Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong since I purchased this car 7 years ago. The mileage is pretty low because I'm in the military and spend a lot of time away from home. I've had absolutely no breakdowns or malfunctions.

I would just like to highlight some fixes/repairs done by my dealer. The truck had some over-spray from the factory. The dealer repainted it at no cost and gave me a new Rodeo to drive for a few days. I've also had the left front door window motor replaced due to an accident in a tornado in TN. That was an insurance claim, but the dealer service was great, obviously (insurance $$).

I love my truck and plan on keeping it until the wheels fall off or it breaks down.

General Comments:

The truck is comfortable, reliable, and efficient for a truck that size (17-22 MPG). I only dislike the column shifter in all vehicle.

Faults:

O2 sensor has failed twice.

EGR sensor failed twice.

Power door lock switch failed on both doors.

Air vents do not hold their position - they always point down.

Check engine light would frequently light up. True story - dealer suggested "black tape" to fix the problem.

Transmission occasionally "slips" and moans - engine revs, but truck will not go.

General Comments:

Overall, we are generally happy with this vehicle. We have three children and it is tough to find another vehicle as versatile as the Explorer.

While the ride is rough, most of our trips are short and the seats are fairly comfortable.

The gas mileage is horrible. I can never get much better than 14mpg in the city, and usually it is 13mpg. On the road I can squeeze 19mpg.

I quit paying to have the "check engine" light diagnosed after about the fourth time. The dealer would put it on the scope, tell me nothing was wrong, and charge me $80.

My biggest complaint is the transmission - it really acts up. According the the dealer, when this happens I am supposed to switch in and out of 4wd, then drive in reverse for 100 yards. They originally diagnosed the problem as a "poorly tuned vehicle that was causing the sensor that controls shifting to act up". After a complete tune-up, it still acted up.

My overall dealer experience was terrible, and I quit visiting them. I felt like I was paying to train their technicians.

Overall, mechanically sound, but interior fit and finish could be better for the world's most popular family "wagon".

Faults:

Wheel Bearing replaced at 40,000 miles.

Constant need for steering allignment.

Sway bar links broken at 50,000 miles.

O2 sensors needed replacement at 55,000 miles.

Failed emissions at 70,000 (Check engine light was on. The result was bad O2 sensors--again)

Clear coat peeled off at 35,000 miles.

General Comments:

My Explorer is completely reliable. I have never been stranded somewhere and it always starts in the cold winter mornings.

I have had continuous problems with my O2 sensors going bad.

Gas! Gas! and more gas! This SUV uses way too much gas (at about 14mpg city and 16mpg highway)

Also, problems with my rear hatch. If the glass window is open, the dome lights will not go off when it is closed. (quick fix by yanking out the switch)