Ford Explorer (2010 and older) SUV | Crossover
Ford Explorer (2010 and older) SUV | Crossover
[Feb 22, 2004]
delscott
Model Reviewed:
Ford/Explorer
Strength:
none.
Weakness:
many. This vehicle is money pit. We have poured over $3000 into it over the three years that we've owned it. The back window lock worked for about a year. All front end failures. Terrible on gas. Do not buy this vehicle. Similar Products Used: Honda Civics, Ford Ranger. |
[Jan 21, 2004]
stracer82
Model Reviewed:
Explorer Limited
Strength:
Room , Stylish, adequate power, 5 spd auto, fully loaded.
Weakness:
Rattles, suspension clunks, radio display, gas mileage, wish it had a 2WD selection, wind noise After I had decided I wanted an Explorer, I found and purchased my black 98 Limited in early November. I was originally looking at XLT's but when I saw this Limited with all the options I had to get it. It had 109k, mostly hwy but was very clean. Within a few days I realized I needed new front struts. Mine has the Air Ride suspension, which meant an exhaustive search for replacement struts and Ford was the only one who had them..at $200 a piece! I had my heart set on the 5.0 V8, but after comparing it to the SOHC 4.0, I decided the V6 was a better choice, but either way gas mileage is horrible, even on the highway. I am very happy with the 5spd automatic which shifts crisp and helps with aceleration. The seats are comfortable and have all adjustments. My radio display fades in and out at random and I came to find its a common problem. Also I am getting some front end clunking during braking and when the AWD kicks in all hell breaks lose. Best bet is put it in a 4WD mode when you know you will need it. The rear cargo area is plagued with rattles, and the door rattles when the window is half way down. I enjoy having a very roomy and comfortable Limited version and it offers some style with the monocromatic paint scheme. I was not worried about exploding Firestones since mine came with a set of nearly new Michelin LTX's. In general, Im pretty pleased with what i got for the price I paid. 8/10 . |
[Jan 09, 2004]
Chad Tschanz
Model Reviewed:
Sport XLT 4X4
Strength:
Good engine and tranny, , good brakes, good off-road capability, competent towing power, good looks, quality paint.
Weakness:
Horrible interior (build quality and reliability)! The suspension is a money pit (poor reliability)! I owned a '91 Ford Explorer Sport (2 door) 4X4 with limited slip diff. for about 2 years. I recently sold it because the a/c was dead and I'm moving to Florida. Overall, I would rate this SUV as good, although the individual I bought it from took *exceptional* care of it. I thought it had plenty of power, and an overall good ride on the road. It also had good traction, and I never got stuck. It nickel and dimed me to death, I used to call it the Exploder. Complaints about the interior: The interior was very cheap, and all the important interior items broke. Both of the interior door handles (to grip and close the door) were supported by a very flimsy piece of plastic/vinyl and some foam. These both ripped off and were a constant problem. Also, the arm rest on the center console does not lie flush on the consle for some reason. There is about a 1-2 inch gap between the arm rest and the center console. Because of this and a cheap plastic support, the center console broke, and I had to replace it with a special reinforced piece from a dealer that cost me about $30. The factory installed radio died for no apparent reason about 6 months after I owned the vehicle, as did the factory amplifier for the "premium" sound system. Also, the 2 of the speakers died. So I had to replace the sound system. The passenger and driver seat both slide forward so that people can get into the back (it's a two door). Both of the lock mechanisms on the seats became broke/jammed, so you were constantly sliding around when you drove. Mechanical complaints: The powertrain on this SUV is great. I had a manual transmission that shifted smooth, and the engine had plenty of power. The main problem with this SUV is the suspension - it's a money pit. The "quad-link" suspension is very susceptible to wear and tear because the whole suspension is supported by rubber bushings. Those rubber bushings rot out, and before you realize it, the shocks, U-joints, CV-joints, and just about everything else goes because the bushings aren't functional. It costs $400 - $500 to get these bushings fixed because they are !welded! to the frame and need to be chiseled out with an air hammer! Also, I have mixed opinions about the manual locking hubs for 4wd. They're nice because the car doesn't need to move for 4wd to be engaged, but it can be a pain to have to get out of the vehicle to lock the hubs, especially with inclement weather. I had a floor mounted shift lever to engage the 4wd, which worked every time. My brother drives a '94 Explorer with the electronic push-button 4wd, and it's tempermental. Similar Products Used: Ford Expedition, Jeep Cherokee, Chevy Blazer, Chevy Trailblazer, newer Ford Explorer. |
[Jan 03, 2004]
R J Kraske
Model Reviewed:
Explorer Sport 2WD
Strength:
Strong dependable engine, short turning radius and depndability
Weakness:
Choppy ride, engine light problem, exhaust system(catalytic converter) This has been one of the most dependable cars that I've ever owned. Gas mileage 18/23 and bumpy ride are to be expected. Engine light went on at 78,000. Had 2 sensors replaced, light came back on, went to repair shop who wanted $1200 to replace catalytic converter. Bought an analyzer at Harbor Frieght Tools for $39.00 and read the code myself. Charge is $60 at repair shops. Analyzer cancelled the engine light and continues to do so whenever it comes back on for about 3000 miles. 122,000 on engine and runs strong. Looking forward to the next Sport. Heard 2004 is the last year for them. Turning radius is excellant for narrow streets. Suggest owners to keep the fluids changed frequently. No problems with tranny, brakes, cooling, etc. Similar Products Used: Always owned Fords |
[Dec 21, 2003]
Tiffany
Model Reviewed:
Explorer XLS
Strength:
Very dependable, good motor, has a lot of room...very spacious, good on the road.
Weakness:
Very BAD gas mileage!! And bumpy...but I wanted a SUV...so I guess that is what comes with it. I was very excited when I got my truck. Because I had heard so much about them and thought that I wanted to find out on my own. I had had very few problems thus far...my cruise control has been slipping a little, the interior lights (blinkers) work improperly half the time, the back wiper has stopped...ummm...bad gas mileage(very bad), but no major problems...so I'm happy!! Also there was a recall on the on the driver seat that had to be fixed...but overall I can't complain. Similar Products Used: My very first SUV...will never drive a car again...cuz I like to be up high |
[Dec 18, 2003]
rbrooks
Model Reviewed:
xlt 4dr
Strength:
Decent mileage (23 road 18 city)good performance and has been reliable so far. Looks very good and drives good.
Weakness:
minor problems with interior light bulbs. ride is a little rough, but acceptable for SUV. Purchased vehicle with 17,000 miles on it. Now has 99,800 and going strong. Good mileage and has been reliable. Have had minimal minor problems. Service every 3000 miles religiously. Similar Products Used: 2nd Explorer and lots of trucks before this. |
[Dec 18, 2003]
rbrooks
Model Reviewed:
xlt 4dr
Strength:
Decent mileage (23 road 18 city)good performance and has been reliable so far. Looks very good and drives good.
Weakness:
minor problems with interior light bulbs. ride is a little rough, but acceptable for SUV. Purchased vehicle with 17,000 miles on it. Now has 99,800 and going strong. Good mileage and has been reliable. Have had minimal minor problems. Service every 3000 miles religiously. Similar Products Used: 2nd Explorer and lots of trucks before this. |
[Dec 09, 2003]
RaJauana
Model Reviewed:
Ford Explorer Sport
Strength:
Body is great.
Weakness:
airbag light, noisey dash board, tires are not the greatest. Since I purchase the Ford Explorer Sport in 2000, there has been a problem with the airbag light coming on and staying on. I a taken it back to Crystal ford for repair and the light is still on. Now that my warranty has expired so they say, now it is the electrical wiring. I wrote Ford a month ago; have not recieved a reply. True the mechanics no nothing about fixing Ford products and need to be fired. The dash make noise and you should always steer with both hand or the truck will get away from you. No I will never purchase another Ford product. |
[Dec 04, 2003]
clipclip
Model Reviewed:
XLT AWD
Strength:
I'm too dis-satisfied with it to list any strengths.
Weakness:
Where co I begin? VERY poor gas mileage, bumpy,dangerous ride. Too much interior wind noise to be healthy, Heavy steering, wandering roll, weak sound system and last but not least, the Ford mechanics need to be fired because they don't know WHAT to do to these trucks to fix them. My first and last Explorer. Didn't want this one in the first place. Looking to unload it. |
[Dec 03, 2003]
Daniel
Model Reviewed:
Explorer XLT
Strength:
nice riding, good looking (all black)
Weakness:
performance and the braking system This SUV still in a good shape, the only problem were the braking system and a little rod in the front of the SUV. Similar Products Used: Chevrolet Blazer 1989 |