1999 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0 V6 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A true old-school 4x4

Faults:

Cruise control only worked intermittently. As is typical with intermittent faults, it worked fine when I took it back to my local dealer (Hendy Ford of Portsmouth) to be looked at, and they never found the cause of the fault.

Nothing else went wrong with this car.

General Comments:

This 4x4 is as tough as old boots. The Americans certainly know how to build a solid car.

Mine was full UK spec in RHD.

The engine is very reliable and provides great performance for such a heavy car, although fuel consumption is a bit excessive at 22mpg in my hands.

It is ideal for towing and great off-road. It is also very spacious and practical, making it great for families.

The Explorer's handling qualities leave something to be desired.

I recently sold it to make way for a new Ford Ranger pick-up. I miss the power and refinement, but not the fuel bills. Don't let that put you off if you can afford to run one though!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st October, 2003

1999 Ford Explorer Sport V6 SOHC from North America

Summary:

Not sure what

Faults:

My tires had to be replaced with the Firestone recall.

Numerous recalls on various parts.

Transmission went out at 53,000 miles. It turns out that the valve body gasket was a bad part and it caused my fluid to burn up the transmission. I did not have the extended warranty and the repair cost me $2500 to rebuild. Ford was to charge me $3500 to replace it. I did not even make it to the 60K mile transmission flush suggested by Ford Service.

My back wiper has gotten off track of some sort and only wipes half the window.

The undercarriage makes a squeaking noise that is annoying.

The check engine light went on at one point and the ABS brake sensor was faulty.

General Comments:

I like the truck, the style the handling and the pickup. However, I am tired of the recalls.

I am extremely upset that the transmission was bad at 53,000 miles and had to be rebuilt. It was too costly for a car so young in miles. I wrote a letter to the CEO with my complaint. I have understood that many other owners have the same issues. Something needs to be done about it.

I will not buy another Ford in the future for this reason. I had an Acura Integra that lasted 95,000 with no real problems. Foreign cars seems so much more reliable and better all around.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 30th September, 2003

23rd Dec 2003, 14:58

I thought my Eddie Bauer Explorer was the only one having problems. Now that I read this sight I realize I am not the only one. My Explorer is having a transmission problem right now. I have a problem with my rear wiper, my air bag light came on and almost cost $2,000 to fix, then it wasn't fixed and I had to take it back. I also had a sticky throttle. There are many recalls, however I don't mind them because they keep me from spending my money to fix common problems.

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1999 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0 liter SOHC from North America

Summary:

A good standard for SUVs

Faults:

Basic general maintenance

Needed seal replacement on rear drive shaft.

Electrical problems with sunroof and door locks after 100,000 miles.

General Comments:

The 4 liter SOHC V6 engine is every bit as powerful as the V8 model and cheaper to boot, makes me feel like a smarter consumer then those that just had to have the V8.

I have proved that Explorer is not prone to rollovers.

Poor fuel mileage and now a days very costly to fill up the 20 gallon tank.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th September, 2003

9th Mar 2004, 20:36

I own an Explorer with the V8 and agree that under normal conditions the V6 is sufficient. I happen to tow a boat, which is the reason for the purchase to begin with and that's where the difference is between the two engines. I'll bet a dime to a dollar that I get better gas mileage and put less strain on my V8 pulling my boat than you would with your V6.

12th Aug 2004, 10:36

I have towed a camper with both a V-8 and and V-6 SOHC. The V-6 out performed the V-8 as far as torque and gas mileage. The V-8 got 9 mpg while the V-6 got 15 mpg. Going up the same mountain the V-6 would pull the camper at 50 mph while the V-8 could only manage 30 to 35 mph.

6th Sep 2004, 19:24

I have the SOHC V-6, and it sounds just like a V-8 and pulls my 3500LB Boat easily. Would not buy V-8.

In reply to 9th Mar 2004, 20:36

27th Mar 2013, 13:10

There's actually very little difference in the power output of the SOHC 6 vs the V8. The V8 is rated at 215 "SAE" HP, while the SOHC V6 comes in at 205.

That measly 10 HP difference isn't going to make any difference in real world towing circumstances. However, the V8 DOES have a significantly higher torque rating, which only means it might be able to get a heavy load moving a little quicker than the V6 - all other things being equal.