explorer
Would you do it again (Explorer version)
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
Would you do it again (Explorer version)
I don't own an Explorer but my Jeep is on it's last legs and I'm shopping. I need to let you all know, I posted the same thing in the Expediton forum. If you could, would you purchase another Explorer? What are the positives versus negatives of owning? I'm trying to get spun up on them and there is a lot of info on this site. Here's some additional info. I have a D***e Ram for towing and a Grand Caravan for touring. What I used the Jeep for was back and forth to work, some running in the woods, carting my two teenagers around. The oldest is now driving. I like the size of the Expedition (with size comes comfort) but, maybe I should be looking at an Explorer. I would be using the Expy or Explorer for the same things I used the Jeep for. Please pass on any info and experiences you guys have had, good and bad. I seem to remember the Explorers had a bad rap in the mid-90s or so about dependability. Is that still a problem? How about gas mileage? Engine sizes, etc. Thanks.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
I had the 06 Explorer, it was a nice car. Now I have the 08 Expedition EL 'cause I could'nt get any one to sell me a Tank.........
Personally, I want that sheet metal all around me. You see more people in the Emer. Room that drive small cars........
Personally, I want that sheet metal all around me. You see more people in the Emer. Room that drive small cars........
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
I have a 2000 Explorer 5.0 AWD i have had excelent luck with mine and yes i would purchase another!
Be sure that your comfortable with the interior space..looks can be deceiving.. I am not too familiar with the new Explorers and Expeditions nor their engine sizes..don't quote me but i would say 4.6L for the Xplorer and 5.4 for the Expedition. Fuel economy? well u'de have to check the sticker or ask around.
I am very pleased with the mpg's and the power i receive from my 00 5.0L Xplorer.. seeing how the market now is flooded with people selling them due to increase in gas prices im certain you could find a good deal out there!
Be sure that your comfortable with the interior space..looks can be deceiving.. I am not too familiar with the new Explorers and Expeditions nor their engine sizes..don't quote me but i would say 4.6L for the Xplorer and 5.4 for the Expedition. Fuel economy? well u'de have to check the sticker or ask around.
I am very pleased with the mpg's and the power i receive from my 00 5.0L Xplorer.. seeing how the market now is flooded with people selling them due to increase in gas prices im certain you could find a good deal out there!
New User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
I have a 2004 explorer w/ 4.0L V6 2WD. Currently 78,00 mi. Love the vehicle and would buy another but want better fuel economy in a 6-seater with room- however no vehicles yet exist that are that much better in gas mileage for the size.
I get 17mpg combined which is identical to our old Grand Caravan with a puny 3.0L engine.
The car has been rock solid except for the right rear wheel bearing and front stabilizer bushings squeaking. Repaired under 100K powertrain warranty.
The engine is as reliable as any on the market- an old design that has been refined to reliable perfection over the years- built in Cologne, Germany.
The vehicle is smooth and stable and quiet on the highway @ 80+ mph. Accelleration is good but not exciting. Power is adequate.
Handling is very good-
Best upgrde was for the GoodYear Fortera triple tred tires- these things made the vehicle much more grippy and tight handling with improved steering feel.
Answer- YES!
I get 17mpg combined which is identical to our old Grand Caravan with a puny 3.0L engine.
The car has been rock solid except for the right rear wheel bearing and front stabilizer bushings squeaking. Repaired under 100K powertrain warranty.
The engine is as reliable as any on the market- an old design that has been refined to reliable perfection over the years- built in Cologne, Germany.
The vehicle is smooth and stable and quiet on the highway @ 80+ mph. Accelleration is good but not exciting. Power is adequate.
Handling is very good-
Best upgrde was for the GoodYear Fortera triple tred tires- these things made the vehicle much more grippy and tight handling with improved steering feel.
Answer- YES!
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,450
Likes: 2
From: Baltimore
The generation I explorers (91-94) have a history of transmission, radius arm bushings, and rust problems. My preference would be a Gen II or III Explorer with the 5.0 V8 and 4WD. Gas wise, the 5.0 V8 will not be much worse than the 4.0 V6. I'd prefer the power of the V8 and the transmissions on some of the V8s is beefier than the V6. The reason I prefer 4wd over AWD, is that I want to control when it's in 4wd. Problem is, I think most of the 5.0 Explorers have the AWD instead of 4wd. I'm sure others will jump in with opinions.
Lastly, this forum is a great reason to go with a Ford truck instead of Jeep, Dodge, ..etc.
Lastly, this forum is a great reason to go with a Ford truck instead of Jeep, Dodge, ..etc.
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 267
Likes: 0
From: Colorful Colorado
I've owned 4 (93, 96, 99, 03) explorers and loved all of them...they are simply great cars. Take care of what you got and it will take care of you. Still have the 93.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,751
Likes: 3
From: So Oregon
What kind of Jeep and are you mechanically inclined (do you work on your Jeep)?
I've owned a 1998 Jeep TJ (Wrangler) and 2001 Jeep XJ (Cherokee). I now own a 2005 Ford F250/Superduty and 1994 Explorer. I would take a Jeep over the Explorer if I had the choice, but financially the Explorer made more sense right now (I wish I still had either Jeep over the Explorer), as I knew the insides and outs of the Jeeps. I could maintain, repair, or replace just about any part of the Jeep(s) in my sleep, with both my arms tied behind my back with my head under water.
Edit: notice responses state the Explorer is a "car". A Jeep isn't a car, so if that's what you want/need, an Explorer won't foot the bill.
I've owned a 1998 Jeep TJ (Wrangler) and 2001 Jeep XJ (Cherokee). I now own a 2005 Ford F250/Superduty and 1994 Explorer. I would take a Jeep over the Explorer if I had the choice, but financially the Explorer made more sense right now (I wish I still had either Jeep over the Explorer), as I knew the insides and outs of the Jeeps. I could maintain, repair, or replace just about any part of the Jeep(s) in my sleep, with both my arms tied behind my back with my head under water.
Edit: notice responses state the Explorer is a "car". A Jeep isn't a car, so if that's what you want/need, an Explorer won't foot the bill.
Postmaster
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,854
Likes: 0
I bought my 2000 Explorer new and it has been mechanically reliable, and even though I average 20 mpg, I would not buy any SUV again. The depreciation has been horrendous, even before fuel costs soared. I think I could find a crossover that still gives me some comfort and better fuel mileage. After all, gas has soared in 8 years you know.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 133
Likes: 1
From: Martinez, CA
We've had 2, a '94 and a '98. Still have the '98, V-8, AWD. It's good vehicle for what we use it for, and gets decent mileage for an AWD.
Would we buy another, yes, actually we're looking for a newer one to pull behind our motorhome. Would use the '98 except you can't flat tow an AWD.
Would we buy another, yes, actually we're looking for a newer one to pull behind our motorhome. Would use the '98 except you can't flat tow an AWD.
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
Have an 01 EB a 03ST and a 06 EB. All three are good, solid, and reliable. The 01 is the tank! The ST is a gentleman's week end truck. The 06 is a luxury ride compared to the 01. Except for poor mpg I would buy them again.
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 254
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento Ca
I have almost 3000 miles on a 08 sport trac, these share a running gear with the explorer. It has been a great vehicle. I have the limited with 4WD, and the 4.6. I get between 17 and 19 real world mpg regularly with all types of driving. I can break 20 on all freeway driving in the low 70's for speed. If you NEED something like that, the fuel mileage is as good as it gets in the market nitch. I have been very impressed with it overall.
Several things to think about, Do you need a 4WD? If it is all paved driving, look into a cross over and jump into the low to mid 20's for MPG. Additionally the AWD will cost you a few MPG on most makes or models. I chose to avoid it for just this reason. For all the refinements they have made, the explorer is still based losely on a truck frame and suspension (I know, I know, its not the same. It is still close though.) If you want that in particular like I did, thats great. If you want a car like vehicle, look into the cross overs or almost anything symilar that is Japanese. Many of their mid size SUV's are car based.
Several things to think about, Do you need a 4WD? If it is all paved driving, look into a cross over and jump into the low to mid 20's for MPG. Additionally the AWD will cost you a few MPG on most makes or models. I chose to avoid it for just this reason. For all the refinements they have made, the explorer is still based losely on a truck frame and suspension (I know, I know, its not the same. It is still close though.) If you want that in particular like I did, thats great. If you want a car like vehicle, look into the cross overs or almost anything symilar that is Japanese. Many of their mid size SUV's are car based.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,181
Likes: 3
From: Eastern CT.
I have an 04' NBX Explorer, 4.6, 5-speed auto, 3:73 gears,,,this (TRUCK) cranks,,runs great, pulls my 16' boat very nice,,is comortable,,7 passenger,,whish FORD would have put a tranny dipstick on the tranny,,,D'oh !! It has a slight issue with a chattering or slipping when turning,,taking off from a stop,,,If you drive straight ahead,,does not do it,,something in the Auto 4wd clutch,,I think,,,,,I went from a 97 Expedition to the 04 Explorer,,,,there is a big difference in interior room between the 2 trucks,,love the way the Explorer runs and handles,,very nice!