Faults:

The only thing to go wrong with my explorer was at 57,000 miles the 4 wheel drive system somehow engaged by it self and would not switch back to 2 wheel drive. Dealer cost to fix this was 500.00 for parts and labor.

General Comments:

This SUV is rugged, good looking and reliable. If you put a $3,000 dollar stereo in it and a neon under body kit on it like I have you will enjoy it better.. However if you plan on riding with 4 people in the vehicle it will be a tight fit.

Faults:

Transmission Problems.

General Comments:

I'm not too sure about the techincal problems of this car, since it was not mine, but I drove it well over 50 times.

Love:

Comfort, never has cloth interior felt so good, you feel as if you are on top of the world when you drive one. The Explorer is quite luxurious for an American car, it has pretty much everything except for leather and seat warmers. The car acclerates well and drives rather smooth. You get a general feeling of power when you drive one, great car. Nothing can beat it when you have to drive in the snow.

Hate:

Knowing you spent 30G+ on an American car when Japan is putting out nicer ones now for about the same price. The Explorer has many problems if not driven correctly, do not put in hands of a bad driver. The car depreciates in value almost as quick as a Camaro! I would never ever in my life buy a new Explorer, you can spend 25-35 thousand and a few years later and some miles find it out to be much less. My Explorer was 32G in 99' now it is worth 15G if I'm lucky.

If you can get your hands on one for cheap and you need a SUV, the XLT will do, but I don't recommend it. It is by no means gas efficent either.

Faults:

In addition to the recalls for tires, driver's seat and phantom wipers:

Upper Ball joints at 25,000 miles.

Lower Ball joints at 30,000 miles.

Upper Ball joints at 46,000 miles - which were replaced less than 30 days later again - listed as defective!

Upper & lower ball joints, sway bar at 84,000 miles.

General Comments:

The vehicle is great in winter weather.

Faults:

After test driving about 18 Explorers, they all seemed to have a common fault that the one I bought did not: the LCD screen on the stereos were all dead, or at best, intermittent. Now the display on my stereo only works intermittently, too. This appears to be a very common occurrence in the late model Explorers, with a variety of types of sound systems. At least the stereo works, it is just impossible to tell what radio station or CD track is being featured.

The clock is integrated into the stereo, so when it is on the fritz, the clock also does not work.

General Comments:

This vehicle has great acceleration.

The comfort is unbeatable.

Sound is a bit high (i.e. wind noise).

This edition has terrific luxury features. One favorite of mine is the "Home link" system, which allows you to open a security gate, turn on the lights in your home, and open your garage, all from the same push button device on the visor.

Faults:

Check engine light - code was "front and rear left bank" running lean.

Check engine light again after oxygen sensors replaced.

Squeaky clutch.

General Comments:

Nice looking car interior and exterior.

Handling is very good, acceleration is good.

Gas mileage is not good at all. About 14.5 a gallon city driving, and 18 highway.

Check engine light has been my constant companion so far. Got another friend with the same type vehicle who has the same problem. Don't expect problems already with a 99, being used to an 89 Honda civic that never had engine trouble.

It's a decent car, but I anticipate trouble and will sell soon and go back to the reliable civic.