Thinking on buying a Explorer would like to know what problems you all have had, and what to look for that could be a potental problem. thanks corey

 

Well, I don't have a 05-07 but I do have a 04 EX XLT 4.0

I have owned it a year and put 3,500 miles on it.
Problems:

Ring and pinon went out at 47,000 $2000.00
The CD has never worked and its loose in the dash.
The trans slips, bangs and slams into gear, its at Ford now being diagnosed.

My kid has a 02 EX and the engine went out at 135,000.
Both the rear end bearings have been replaced and the clutch failed.
The water pump and the radiator have been replaced.

Would I buy another Explorer? NO.
I like Fords and I take excellent care of them, but I can no longer afford to own them.

I don't beleive that Ford wants to remain in the car business.

My advice, buy something else. The Explorer is being dropped by Ford its not fuel efficent. SUV's are becoming a thing of the past.

This spring you can expect $4.00 for regular.
With the high cost of fuel and questionable realiabilty of Ford products I'd look for something else.

If your a diehard like and get one anyway, get the extended warranty you're going to need it.

 

i cant help you with the new model, but i have a 2002 with 100k and its great. i have put a wheel bearing on the front, one it the back, and a set of spark plugs- thats it. gets 18-20 MPG.... also have a 96 with 150k miles. same as above, but also put an alternator and ball joints on it. both are great little trucks. The 2002 has independant rear suspension and much better ride than older models.-- cant speak for the 04-07.

 

06-08 have the best body lines of any Explorer yet.
I just bought an 07 and it is great. It rides great and has enough power for our needs. (4.0)
I had an 91 when it first came out in 90, but these two models can not be compared. I liked the 91 all manual features which are absent from my 07.

I do like the auto 4x system just because it is user friendly.

My advice, if you get a new Explorer keep it serviced and it should last you a long time.

The truck is good looking and rides great, JMHO.

 

I am presently owning my 3rd Explorer, a 05 XLT Sport V* with all the options. So far the only issues I have had is the noise in the rear end, fixed under warrenty (so far it has not come back) and the front leather seats seem to be cracking. The Explorer only has 24,000 miles on it. Other then that no issues. Both previous Explorers gave over a 120,000 troublefree miles. I averaged 21-24 mpg with the older V6 models highway and 20-21 with the 05 V8. Just a warning, if you do get a V8 model, expect 13-16 mpg around town.

Good luck.

 

Ford's dropping the Explorer? Since when?

 

Old school tag here.

I'll be looking for a 05-07 Sport Trac later this year so this thread interests me.

Some follow-up questions to add to the OP's:

When looking at these vehicles, what typical issues should we look/listen for?

Do these years have the SOHC engine?

Thanks,
CMOS