2000 Ford Explorer Sport XLT 2.9 liter fuel injected

Summary:

I would not buy this model again

Faults:

The "Check Engine" light has come on twice. Each time it came on, I took it to the dealership and they re-set the light. The dealership could not give me the reason the light came on either time.

The driver's side automatic window lowering switch has stopped working.

General Comments:

You can hear and feel air blowing through the inside door handles.

There is a lot of road noise.

The cup holder is positioned very awkwardly.

The lumbar support in the seats is minimal. Long distance driving is quite uncomfortable.

The air conditioning works extremely well.

Gas mileage is less than I would expect. The car gets about 20 miles per gallon on the highway if you're not running the air conditioning. Around town, the car gets between 15 and 18 miles per gallon.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th August, 2003

2000 Ford Explorer LTX 4.0L

Summary:

A below average truck

Faults:

The rear wiper works about half the time. When it does work, the blade only clears 25% of the window.

The serpentine belt snapped at 36,100 miles. Turns out the water pump froze and had to be replaced too. ($500)

General Comments:

Generally a good vehicle. My problems occurred while out of state on vacation, which added to my frustration.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th August, 2003

2000 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0 OHV

Summary:

Solid, reliable SUV from Ford

Faults:

The rear window wiper failed at 30k and was replaced under warranty.

Front brake pads were replaced at 55k -- but I consider this to be normal wear.

Of course, all of the tires were replaced as part of the Firestone roll-over debacle. No complaints here -- I got new tires free!!

Some stalling problems fixed by a thorough cleaning and servicing of the throttle body injection assembly, about $50 in your local shop.

General Comments:

Excellent vehicle.

I purchased it used, a former lease / rental and was worried about how well it would hold up. Well, I've put over 40k miles on it and it runs great with minimal problems.

Keep in mind that the 2000 model had the solid rear axle, unlike the 4 wheel independent suspension you see on new Explorers, so these older models ride like trucks, which is what they are...

Also, even the upgrade V6 which is what I have, does not deliver a tremendous amount of power or torque, so would not recommend towing or drag strip racing. However, I'm satisfied with overall performance, but consider the 5.0L V8 if you need more power.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th July, 2003

2000 Ford Explorer Sport 4.0L SOHC

Summary:

My worst nightmare!!!

Faults:

I have had the ball joint in the upper control arm on the passenger side replaced at 27,000 miles. That same night I had to bring it back for a grunting noise when turning left. The grease filled boot at the end of the steering column was dry and needed to be greased up. I had the valve springs replaced at 32,200 miles. Ford had the truck for a week to fix that and then I get it back and they put 59 miles on it. They claim it is all part of Quality Check. I didn't even have the car back a week and had to bring it back in. It was running really rough and there was a metal twangy noise coming from the front driver's side.

General Comments:

Very disapointed in it.

I have not had it for 2 years yet and am having all of these problems.

Will never buy another Ford product again.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 13th May, 2003

18th Dec 2008, 19:49

Well, to be fair, when you buy an 8-year old vehicle with 86,000 miles on it, you don't know what you're getting. The previous owner probably never changed the transmission fluid, never took care of the vehicle, and if you asked them they'd say "This car was great! I never had to do a thing to it!" Plus, you found out it really had been in an accident. You can't blame the vehicle when it had been trashed before you got it. Somebody palmed a wreck off on you, and now you're paying for it.

18th Jan 2009, 08:50

I bought the Explorer 2009 model in Nov 2008. Has been a dream so far. Rides the sand dunes (with reduced air pressure) like a pro!

23rd Jan 2011, 10:59

My Explorer Sport (2000) has 148k on it, and it starts everyday in the winter and summer. I paid 800$ for it 6 months ago, and if it lasts another 2 years, I will be happy. Wish I'd had it years ago. My next new truck will definitely be a Ford, they make the best running American trucks, and the sturdiest work vehicles as well.