Explorer Reviews?

[Robb]

Im thinking about buying a 1997 Ford Explorer, does anyone who has owned or owns one have any things they could tell me, the one in question has a 5.0 v8 w/ awd, are these pretty reliable? things to look out for? also , it has 93000 miles, if taken care of would it still have a lot more in it? Sorry for all the questions, im a poor college student, and i want to make the right decision, Thanks Guys

[SR77]

Robb,
I got a 96 Explorer 5.0L V8, AWD and it has been a pretty good truck. The only problems that i have had with it is the Trans (On my second one) and now that it is older the interior panels are noisy every time i hit a bump. Sounds like the interior is falling apart. I wish Ford would have tightened up the interior more. But over all the truck has been very reliable, no problems yet(Knock on Wood) with the AWD system and the 5.0L V8 is a strong reliable engine if it is well maintained. If properly maintained, you should be able to get 200,000 out of it, that is my goal with mine. Good Luck

[Dale DeSteno]

Did you look on JD Power.com? They have a great used car rating system on there.
Have you looked at Pathfinders or 4Runners at all?

[Glowin97x]

www.explorerforum.com is a wonderful site, full of explorer enthuiasts

edit* I have a 97 X Sport with a SOHC 4.0L V6. Some quick things to check on explorers before you buy, check the gas struts on the back hatch, some have gone out, make sure the car took advantage of the firestone recall, and in earlier models be sure to check the paint on flat surfaces because sometimes water pools on the roof and can start to eat it away. Personally, I think they are great cars

edit* i stand corrected

[BradE]

Make that a SOHC 97 Sport. There is no DOHC Explorer. I'm a member of Explorer Forum as well.

5.0 Explorers are very reliable. The 302 is nearly bulletproof. Check the tranny, the fluid MUST be changed every 30K miles.

[Bumpers Plus]

I detail ALOT of explorers for the dealers, all levels of engines seem good, the trans always seem to have issues eventually. I have also noticed it on Taurus, Windstar. My 2 cents