I have owned many different SUV's over the last 20 years, mostly Explorers (94, 00, 04), one 98 Expedition and a few other non-Ford. All SUV (and cars/trucks) have their good points and bad, you have to find what fits and is right for your use. I don't drive off road or in snow (Tampa area) so don't need or want the extra maintenance of 4WD, I don't tow anything heavy except a 2200lb boat, and although I am 6'2" 250lbs, they all have enough room for me. And they have all been very dependable, all have had the 4.0 six cylinder except the Expedition. I bought none of them new, most had about 90k miles when purchased.
Without getting into a long story, the 00 XLT Explorer was one of the best vehicle I have ever owned over the last 45 years (about the only other car that was close was a 69 MachI), nothing on the Ex ever broke, and I mean nothing over 178k miles when I sold it recently to get the 04 that I own now. Always averaged 20MPG. I changed the oil about every 5K miles, no trans service, a few batteries/tires, a few brake jobs, but again, nothing ever broke or was replaced on the 00, never even charged the AC which was still ice cold when I sold it. The 00 was a 4.0 2WD XLT as is the newer 04.
Not knocking the 98 Expedition that I owned for about a year, but what a gas guzzling beast. Maybe there are some people that can afford 12MPG, but not for me. After about 1 year and many $100 tanks of gas, I sold it. Yes, it had a lot of room - if you haul a lot of stuff/people, tow 7500lbs, or are 6'8" 350lbs it may work for you. You can buy them cheap around here (Tampa area), much cheaper than the Explorer.
My new 04 Explorer XLT 4.0 2WD 17" wheels tow pack is not perfect, but does everything I need it to do. Much more room than the 00 Explorer, much quieter on the road, better handling and really a good looking SUV, silver/gray, all tinted, very clean, paid $5300 with 90k miles. So far (after 2 months) have made many road trips, hauled my boat, loaded it up with stuff and have averaged about 16/17 MPG. The main thing I don't like about it is all the cheap plastic stuff, had to fix two rear seat handles and one visor when I bought it, but all in all really like it.
Although I buy cars in the 90k range, I personally would never buy anything over 150k. Unfortunately most are on their way out at that point. All info above in my humble opinion.