Used Ford explorers, pros & cons 95-2000

fishnwHim · 03-04-2005, 05:55 AM

I got so much input from my post about Jeep Gran Cherokees , that I thought I would see what you thought of Ford explorers in the 1995-2000 range. We are replacing a chrysler minivan. The posts about the cherokees pointed out several things that I wasn't aware of , so tell me what you Love and what you don't about the explorers. One ifisher reccomended that we look into explorers on the cherokee post, so we have been looking at the ads and have found them to be in the price range that we want, but again we know nothing about them. So please do tell all you know. Thanks fishnwHim.

WaterDog · 03-04-2005, 06:29 AM

Had a 93 and put 133K on it. Never a hiccup. Great rig. Have 42K on a 2001 and same deal. Great rig. The Explorer has more leg room in the back seat and is bigger than a Cherokee. I find them more comfortable and I prefer the interior layout as well.

The 4.0L engine is good engine as far as durability/reliabilty. Plently of power to move itself around.

Look at the rear end ratio. A 4.10 will get you 17mpg but a 3.55 will get 19 and some change.

Good luck.

rock bottom · 03-04-2005, 06:46 AM

Buy a 4-runner. In a way they are kind of like a willie boat. "simply the best"

Radke · 03-04-2005, 06:55 AM

I have a '97 explorer with about 130K miles on it.

It has been maintained to perfection.

At 64K I had to replace the motor that kicks the 4 wheel drive unit in gear because it burned up. Not using the 4wd, just burned up when I started the car. A mere $885 fix.

At 101K, the transmission was toast, and had to be totally rebuilt. I have the towing package on this car, but have never towed anything. This fix was around $1900. I took it to a local transmission shop instead of Ford. I asked the guy if he had much experience working on Explorers. He said that if I brought the car in, that would make 5 he was working on that week.

And I'll say it again, I had this car maintained by the ford dealer exactly as they recommended.

Keeper · 03-04-2005, 06:57 AM

I am on my third Explorer. First two were on two year leases and then I bought a 1998 in 2000. It now has 79K miles and has been a great rig, plenty of oomph with a V6.

Bad thing...wiring is starting to have problems. I lost the lights on half the dash(3yrs ago), the passenger window only works when it wants, the same with the driver side door lock. The door lock is really annoying because the key doesn't work either!

Dealership just shook their head and told me it really would be cheaper to put up with the dash and window. I am afraid to ask about the door

WaterDog · 03-04-2005, 06:59 AM

I do my own maintenance. I do it myself for a reason.

newbeebob · 03-04-2005, 07:03 AM

I had a 95 explorer @ 100K transmission needed to be replaced. Now I have an 01 explorer sport trac. Love the functionality of the rig but had 2 seal probelms with the tranny before 36k. Now @ 45k I have a problem with the 4x4 relay, and some other problems I haven't diagnosed yet. If you are looking for a lot of info on Ford's try this website. ford-trucks.com It has a good message board with lots of info. Good luck.

RODACTION · 03-04-2005, 07:56 AM

Ford Exploders, I'm mean..Explorers are a good rig. There is some differences between 1995 to 2000. Those model years now are a really good bang for the buck. The only thing you need to do is have it inspected before you buy. 1995-1997 can have some valve train problems. I would buy the Explorer over the Cherokee, my .02

Cool Texan · 03-04-2005, 08:03 AM

I have a 98 Dodge Durango with 99k miles on it. I'm the original owner for the last 7 years now, and my total expenses for non routine maintenance to date is maybe $700...and even then, a big chunk of that could be called expected maintenance. Its been a SOLID truck. Go Dodge!!!

MacFish · 03-04-2005, 08:23 AM

I've had several Explorers and own one now. I talk to a lot of people that own them and I'm convinced that they are as good as anything else in that market segment. They're comfortable and will tow a moderate sized boat and you don't pay the import name premium.

garyk · 03-04-2005, 09:31 AM

I get to drive a 2002 Explorer, a 1997 Explorer, and a 1994 Isuzu Trooper with 170k and the small V6.

For dependability and utility the Trooper is best. It has the biggest cargo area in this class, great for camping gear and dogs - you have to go to Suburban class to get more cargo area.

For driving comfort and hauling a boat @65mph and over hills, or up to BC the 02 Explorer wins hands down.

What I HATE about the 02 Explorer is the lock system - seems like nothing is ever unlocked - it drives me NUTS! And the idiot alarms!

The Explorer has had more repairs than I'd expect to have.

I wouldn't buy one.

I own the Trooper and need to replace it. I wish Isuzu offered rigs with a slightly bigger engine. Otherwise I'm looking toward a Pathfinder or the Dodge Durango. With gas certain to stay above $2 and maybe headed toward $3, I'm trying to find that balance between economy and hauling power.

lost_sailor · 03-04-2005, 12:44 PM

The V8 is quite a gas hog.

The Chub · 03-04-2005, 01:20 PM

Got a nice one in yesterday that had a little Carbecue going on. I drive these things at least 3 times a week. Not a big fan, and the 6cyl models seem to sound like they have an exhaust leak.

YaHoeeFishOn · 03-04-2005, 05:19 PM

I have a 96 V8 5 liter 302 All Wheel Drive . Bought it new Jun 96 . 90k no problems . All wheel disk brakes . Brakes at 70 k . Sepatine belt next weekend . Fluids every 3-4k . Tows 5,000 lbs boat no prob. get 18 freeway 15 around town. XLT sun roof leather . Been Good to me .Had the Fiestone recall tires so free tires at 50 k .