27th Feb 2009, 20:56

I think that's the difference. My 4.0 L SOHC Explorer has gotten 26-27 mpg doing 55 mph on flat roads. However, in the winter, with the more oxygenated gasoline, and short trips to work (with city and uphill driving), the mileage drops to 17-18 mpg. Generally on the highway doing 65 mph, I'll get 23-24 mpg. It's a wide range, but I check my mileage at every fill-up, and all are true.

28th Jul 2010, 08:22

I purchased my '96 Ford Explorer-Eddie Bauer Edition-V8, brand new. I only have 130,000 on it. This vehicle has never broken down (knock on wood). I have some minor problems with it, such as the 6 changer CD unit. I had it replaced when the vehicle was brand new, and now at 14 years old, I need another new unit. Pretty good, considering its high usage and years in service.

I am getting around 22.8 to 23 miles to the gallon on the highway and about 17 in the city. This SUV has as much engine power as the day I bought it. It's great on long distance trips and dependable. Although it's not called for by the manufacturer, I use high octane fuel and always have. I average 384 miles on a single tank of gas.

This vehicle is very safe to drive in snow, heavy rains and all kinds of changing weather conditions. I got 78,000 miles out of it's original set of Goodyear tires, when they were replaced with another set of Goodyears. I have 52,000 miles on the current set and no signs that they need to be replaced.

I paid $34,000 for this vehicle, brand new and I think I have gotten every penny's worth. That was a lot of money for an SUV in 1996, and I still can't believe I spent that kind of money on a vehicle. But boy, I'm glad I did. It was money well spent. It has given me many years of pleasurable driving with no break downs and I hope to get another 10 years. Regular service on your vehicle, I believe carries you a long way.

Heather in Virginia.