Faults:

The idle control valve went bad within a year.

General Comments:

This SUV drives like a truck, a bit bouncy, but solid.

I have had only one problem with my Sport and I have found it to be very reliable. The dealer did not honor their warranty when it came in for repair and they were dismissive. But other than that, it's been a great little truck.

Faults:

Tires (Firestone had a big recall),Starter (had to be towed) after 1 months use, have just gotten a recall notice for 2 other problems and now I spent $289 for a idle air control motor. Also had to replace the motor for auto leveler two months ago and latch on rear hatch. Plus the radio light now only works occasionally!

General Comments:

Ford has poor quality control of parts. I expect At least 100,000 miles from a car with reasonable maintenance. I don't think American auto manufacturers can build a car to last that long.

Faults:

Transmission replaced (flat bed it, don't tow it, it was my fault)

4x4 went out 2 times, they cleared the code and it worked again.

Tires replaced (Firestone)

Driver seat squeaks.

Very rough riding.

Stereo speaker in rear comes on and off intermittantly.

Currently have water in the brake lights.

General Comments:

Best 4x4 I've ever owned.

Sport model will kill most everything else in off road.

Looks good.

Very reliable.

Very sturdy.

So stiff, you'll want a neck brace, or sports bra.

Faults:

The rear wiper has been intermittent in its operation. You often must grab the wiper and shake it to get it to then work for that trip.

The radio display has now failed permanently and thus, no time or station data is viewable. This problem above many is most annoying.

Lastly, the Reverse Parking Aid Sensor system quit working at 38,000 miles, just after warranty of course. I have ordered and replaced the control module (dealer - $140, Internet - $97) and that did not alleviate the problem. I must now change all of the sensors at a cost of much time and $50 using Internet parts.

General Comments:

The "venerable" Explorer has perhaps been in Ford's lineup too long. Ford has achieved maximum profitability out of re-engineering the vehicle for easiest production at lowest cost for them; however, the refinement is diametric to the value and reliability that the consumer obtains in the purchase. Don't buy this vehicle!

Faults:

The only real major thing that has gone wrong with the car is that I the rear wiper motor failed at 29,000 miles and I got it replaced.

One minor defect is that the driver's side overhead map lite doesn't work - it's not the bulb, but the electricals within. The Ford dealership here in Honolulu has not been able to repair it.

General Comments:

Now, I've read the other reviews on this 2000 model year Explorer. I am being honest here when I say that I have not experienced any of the major mechanical or electrical problems that others have witnessed. I am either blessed - or perhaps I'm the exception! I have the fully loaded package, right down to the powered leather seating, sunroof, and compass/thermometer gauge (like I really need that in Hawaii). And YES I do take this truck off-roading - no rock climbing, but we do have some poor trails that literally beckons for SUV's to travel on. And I drive off-road with a set of BF Goodrich's, with no modifications to the suspension - kept everything stock.

By the way, I have used synthetic motor oil in it (AmsOil 10W-30) and an accompanying AmsOil oil filter from the very first day I owned it (after I drained the stock fill, of course). Being synthetic, I have run the same oil and just changed the oil recently at 30,000 miles. No leaks, either, contrary to what a lot folks think of synthetic oil getting past the seals.

I also fill up with 87 octane fuel from Chevron, religiously.

I'm keeping this Explorer - it rides well for a truck, no interior defects (save one), and has cost me little to maintain.