1998 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer SOHC V6 from North America

Summary:

Poor quality

Faults:

Parking brake cables failed at 40,000.

Power antenna would not extend all of the way at 40,000..

The air intake control motor caused poor cold idle speed at 50,000.

A drive train seal needed to be replaced at 50,000.

All of the bearings in the rear end needed to be replaced at 57,000.

General Comments:

The vehicle s very comfortable and has excellent space, however the reliability is poor, at best.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th April, 2003

19th Jan 2004, 08:07

I also have a 1998 Eddie Bauer Ford Explorer. It has 85K miles on it and I've had it for 16 months and have already had numerous problems with it. I got it because I love the look of it and I really needed something 4-wheel drive. Plus I thought I was getting a great deal on an "Eddie Bauer". Well, big mistake!

-The first month I had it I had to replace the spark plugs and spark plug wires. This ended up costing me over $300 (and that was just for the parts, since my husband is a mechanic).

-The back wiper doesn't work half the time and when it does it only works on 1/3 of the window. We've replaced the wiper blade and that didn't help the problem.

-Last month I replaced the Oxygen sensor.

-It's in the shop at this moment because it needs a new fuel pump.

-I have to have the back brake light bulb replaced every month or so because water leaks in the cover and shorts it out.

-And it rattles unbelievably loud at highway speeds. Road noise is also terrible.

The pros:

-Very comfortable and handles well. I love the fact that it's All-Wheel drive so you don't have to worry about locking it into 4-wheel drive. It also has good power and acceleration.

1998 Ford Explorer Sport from North America

Summary:

I will never buy another Ford product

Faults:

Computerized key quit working.

Heater door broke, resulting in the air conditioner not working.

Motor which shifts into 4-wheel drive failed stranding me in the mountains.

Replaced spark plugs twice last year and the spark plug wires twice even though spark plugs are supposed to last for 50,000 miles. I only have 53,000 miles on the vehicle now.

Rear wiper works only when it decides it wants to or when you pound on it. Replaced the motor for this once. It still doesn't work.

Difficult to keep running when started in cold weather. Engine revs up and then dies unless you keep your foot on the gas pedal.

It is currently in the shop the computer readout gives conflicting codes. One code reads that the fuel is to rich the second code reads that it is to lean. The mechanics are baffled.

General Comments:

This car ran great until it reached about 48,000 miles. If I had not purchased an extended warranty, I would have spent over $2,500 in repairs last year.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 9th April, 2003

21st May 2003, 11:59

I too have a 1997 Ford Explorer Sport that I have nothing but problems will. I won't ever buy a Ford again myself.

17th Jul 2005, 16:04

Hi. I have a 99 Explorer XLT with 76000 miles. My rear wiper only works in dry weather, and not when I really need it. Problems with sticking gas pedal and hard starting. What do I do?

I'll never buy an Explorer again.

1998 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 5.0 from North America

Summary:

The Eddie Bauer Explorer is great!

General Comments:

I am very satisfied with my Eddie Bauer Explorer. It is Torreador Red with the tan trim. I have the AWD, and it is great.

I had always owned a foreign car (ie. Nissan 200 SX, Toyota 4Runner, Honda Civic) and was leary of the American made cars. I am proud of my choice. The pep of the V-8 is excellent! The seats and the positioning are excellent for my taste. I would highly recommend one! I have already been scoping out my next color of one!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th January, 2002