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1998 Ford Explorer

Overview
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Vehicle Highlights

Information shown for entry-level SUV.

MPG: City 13/Hwy 18 Max Seating: 5
Engine: V6, 4.0 Liter Transmission: Automatic
Country of Origin: United States Country of Assembly: United States

1998 Ford Explorer Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating
8.2
Out of 10

Based on 1037 Ratings for the 1995 - 2001 models.

Review this car
  • Value
    8.5/10
    Quality
    8.5/10
  • Reliability
    8.7/10
    Performance
    8.5/10
  • Comfort
    8.6/10
    Styling
    8.6/10

good and bad

By b-rent (OK) on Sunday, May 12, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 190,000

10 8.0
overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating
8/10
Value
8/10
Reliability
8/10
Quality
8/10
Performance
8/10
Styling
8/10
Comfort
9/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 6

"this is my gfs car great for most thing holds lot of stuff even used it to help move and its great you feel safe in it,and comfortable but it sucks gas like theres no tomorrow"

2 people out of 5 found this review helpful

BEST CAR I EVER OWNED

By Di (FL) on Friday, May 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 180,000

10 9.0
overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating
9/10
Value
8/10
Reliability
9/10
Quality
10/10
Performance
6/10
Styling
9/10
Comfort
9/10

Pros: "Great handling, comfortable, lots of power"

Cons: "gas hog, small on the inside for more than 2 adult"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I always wanted a Ford Explorer. I come from a long list of Ford owners in the family. My husband wanted this truck because of the V8, I just wanted it because it was an Explorer. I initially had trouble in the first six months and had to replace the tranny (this was a fleet vehicle previously) but after that, I have had no major problems whatsoever. She has the power when you need it and is not too bad on gas (17 hwy, 15 city) but I'm also a leadfoot. No rust on this girl, she has a custom paint job and custom sound system, the best in the county. I will definately miss her when she finally goes, but she's not ready yet."

WORST LUCK WITH MY 96 FORD EXPLORER XLT

By becky (SC) on Wednesday, May 08, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 220,000

10 3.0
overall rating 3 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating
3/10
Value
5/10
Reliability
1/10
Quality
1/10
Performance
10/10
Styling
6/10
Comfort
6/10

Pros: "comfortable, plenty of room, air and heat!!"

Cons: "cant fix it when something goes wrong"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"I have owned my 1996 Ford Explorer XLT for 2 months, the first month it was a really good car(so i thought). First i had to replace a freeze plug in the spring time(which is very very uncommon). The radiator kept gurgling and leaking water from the cap. Then the Thermostat went out(which caused my heat not to work and the car to overheat) we replaced that.Now there is an even bigger problem that we cant put our finger on. it sounds like a john deer tractor and we cant figure out whats wrong with it. So overall i would say this car is not reliable at all. Im sure most of them are but apparently i have very very very bad luck with fords."

Love this truck!

By MDBKA (NY) on Tuesday, April 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 155,000

10 9.0
overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating
9/10
Value
9/10
Reliability
9/10
Quality
9/10
Performance
8/10
Styling
10/10
Comfort
9/10

Pros: "Strong, sturdy and comfortable."

Cons: "Gas mileage and e-brake design."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Owned for 10 years. Replaced clutch at 150,000. Has never left me stranded. Great for camping and trips that need lots of space in the cargo area. Feels solid and put together well. Interior controls feel solid. Dash layout is super functional and buttons/knobs are large enough and easy to feel when driving. 4WD is great in deep snow. Lots of legroom in backseat. Does not burn any oil. Only complaints are that it goes through e-brakes like crazy and they are helpful in a 5 speed and the center console armrest is broken and too expensive to fix. Gas mileage isn't good, but I knew that going in. Hope to drive it a bunch more years and have way over 200K on it."

6 people out of 6 found this review helpful

love this truck

By mike (GA) on Saturday, April 06, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 170,500

10 9.0
overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating
9/10
Value
9/10
Reliability
10/10
Quality
10/10
Performance
8/10
Styling
9/10
Comfort
10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"bought this truck used 4 years ago was a one owner truck has given great service no msjor repairs just the usual oil change and tune up's plan to keep on driving it till it fall's apart."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

4x4 all weather love

By Aim (NY) on Saturday, March 30, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 230,000

10 10.0
overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating
10/10
Value
10/10
Reliability
10/10
Quality
10/10
Performance
10/10
Styling
10/10
Comfort
9/10

Pros: "RELIABLE & COMFORTABLE FOR FRONT PASSENGERS"

Cons: "greater seat belt adj. & larger rain duct diam."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I'm the second owner. Purchased at 60,000 miles. Transmission ran a little rough at 99,000 miles - did 2 transmission fluid changes - cleared up any particulate in the system. Ran perfectly until 215,000 when I had the bands changed out. Runs just like it did at 60k mi. I take this vehicle for mild off-road exploring. It gets me to work through heavy snow and weather conditions when others in pricier all wx-traction vehicles are stuck on the side of the road. I regularly get 17.8 mpg. During snow conditions in 4wd high gear my mpg drops to 14. Still handles well. Corners pretty tightly for an SUV. I am having some trouble with the rain ducts around the sun-roof, but that can be helped by keeping the ducts clear so they don't back up in heavy rains. The only mild complaint I've had from passengers in the back seat on long trips is that the seat's aren't the most comfortable, but still not bad, and they'd like a head rest and greater adjustment on the seat-belt height so it won't choke shorter passengers. (I'd like that too.) I LOVE MY CAR!!!!!! Good maintenance = long life. FANTASTIC ENGINE!!! SMOOTH!!!"

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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