What is best year Explorer?
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Can't recommend '98. I would go with a 2 year old or so that is still under factory warranty and buy the extended warranty for as long as I could get it....
Last edited by 85e150; Sep 10, 2004 at 12:55 PM.
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From: Las Vegas, NV
'99 to '01 okay for reliability but have some weaknesses.
The early V6 SOHC engine had problems with the camshaft chain tensioner and guides but to me they are still good engines and very strong (205 bhp). If you do get a V6 SOHC engine, make sure it has been fixed with Ford's recall (good to 72K miles).
'02 went to an independant rear suspension. I like the '99 suspension for its stiffer ride but the '02 and later is smoother and more car like. With the re-design in '02 came some minor problems and some nice benefits.
The early V6 SOHC engine had problems with the camshaft chain tensioner and guides but to me they are still good engines and very strong (205 bhp). If you do get a V6 SOHC engine, make sure it has been fixed with Ford's recall (good to 72K miles).
'02 went to an independant rear suspension. I like the '99 suspension for its stiffer ride but the '02 and later is smoother and more car like. With the re-design in '02 came some minor problems and some nice benefits.
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By '00 Ford had most of the bugs worked out. As Dan says the SOHC engine had some problems. The V8s are good with no inherent problems but only come in 2WD and AWD. Lots of torque with the V8. Depends on what you are looking to do with the vehicle.
Mason
Mason
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Joined: Oct 2004
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new guy ?
you guys have awsome info . can anyone tell me is the dreaded sohc timining guide thing carry on to 2000 models ? my daughter just bought a 2000 explorerxlt 4.0 sohc 73000 no noise ineed to run vin to see if its ever had anything done to it , also iam planning to buy a 2000 mountaineer , same setup with 83000 thanks....lj
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From: Las Vegas, NV
From Ford:
"Certain 1997 through 2000 Explorer/Mountaineer and 2001 Explorer Sport/Sport-Trac Vehicles Equipped with 4.0L SOHC Engine built at Louisville and St. Louis Assembly Plant from Job #1, 1997 through April 7, 2000."
Check your manufacturing date (on door or hood decal) and run a VIN check with a Ford dealer to see if your engine has been fixed.
Extended warranty good to 6 years, 72,000 miles.
Later engines have a stronger chain tensioner cartridge.
"Certain 1997 through 2000 Explorer/Mountaineer and 2001 Explorer Sport/Sport-Trac Vehicles Equipped with 4.0L SOHC Engine built at Louisville and St. Louis Assembly Plant from Job #1, 1997 through April 7, 2000."
Check your manufacturing date (on door or hood decal) and run a VIN check with a Ford dealer to see if your engine has been fixed.
Extended warranty good to 6 years, 72,000 miles.
Later engines have a stronger chain tensioner cartridge.
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Joined: Oct 2004
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I have 2 Explorers, a 1999 Limited with the 4.0 and a 2002 Limited with the 4.6. I love the ride on the 2002, a lot smoother than the 1999. They both are very comfortable, but I like the seats in the 2002 better. The 2002 and newer are wider, and just seems to have a better feel on the road. More stable. If you are a bigger guy (I am 6'3", 275 lbs) you will want the 2002.
Weird thing, the cargo area of the 1999 is bigger than the 1999. The 2002 does have the third seat, but I didn't figure that it would cut into the cargo space that much. I had to go pick up some furniture this weekend and the 2002 was not big enough to hold it. It all fit in the 1999.
Just my thoughts.
Weird thing, the cargo area of the 1999 is bigger than the 1999. The 2002 does have the third seat, but I didn't figure that it would cut into the cargo space that much. I had to go pick up some furniture this weekend and the 2002 was not big enough to hold it. It all fit in the 1999.
Just my thoughts.
