95-99 Explorer Reliabilty
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Tuned
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 340
Likes: 1
From: Texas
95-99 Explorer Reliabilty
I am shopping for a used SUV on a pretty restricted budget and I found that the 95-99 explorers can be acquired for a very reasonable price. I have a few questions regarding these vehicles:<O
</O
1) Are there any serious issues with them that warrants the reasonable prices?<O</O
2) Are there particular year models that are more problematic than others?
3) What specific things should be examined when shopping for one used?
</O1) Are there any serious issues with them that warrants the reasonable prices?<O
</O2) Are there particular year models that are more problematic than others?
3) What specific things should be examined when shopping for one used?
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 660
Likes: 0
I agree with yield2s, the V8 engine and transmission combination is pretty bullet-proof. The 4.0 OHV doesn't have nearly as much power but runs forever with decent maintenance. I have had two Explorers with the 4.0 OHV and the transmissions have gone over 150,000 miles with regular fluid changes though it appears from this forum that others haven't been so lucky.
They are reasonably priced because there are so many Explorers (most popular SUV in the US) and a new generation has been available since 2002.
Check to make sure that regular fluid changes have been done. I would stay away from the SOHC engine even if the cam chain guides/tensioners have been replaced.
I have had three Explorers, '91, '95 and '99, and they have all been excellent vehicles.
Good luck,
Mason
They are reasonably priced because there are so many Explorers (most popular SUV in the US) and a new generation has been available since 2002.
Check to make sure that regular fluid changes have been done. I would stay away from the SOHC engine even if the cam chain guides/tensioners have been replaced.
I have had three Explorers, '91, '95 and '99, and they have all been excellent vehicles.
Good luck,
Mason
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: Tennessee
If you're lookin for an Exploder spend the cash to get one with the 5.0. The 4.0 ohv's run forever but are low on power and the tranny's are crap. I have a 94 xlt, at 129k the tranny is just starting to go bad. The engine runs like new. You'll never regret the V8, and the average mileage seems to be 14-15 city/highway combined from most people I've talked to.
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: Slana, Alaska
I have a '97. What I have notice about mine is that the electronic 4wd is a weak spot.
I have had to replace the transfer case at about 85k. I have the v6 engine and it only gets about 17 mpg. I don't know if I would buy another one....
I have had to replace the transfer case at about 85k. I have the v6 engine and it only gets about 17 mpg. I don't know if I would buy another one....
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Fair Hill MD
I have had a 92 4.0 sold it at 168,000 miles and it was still running well with no transmission problems. I currently have a 96 5.0 AWD with 110,000 miles and it is in great shape. I think the V8 engine and transmission combo is much better and certainly more powerful. I get about 17mpg local (rural and town), 21mpg on the highway, and 14mpg towing a 2 horse trailer. I keep the maintenance up: oil changes 3500 miles transmission flush yearly (because of towing a horse trailer) and coolant change every 2 years. I have not had a regret with an Explorer.
Chuck
Chuck
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
reliability of explorers
I have a 98 5.0 V8 AWD. Runs reasonably well for 106K. Major fixes: blend doors (80K), drive shaft (85K), water pump (86K).
I use synthetic oil every 5K, get 16.3mpg with city/highway driving in Dallas. Runs great. If you get one, hopefully it has service records. but if it's been taken care of, then it should be reliable.
I use synthetic oil every 5K, get 16.3mpg with city/highway driving in Dallas. Runs great. If you get one, hopefully it has service records. but if it's been taken care of, then it should be reliable.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,978
Likes: 1
From: Alvin, Texas.
I am liking what I am hearing here about the AWD/5.0 rigs.
I am pretty sure by the end of this year(ish), an Exploder will be in the fold for me. I was thinking a 4.0 4x4 94 model to match the Ranger (yearwise) which I can pull codes real easy with, but I don't go muddin' and the Ranger is hell in snow, being 1wd with that open diff.
The late 96 or so models got the v8 and the 4.OHC v6 doesn't get crazy good mileage either, but that's with the territory for sure. I am not crazy about the OHC issues that are noted, so that engine is not an option for that reason as well.
I want auto everything since the Ranger is pure base model (I had to swap in the tach cluster...), but better BAD weather handling and passenger room is a must, so AWD probably it will be.
I know I won't get the 25 mpg's I get with the 2.3L Ranger, but if I can get near 20 on the highway, I might care enough with an Exploder to be happy. I am pretty good at massaging mpg's from a rig, but if I have to pull the ECM fuse for a minute or two to clear out the previous owner's lead foot, that I will do.
I am pretty sure by the end of this year(ish), an Exploder will be in the fold for me. I was thinking a 4.0 4x4 94 model to match the Ranger (yearwise) which I can pull codes real easy with, but I don't go muddin' and the Ranger is hell in snow, being 1wd with that open diff.
The late 96 or so models got the v8 and the 4.OHC v6 doesn't get crazy good mileage either, but that's with the territory for sure. I am not crazy about the OHC issues that are noted, so that engine is not an option for that reason as well.
I want auto everything since the Ranger is pure base model (I had to swap in the tach cluster...), but better BAD weather handling and passenger room is a must, so AWD probably it will be.
I know I won't get the 25 mpg's I get with the 2.3L Ranger, but if I can get near 20 on the highway, I might care enough with an Exploder to be happy. I am pretty good at massaging mpg's from a rig, but if I have to pull the ECM fuse for a minute or two to clear out the previous owner's lead foot, that I will do.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 627
Likes: 1
the AWD is excellent, best feature on the vehicle, I have the 4l. ohv and it is low on power but gives about 20mpg on the highway and almost that much in the city, wouldn't go near the ohc engines and of course the older units rollover.I know people with the v8 and 2wd and they average 18 mpg and lots of power, of course the 302/5.0l is proven.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 249
Likes: 2
From: AZ
I have a 95 with 4.0 OHV 4X4 with 5 speed and 3.73 L rear axle and I get 22mpg on hwy and 17/18 in town and mine has more than enough power. When I first got it; from a one owner, I rapped it up hard in the 1st four gears to 4500 - 4800 rpm, I couldn't believe the power. I actually got out and opened the hood to see if it was a 5.0 V-8. Very happy with my Explorer. I owned a 91 Explorer with the same set up but it didn't have the horsepower that the 95 has, and they are supposed to have the same engine.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,858
Likes: 3
From: Friendswood, Texas
Mine is a 96 4x4 Sport with the 4.0 V-6, 5 spd manual. I've owned it since 1997. Has about 155,000 miles on it. Other than a transmission problem last year, it's been a great vehicle. So much so that I spent the money to repair the transmission. Later decided to keep the Explorer when I bought my 03 F-250 4x4 PSD.
and shout out to AlfredB1979. I know where Alvin is and you know where Pearland is - what's this business about the Ranger being hell in the snow. Did it get squirrelly on you Christmas Eve?
and shout out to AlfredB1979. I know where Alvin is and you know where Pearland is - what's this business about the Ranger being hell in the snow. Did it get squirrelly on you Christmas Eve?
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,346
Likes: 4
From: missouri
97 4.0 controll trac 130000 no problems 15-17 city 17-22 hwy
93 ford explorer 4.0 236000 before tranny went for 2cnd time... had to replace twin I beam bushing 3 times ruind 2 set of tires....
in all the 95-99 have a better front suspision than the early 91-94..... but I like the 4x4 lock outs on my 93 I only had ONE problem with the control trac the stupid sensor in the t-case gets dirty not allowing you to lock it in all the way...
going price around here is 91-94 $3000 95-99 starting out 5995 (95-97) up to 12000 depending on make model (5.0 eddie buarer limeted ect ...)
we are already looking for #3 explorer....
93 ford explorer 4.0 236000 before tranny went for 2cnd time... had to replace twin I beam bushing 3 times ruind 2 set of tires....
in all the 95-99 have a better front suspision than the early 91-94..... but I like the 4x4 lock outs on my 93 I only had ONE problem with the control trac the stupid sensor in the t-case gets dirty not allowing you to lock it in all the way...
going price around here is 91-94 $3000 95-99 starting out 5995 (95-97) up to 12000 depending on make model (5.0 eddie buarer limeted ect ...)
we are already looking for #3 explorer....
Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
From: New York
I have a 1997 5.0 AWD with 82K on it (owned since new). this has been the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned (knock on wood). no major problems, and in fact no minor problems. routine maintenance, brakes, oil changes, tune ups, etc. that's it. very happy and satisfied with this vehicle.