Any Ford Explorer Owners?

[Vegas1]

The other day the Mrs. decided she should get an SUV! Whatever you want dear!

Her only requirements are that it has 3rd row seating, and the 2nd and 3rd rows fold flat for all her trips to Home Depot and Lowes. And she doesn't want anything too large.

So I started my research and off the bat removed all GM and Dodge products from the table (Dodge, bad past experience myself, and a relative who's had nightmares with his Dodge Durango. GM, from 3 friends who have their products and their own set of headaches).

So I narrowed it down to the:

Acura MDX
Honda Pilot
Ford Explorer

We drove the MDX and loved it, but it's on back-order (they can't keep them on the lot), and the best they'll do on price is 2,000 to 3,000 over sticker. Nice wheels but that will be the day I pay over MSRP.

The Honda Pilot was nice, but my wife and I think it's truly ugly and the 3rd row seating, even for our little nieces and nephews would be torture.

That brings me to the Explorer. We first drove a V6 and I thought it was really slow and ponderous. But then we drove the V8 and it was like driving a different vehicle, and they have a bunch on the lot with the options she's looking for. They also are more than willing to deal, plus 0% financing for 36 months.

I'm mainly an import guy, so I have 0 experience with Ford products. So if anyone has some experience, good or bad, please fire away.

Thanks!

[BradE]

I own a 1997 Ford Explorer and have almost 80K miles on it with almost no problems. Just basic stuff like brakes etc. Recently one of my Oxygen Sensors died, I replaced it for $60, but I do most of the car work myself. I think the Explorer is an excellent choice.

I am a member of an Explorer only forum, it's more for mechanical work but they discuss many other things as well. www.explorerforum.com

Good Luck!

[Vegas1]

Thanks ShowroomLincoln! I'll be checking it out!

[bizzy928]

Have you considered the new '03 Toyota Four Runner?

GMC Envoy XL

[bcgreen]

I own a '96 Explorer, and have 83K on it. Just got back from SEMA. Sure is a dusty town. One day and the vehicle looked liked it hadn't been washed in 2 weeks. Pretty reliable, except I am still trying to figure out why my check engine light is still on. I've replaced the 5 sensors and a control module. The only thing I haven't changed is the EGR valve because I cannot get a tool on the lower nut. Sure like my colour of green, even the Ford parts desk guy asked what year it was, "Looks like a newer Explorer"

[ExplEddieBauer]

I have a '96 Explorer Eddie Bauer with a little more than 83k miles on the clock and it's still running like new. I love it!! At 70k, it had some work done to the transfer case because it wouldn't engage to 4WD but that's about all the problems I have.

The new Explorers are pretty nice. It's got a sealed transmission that's filled with 100% synthetic ATF. You won't have to service til 150,000 miles. The rear independent suspension gives the SUV a pretty nice ride. But if you take it off road, forget it. The third row bench isn't a great place for adults, it's more like for the children. If you're looking for a usable third row bench, you should look at the Envoy XL, or Trailblazer EXT.

[HellrotCi]

I don't know what your budget is but if an Acura MDX was a contender, go look at the new Volvo XC90. You can read about it in the Dec. '02 Motor Trend. My wife an I are looking for a mid-size SUV and have trimmed our selections down to '03 4Runner w/V8, '03 XC90 w/T6 or the Lincoln Aviator.

[rexster314]

My wife has been driving a '91 Explorer XLT since we bought it used in '95. It has 160,000 miles on the speedo and still runs great. No squeaks, body is still tight. Had the problem with the 5-speed running out of fluid, but got it fixed, and no more problems. Just last year replaced the radius rod bushings. We just bought an Expedition, but she didn't want to get rid of the Explorer. She's still driving the Explorer mostly.
It has been a very good investment.

[ExplEddieBauer]

I don't like the new 4-Runner's front seats. The one I sat in felt like a bench in the park. It's very firm and you can feel your butt bone crushing against the seat. The second row seats are much more comfortable.

[AlBoston]

03 4runner V8 is an excellent truck, i think it is one of the best riding/driving SUVs i have ever driven. PM me, i can get u a deal on one if u want to take a trip to mass. I also believe it will have 3 row seating available soon, or that might be the highlander.

[Idrops]

I have a 97 Mountaineer, the Explorer sister with 93000 miles. All in all pretty good for a ford product. No major probs. I test drove the V6 '02 Mountaineer and then the V8 and also felt like it was a totally different car. The only bad thing is poor gas mileage.

[Vegas1]

Thanks for all the great replies everyone!

The third row bench isn't a great place for adults, it's more like for the children.

She'll just be using it to transport all the little nieces and nephews.

If you're looking for a usable third row bench, you should look at the Envoy XL, or Trailblazer EXT.

We did, but as I said in my first post, 3 close friends who have recently purchased GM Suv's, have had nothing but problems since day one. And one is really kicking himself for laying big bucks down for an Escalade.

I don't know what your budget is but if an Acura MDX was a contender, go look at the new Volvo XC90.

We did, and my wife loves it, but the Volvo dealers in the area are both giving us the same story. "There's a waiting list for the V6 Turbo, and all that come in are all maxed out with extra's". The one that they just got in, had a sticker of $47,000 and they sold it for over MSRP.

03 4runner V8 is an excellent truck, i think it is one of the best riding/driving SUVs i have ever driven. PM me, i can get u a deal on one if u want to take a trip to mass. I also believe it will have 3 row seating available soon, or that might be the highlander.

Thanks for the offer Al! I havn't read anything about the 4Runner or Highlander getting a 3rd row seat.