By Clockmaker on 06/27/04 00:00 AM (PDT)
Vehicle
1996 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV AWD
Review
This has been an extremely reliable
vehicle. It's never been out of service.
Most miles are highway at or above speed
limits, but quite a few are off-road in
Colorado mountains. The ride is not very
good on-highway and is jarring off-road.
AWD is faultless. Overall MPG about
16-17, OK considering CO winter fuel.
Interior and exterior design were
state-of-the-art when bought,are still
OK but dated.Interior still makes sense.
I rate performance high because it has
always done what I asked- towed
trailers, off-roaded, passed in tight
situations, stopped well in emergency
situations. I still haven't added a
quart of oil between changes. Result: my
next SUV will be an Explorer.
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By isabel on 05/08/04 00:00 AM (PDT)
Vehicle
1996 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4dr SUV
Review
Seven years ago, found my Eddie
Bauer with 10K, loved the drive, the
computer/systems check, the moonroof &
cockpit style interior, Picked up the
girls from practice and took it for a
test drive. A thumbs up from the back
seat - cushy leather, stereo controls,
a/c vents, cup holders and plenty of
cargo space for bags. Consumer Reports
it a good rating, price was right...so
we made the deal...seven years later I
still smile everytime I get behind the
wheel. It's been an extremely reliable
and cost efficient vehicle and we
still love it. Good design never goes
out of style!
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By buy another car on 04/25/04 00:00 AM (PDT)
Vehicle
1996 Ford Explorer Sport 2dr SUV
Review
Nothing but problems.Oil leak under
chain cover ($525) Transmission ($2500)
Steering column broke ($310.00) + 2
recalls, & many little things.
Disappointing vehicle. Never buy Ford
again. Will buy Toyota to get a real
car. Mechanic who fixed steering wheel
said Ford told him that the Fords have
alot of problems with this steering
wheel problem. I went to turn off my
car and my key just flipped around &
then it would not turn off my
accessories. It was not my starter it
is Actuators and Assy Bracket. My
suggestion is buy another car.There are
many more out there that are better
than the Ford Explorer and Ford all
together. Gas mileage stinks to.
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By me2999999999 on 04/11/04 00:00 AM (PDT)
Vehicle
1996 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV
Review
run away from this vehicle
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By cssharkey on 04/01/04 00:00 AM (PST)
Vehicle
1996 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV
Review
Bought this '96 Explorer used in '98.
Only problem with it was a sticky gas
pedal ($80 fix) and "Check Engine"
light refused to go off until fixed by
dealer. Other than that, for the past
six years it's been just regular
maintenance. My V8's got plenty of
power - but not having 4x4 has hurt me
a few times. It's a bit too light in
the back in the snow/ice. But for
decent conditions, this cars done been
what's been asked of it.
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By C. Bright on 02/28/04 00:00 AM (PST)
Vehicle
1996 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4dr SUV 4WD
Review
My '96 Explorer still looks good &
drives well. It hasn't been driven
hard - it's spent more days at
the airport than off-roading. I get an
oil change every 5,000 miles or so and
I haven't spent much time at all at the
repair shop (new brake pads and a new
thermostat). It's been recalled twice:
once because of the infamous Firestone
tires, and once for for something
having to do a weak front stabilzer bar
link (granted, both pretty serious). I
have to say I wasn't too impressed with
the way it drove until after I replaced
the Firestone tires with 4 brand new
Michelins. They made a huge difference
in stability and handling.
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By nickzmm on 02/27/04 00:00 AM (PST)
Vehicle
1996 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4dr SUV 4WD
Review
Bought vehicle with 23k miles, now has
143k. Other than front hub failure at
64k ($400) and premature front
brake/rotor wear out (my fault for not
taking to Ford dealer)($700 total) car
has been very reliable.
Changed fluids, etc. at recommended
intervals at Jiffy Lube. Has not used
a drop of oil. Tuned up at 80k.
Runs great and expect to keep for
another couple of years.
V6 engine has enough power for my use
and not too bad on milage (15.92 m/g
over the last 1100 miles).
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By Gimme the V-8 on 02/23/04 00:00 AM (PST)
Vehicle
1996 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV AWD
Review
This is the fifth Explorer we have
owned, and we're looking for #6. I have
NEVER been stranded by an Explorer.
Our '96 with V8 AWD is a true
workhorse. Handles snow, hills and
rough roads like a champ. Still had my
95 EB V-6 when we bought this one. No
comparison between powertrains. We both
have V-8 AWD now, and will always buy
them. 96 XLT now has 118k miles and
never needed a major repair. Built Ford
tough!
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By Renae on 01/15/04 00:00 AM (PST)
Vehicle
1996 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV 4WD
Review
I really enjoyed my Explorer. It
corners well, is well balanced,
therefore travels in snow & on ice REAL
WELL. Mine has a tow package and
overdrive feature. I have towed 4000#
a few times, pulls comfortably on the
level, slow on inclines but what else
do you expect with a 4.0 litre engine?
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By molllibbburg on 01/13/04 00:00 AM (PST)
Vehicle
1996 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV
Review
Traded SUV with in-laws in 7/03, so I
know the history. After 130,000 miles,
it just had its first repair (excluding
maintenance) - a water pump. V8 runs
great and starts every time. Drove
from Miami to Chicago in July and then
to S. Carolina in December. Would buy
another (with V8 only). Mileage is
acceptable and some interior components
are cheap and deteriorate from sun rays.
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