1991 Ford Explorer Consumer Reviews

Can't stop a Ford

Written by: Ford Tough on 01/26/2006

Vehicle

1991 Ford Explorer 4 Dr XLT 4WD Utility

Review

I was given my '91 Explorer from a friend. The car had been sitting for 2 years without the doors even being opened, much less started. I opened the door cleaned the battery terminals and cranked the car, it started right up and has ever since. It's amazing after sitting neglected that long it started right up and I detailed it and it came clean and the paint even shines as does the leather. It's an amazing car; I got mine for free but I'd recommend anyone buy an Explorer!

Favorite Features

Reliability, classic design.

Suggested Improvements

Better power window motors, tighter fit of interior/exterior components.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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an Oldie but a Goodie

Written by: Ford guy on 01/05/2006

Vehicle

1991 Ford Explorer 2 Dr Eddie Bauer Utility

Review

My Explorer originally had an automatic transmission and drove great. Transmission blew up going up a steep highway hill (my own fault for NOT replacing the black fluid) & a buddy of mine & I wound up getting a manual from a Bronco II at a junkyard and converted it over. Well she's got PLENTY of power now ... the Bronco II transmission is geared lower & the "Exploder" is unstoppable in 4wd Low when going offroad in mud, water, you name it. Awesome truck! It goes anywhere & takes a good beating! I put offroad 31" tires on it, & without a lift she still goes just about every place my buddies go with their lifted Rangers w/ 33's. Plus the 4.0 motor knocks their 2.9's outta the water on the highway. (:-D)

Favorite Features

Real solid body. Had a Pathfinder w/ 255,000 miles, still runs great but body rusted away to nothing. Explorer has 4 times as many layers of metal. 4.0 motor is the best feature, runs like a champ and gives ya plenty of juice when ya need it.

Suggested Improvements

Well, its actually backwards. All the "improvements" to the newer Explorers make them less offroad capable & so fancy shmancy that ya can't beat'em without some important plastic thing breaking. Plus, forget trying to repair a newer one yourself ...t he old ones are a heck of lot easier to work on.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Irreplaceable

Written by: desert rat on 11/28/2005

Vehicle

1991 Ford Explorer 4 Dr XLT 4WD Utility

Review

Had my Explorer about 6 years. Outside of a few mechanical problems which may be expected by the time a vehicle reaches 130,000, I have no complaints. I take it to rugged and remote desert areas with confidence, sleep in the back when I camp, haul plywood, lumber, bricks, plants, fertilizer, furniture and occasionally even people in the back and it is big enough and strong enough to handle them all and I can still turn on a dime and 4WD it through narrow places where the big ones can't go. It is a true SUV; its utility is excellent. I'd buy a new SUV but NOBODY makes a vehicle that puts it all together like my Explorer -- believe me, I've looked at them all.

Favorite Features

Versatility, utility, 4WD, turning radius and fold-down-flat-and-out-of- the-way rear seats.

Suggested Improvements

Better quality door hinges.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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The Best Explorer EVER!

Written by: Mrs. M on 08/22/2005

Vehicle

1991 Ford Explorer 2 Dr Eddie Bauer 4WD Utility

Review

I bought my 2 door, 4WD Eddie Bauer Explorer as a birthday present to myself, and it has been a gift that keeps on giving! Hands down, the most comfortable, reliable, versatile rig I've ever owned, and it still looks good going down the road. Both of my kids learned to drive in it, and it never even balked at the abuse. (Of course they abused it! They are kids!) It is now pushing 200,000 miles, and I am agonizing over if I should prepare to rebuild her or move on. Even the newer Explorers aren't the rig this one is. As long as I can keep it on the road, it has a home with me.

Favorite Features

It performs equally well in the highway, in town, or on back mountain roads. I am safe and comfortable anywhere I go. It is reasonable to maintain, and has never let me down. The leather is bombproof! If you knew me, you'd know that driving a 15 year old car isn't my style, but I'm keeping this one.

Suggested Improvements

A little more 'cush' on the back seats would be nice, but it is a long way from unbearable.

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Good ol' Explorer

Written by: Mississippi Jon on 01/21/2005

Vehicle

1991 Ford Explorer 4 Dr XL Utility

Review

I bought it when it had 80K miles of city driving on it. I now have nearly 200K miles, and have only had to rebuild the transmission, and change the water pump. It is a great road vehicle, gets 22 mpg, and looks fine. I painted it just to get the corporate colors off of it when I bought it from a company rep. It has been one of the best vehicles I have owned.

Favorite Features

Interior comfort, large volume, visibility, power and performance.

Suggested Improvements

Make the new ones as good as this one has been.

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reliable

Written by: martino on 12/28/2004

Vehicle

1991 Ford Explorer 4 Dr XLT 4WD Utility

Review

I bought it new in 1991. After some warranty problems with wiring and dead batteries; no major problems. I now have 199,000 miles and still take it on long trips. Interior is falling apart. Thinking about retiring it and mounting a snowplow.

Favorite Features

power

Suggested Improvements

More durable interior parts.

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More Problems More Money !!!

Written by: MoonNStarsGirl on 09/06/2004

Vehicle

1991 Ford Explorer 4 Dr Eddie Bauer 4WD Utility

Review

Well I bought it with 115,000 miles on it. So far I have replaced the Gas tank, Starter, entire exhaust system, 4 wheel drive doesn't work anymore, LOTS of rust, Leaks to name a few power steering,oil,gas.... The brake caliburs went this week and the list goes on !!!!!

Favorite Features

Room, Tv fits between the seats, SUNROOF .

Suggested Improvements

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Reliable

Written by: JK in CA on 07/17/2004

Vehicle

1991 Ford Explorer 4 Dr Eddie Bauer 4WD Utility

Review

I've had my EB Explorer for over 13 years, and it has been extremely reliable. Had some expensive warranty work many years ago. Only problem now is that sometimes the transmission "sticks" when I put it in reverse on cold wet winter mornings in CA. I cope with that by driving forward a foot or so, and then putting it into reverse. Paint is oxidizing on the roof due to hot CA summers.

Favorite Features

Great visibility and head room.

Suggested Improvements

None

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Fun 4-wheel drive

Written by: Nate J on 11/13/2003

Vehicle

1991 Ford Explorer 4 Dr Eddie Bauer 4WD Utility

Review

I have totally tried to break my 91 explorer by dragging it through the mudd, crossing rivers, and racing chevy's. After all the things that i did to that thing it just keeps coming back for more. My explorer has about 180,000 miles and the only 2 problems that it had was the paint was faded due to the south carolina sun and the lifter tick. these were both easy fixes (i.e. some paint and a bottle of cd-2 lifter quiet.).

Favorite Features

I love the high view and the leather seating as well as the ability to add a bunch of lil toys. hehe

Suggested Improvements

The only thing that i could suggest is a little wider wheel base. At higher speeds it can't take corners like a car.

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Built Ford Tough

Written by: Ford Tough on 08/07/2003

Vehicle

1991 Ford Explorer 4 Dr XLT Utility

Review

Bought Used, Replaced Clutch First Thing. Used as Salesmans / Deliver Truck, Always Overloaded by alot!!!! Always been reliable, just normal wear items replaced and normal service. Used to teach son how to drive w/clutch and towed behind motor home on vacation, now pushing 200m and still going strong!!!

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

More weight CAP.

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