1997 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0 from North America

Summary:

I would never purchase another one!

Faults:

Radiator Cracked

Transfer Case rebuilt

Transmission rebuilt (Transmission was serviced a regular intervals)

Just about every sensor replaced

Radio problems

Other costly repairs like the $450 we just spent recently to replace some obscure part.

Left us stranded on two different occasions. I am not sure what was wrong either time.

General Comments:

This car is very expensive to maintain.

I have personally spent over $3,000 to in repairs. This is greater then the combined total that I've spent on repairing every vehicle I have ever owned and I've been driving for 30 years.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 30th December, 2005

1997 Ford Explorer SportTrac 4.0 from North America

Summary:

Death Cab

Faults:

Transfer case motor went out (no 4-wheel drive) @ 131,000 miles ($300)

Transfer case motor needed further adjustments (wouldn't engage in 4-wheel drive) @ 131,500 miles ($100)

Tranny servicing (making clunking sound from reverse to drive) @ 133,000 miles ($100)

Spark plug wires went bad (car shuddering) @ 134,000 miles ($30)

Front brakes wore down @ 135,000 miles ($50)

Intermediate planetary gears shot (tranny making whistling sound) @ 137,000 miles (estimated cost to fix: $1200-1800)

General Comments:

I have never had so many problems with a car in my life. This was my first Ford vehicle I have ever purchased, and my first mid-sized SUV. I have only had the car for 4 months and put 6,000 miles on it and am up to my ears in debt over it. After paying the shop for my tranny to be fixed and having them add it on to my loan since I don't have $2000 to fix it, I will be about $5000 upside down in this ridiculous piece of machinery. Everything cosmetically has aged nicely, the paint looks good, the interior is exceptional--the seats are very comfortable. I don't know if this is the norm, but this vehicle can barely get me down the road. I'm the 3rd owner apparently. The only sweet release would be for me to be its last - kill the car!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 13th October, 2005

12th May 2006, 04:48

I hear you. It is such a bummer to buy a good reliable 8 year old car, with 130,000 miles on it, and then actually have some problems! Boy, it is hard to believe this has happened to you!

20th Sep 2006, 16:15

I have a ford explorer that I purchased used and it hasn't been a pleasant experience. First I had to replace the motor with only 125k miles on it. Second the engine idles too low as though it will cut off, I think someone else wrote about that problem. Now the tranny is slipping, I have bought used cars before, but never with the problems I have experience with this one. never again will I buy an American vehicle.

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1997 Ford Explorer from North America

Summary:

Excellent Buy even for Ford Sceptics

Faults:

Air conditioning went out about 2years after I bought it. Never went to fix it. Sold it recently as is and the buyer said he thinks it's a small problem and he can fix it easily. Tire went flat on me once, but I work where there is a lot of construction and nails from my work were in the tire. That wasn't cheap... your looking at $100 for the cheapest new tire I could find. No major problems EVER!

General Comments:

Tires are really hard so you feel bumps in the road a lot. Handling is okay around corners you have to take it slow, but that is common with most SUV's. Very roomy, extremely comfortable. Had all power options, keyless entry, rear air, leather, 6 CD changer....oh i loved it! Planning on buying newer one soon. Definitely a good buy! Well worth the money!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd October, 2005

4th Feb 2006, 08:53

I bought my 97 Explorer Sport in 98 with 11,000 miles on it. It was a one owner, lady driven 5-speed. Although, it did have to have a new clutch, around 14,000 it was covered under the warranty. I have had it for 8 years now and the only other work it needed was a sensor replaced. Yes, I would absolutely buy another FORD EXPLORER. I have nothing, but good things to say about the ford that I bought. It's up to you to take care of the vehicle and maintain it with regular service.. Another good thing, when the recall happened with the tires, I had all 5 tires replaced for FREE. $600 worth... Still driving it with no problems.. 89,000 miles.