Faults:

I got my 1995 Explorer XLT from a car auction in 1998. It had around 20,000 miles on it at the time. It was my first SUV and I loved it. Here is a small list of problems that occurred:

- At around 43,000 miles a solenoid went bad in the transmission, but it was replaced by the dealer free of charge.

- Fan clutch and thermostat at around 90,000 miles.

- Thermostat once again at 96,000.

- Serpentine belt tensioner broke off while driving at about 85,000 miles. Did the repair myself, but cost me $300 to get it towed to my house.

- At 82,000 miles, the tranny started acting up and slipping a little, but it is fine now.

- Other than that, I've had no other mechanical problems with this car.

General Comments:

It is probably the most reliable car I have ever owned. I hope to keep it running until it dies, because it is primarily used for my winter truck. I've seen these trucks run to 200,000+ miles with not many repairs. It does wonderful in the snow, and I have never come close to getting stuck. Even with close to 100,000 miles on the odometer, the 4WD has never had a problem.

Faults:

Thermostat went out.

One of the rear door handles that are plastic and fit on the inside of the truck door broke (I was told this is common).

Check engine light came on for some type of pollution control sensor.

General Comments:

Awesome, awesome SUV. I love it. It has been in my family since new, but was handed down to me in 2001. I have few complaints. One is horrible gas mileage. Even on the interstate I have gotten at the most 20 MPG, but lately its more like 14-15. City driving sees MPG of around 13-14. Could be my driving, but I am sensing a larger problem. Everything is power operated which is great. It has been extremely reliable. At this point the only reason I would consider selling it is because of the cost of gas.

Faults:

The check engine light has come on and off at random since we bought the car.

The transmission was just replaced 12/02. Something inside was cooking the fluid and burnt it out. The dealership didn't know what.

When I accelerate it makes a ticking? hissing? sound. That has always been present.

It feels like you're in a pick up truck. I thought that it would be a smooth drive, more like a sedan.

The shocks and struts were replaced 1/02.

The windshield washers don't work.

General Comments:

Overall this car has been a very good runner, I don't think it will last for that much longer before it starts nickle and diming us.

It looks good and I have no damage at all to the interior or exterior. The paint is perfect and hasn't faded at all.

Faults:

A sending unit for the temperature, and broken very high and very lowest speeds on the fan controls.

The back turn signal keeps the bulb company in business by blowing out twice a year.

The grille chrome keeps wearing off the plastic.

Under the drivers seat broke and catches your clothing.

General Comments:

It has A.B.S (anti lock brakes) and it has kept us from hitting a dump truck after coming around a curve at around 70, and it was in the road dead sideways.

It rides as ruff as an F-150, it handles good but don't forget that it is a 4 wheel drive so it should.

Faults:

Thermostat needed to be replaced when purchased. Dealer took $100 off the price of the vehicle.

Front strut broke shortly after purchase.

Passenger side fog light bulb consistently fails.

General Comments:

This is a very sound SUV that handles great. I have Pirelli Scorpion tires, which may help. The suspension is very firm, and despite all the stories of capsizing SUVs, my Explorer corners much better than a full-sized sedan, like a Crown Victoria or a Caprice Classic. My parents have a '96 Limited, and I think the XLT is much more nimble, despite the higher ground clearance.

The steering is a bit "twitchy" and takes some getting used to before you can confidently whip around, and the rear end is very light, so one must take caution on rippled or bumpy curves where the rear wheels can hop off the pavement and make for a dangerous situation if you are taken by surprise.

Obviously, the meaty tires and four wheel drive make driving in horrendous New England winters safe, if not downright fun.

The ergonomics are perfect for anyone familiar with Ford-built vehicles. The stereo, climate, and driving controls are all in the proper place, and the buttons are all large and friendly enough to recognize and operate while keeping your eyes on the road.

The stock sound system is decent, and I was able to get a 6 CD changer installed into the console in a matter of a 1/2 hour! The local dealership referred me to a good place to have the part ordered and installed.

The V6 engine has sufficient power for navigating the cut-throat Boston city streets confidently and plunging onto the highways, although the throttle was not as responsive as the hair-triggered Grand Marquis wagon I drove (I miss the 5.0L V8, too!).

The seats are a bit of a disappointment. They're power adjustable in every way imaginable, but I can never QUITE get it perfect. Still, I've only noticed a touch of lower back pain on the very longest of trips (when you should be taking a break anyway!), and they're plenty comfortable enough to take a nap in when you're dead tired!

The fold-down rear seats make for a very spacious cargo area, and a removable shade keeps valuables out of sight and out of mind.

I've never done any serious off-roading with it, but it handles bumps, gravel, dirt, grass, curbs, and snow with ease!