Faults:

As far as I have owned the vehicle, it is doing well for having 219,000 miles when I purchased it.

Did basic maintenance. Changed a wheel bearing and all 4 shocks.

General Comments:

Front end is a bit clunky, and the steering feels loose.

To my surprise, I'm not a fan of Ford vehicles, but this OHV 4.0L engine has done well. Also has an exhaust manifold leak. It does not burn any oil so far, and the engine runs smooth. Gas gauge stopped working recently.

I have added a $20 Flowtech Raptor muffler and a custom cold air intake, and it seems to like it. The stock airbox, I could not replace, as the ones at the junkyard were also broken at the mounting tabs, and would leak. The throttle body and MAF were really dirty when I bought this vehicle, and I would recommend cleaning them both on a regular basis.

It has a bit larger than stock tires, so the RPM's stay nice and low when shifting. I never have to pass 2,000 RPM. It has plenty of torque under 2000 RPM to keep the engine well under-revved and lasting longer. At 60 MPH it's at about 1800 RPM. Haven't tested my fuel mileage yet.

Interior is pretty well stained, and the ceiling liner is sagging and ripped. Door armrests are ripped off.

Vehicle had front end damage that I repaired when I purchased it. Parts are fairly easy to replace if you can find them at a junkyard. Engine is easy to repair. 4.0L OHV parts and engines are plentiful. The transmission shifts a bit clunky, and may need new throwout bearing and shifter bushings.

Overall, if you can get one for $200 like I did, it's a good vehicle considering it has 221,XXX miles now and runs fine. I expect to put many more miles on it.

Faults:

Fuel pump replaced 2 times.

Water pump.

Rust.

Getting worn out from using the seats.

Steering wheel, etc.

AC does not work.

Power windows do not work.

4x4 never did work.

General Comments:

Best car I have ever had. I will never sell this car. I could not say enough good about this vehicle - I would like to buy a spare just for parts to make sure it is around forever.

I would suggest Michelin tires Mud and Snow - if you can find them for this vehicle.

Faults:

Muffler welds broke at 135000.

All elements of brakes on all 4 wheels were shot at 140000.

General Comments:

Its 13 years old and exterior/interior are mint.

No rust/fading even on outer plastics.

Handles great.

Excellent on/off road capability.

Holds up better than explorers.

Faults:

The power locks/doors stopped working of a few occasions.

The solenoids filled with water and the cars stopped when driving in flood conditions in Texas.

Thermostat was replaced on two occasions.

Check engine light came on many times if speeds exceeded 80 miles per hour, but eventually turned off.

The low gear on the Four Wheel Drive control stopped working.

Several cables corroded, rubber lines were replaced, as well as some wiring, but mostly just minor replacements.

Starter was replaced once.

Muffler seem to need replacement more often than it should.

Front-end bushing and brake pads were replaced several times.

Plastic exterior pieces faded, while interior plastic pieces are starting to break.

General Comments:

This car handle amazing considering the hype about the SUV, roll-over problems. I hit some oil slick on the freeway during a seldom down pour in Phoenix, slid back and forth 4 to 5 times and regained control. I could see that a driver who freaks out and over-compensates could be prone to a roll over.

This car was in Germany for 3 years, driving on the autobahns at autobahn speeds several times a week. It handled the road superbly and solicited looks of awe as I passed many German motorists. It's acceleration isn't the fastest, but it maintains speed very well.

Very comfortable and roomy, providing for ample adjustment from small to large drivers.

I love the individually folding back seats.

Over-all, the Ford wiring isn't top notch, but the car is very durable and handles surprisingly well.

If you take care of this car, this car will take care of you and your pocket book.