to handle everything from the weekday commute to a weekend road trip make it the kind of vehicle that can remain useful for years. When a vehicle continues doing everything you need it to do, sometimes there’s simply no compelling reason to say goodbye.