By Richard Potter on 03/31/10 19:04 PM (PDT)
Vehicle
1997 Ford Explorer SUV XL 4dr SUV 4WD
Review
Two weeks after we bought the Explorer the transmission went out. The transmission man who replaced it said it was the worst transmission Ford ever made. Five months later the trans mission went out again and was replaced under warranty. The transmission just went out again. I'm going to haul it to the Junk yard. The door locks don't work, the seat is broken, the AC doesn't work, cruise control quit and it is running bad now. It isn't worth the trouble to fix it. I always took care of it and never ran it hard so it shouldn't have had these problems.
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By mercuryfordlover715 on 03/29/10 16:33 PM (PDT)
Vehicle
1997 Ford Explorer SUV XLT 4dr SUV AWD
Review
When my parents bought this Ford Explorer, I was in love with it. Plenty of get up and go from the 5.0 liter V8. Awesome comfort for me and 4 of my friends. But about 3 weeks after I purchased the car, I began to have problems. Needed a new EGR Valve,$300. Front End Alignment, $80. Sway Bar $200. And lastly, a Wheel Bearing, $150. After that though it seems to run like a top. But I do experience some rough idling from time to time. Even though I have experienced these problems, my other family members have been very lucky with their Fords. Uncle, 1997 Ford Expedition 187,000 miles before he traded it in, No Problems. Sister 1996 Ford Explorer V6, 167,000, traded in, No Problems.
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By Chauncey on 03/25/10 22:10 PM (PDT)
Vehicle
1997 Ford Explorer SUV Eddie Bauer 4dr SUV AWD
Review
I bought my explorer from carmax with about 36k miles in 98. Initially I had a lot of minor problems going back and forth to carmax and then 1 big problem that never got fully resolved. I had a problem with heating and a/c system switching from heat to air conditioning. After that no major problems with this vehicle lasted a long time 226k before it died on me. The body and interior held up very good still in very good condition. Had a lot of class for an SUV and fun to drive and take on long trips. Overall I was very satisfied with my explorer got my money out of it.
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By Happy on 02/24/10 06:11 AM (PST)
Vehicle
1997 Ford Explorer SUV XLT 4dr SUV
Review
My Ford Explorer is still going. Only had to replace fuel pump once it turned 10 years old. Had to change all oxygen sensors and other than regular brake work this car was a great purchase!
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By Bill on 01/17/10 09:22 AM (PST)
Vehicle
1997 Ford Explorer SUV XLT 4dr SUV AWD
Review
My wife went to look at this SUV on 9/11/01. 5.0 V7. It has been very reliable, starting to have some repairs now but it has 147,000 miles. I have towed several Uhauls between WI and TX, plenty of power, also a 25ft Boat. It was great when we lived in WI during the winter. AWD works great, you don't have think about when you might need 4 wheel drive. Mileage not so great, but then this is an SUV. 14 around town, 18 on the highwy, best was 19. I had a 94 Explorer so this is my second and now also have a 04 Mountaineer. Smaller V8 4.6L but more power and better mileage. We now live in SC but travel back to and forth from WI. This was a great vehicle on the road.
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By Jeeper on 12/18/09 19:45 PM (PST)
Vehicle
1997 Ford Explorer SUV Eddie Bauer 4dr SUV AWD
Review
I've got about 209,000 miles on the 5.0 liter V8, and still running strong. I had to replace the transfer case at about 150,0000, but I was pulling a trailer a lot, often pushing the limits of what the vehicle is rated to pull. It's still my daily driver, and couldn't be happier with the longevity, and what I've gotten for my money. No, it doesn't get great gas mileage, but it's a 4500 lb vehicle with a V8 engine, what do you expect?
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By Andy on 11/22/09 21:11 PM (PST)
Vehicle
1997 Ford Explorer SUV XLT 4dr SUV 4WD
Review
I bought this suv with 20,000 miles on it and it drove good, until the rear window wiper broke, passenger handle droke. Also the radio button is broken and cant turn it off. The windows shake when you roll them down, and it makes a weird sound when you go over rocks and bumps. The lock in the back of the suv broke and now makes a load sound when you lock the doors.
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2 of 2 people found this review helpful
By rlc1997 on 10/29/09 12:44 PM (PDT)
Vehicle
1997 Ford Explorer SUV XLT 4dr SUV AWD
Review
We have had our '97 Explorer XLT AWD V8 since new and it's now 12 years old and has 169,000 miles. This is by far the longest we ever have kept a car both in terms of time as well as miles driven. This truck just keeps on going. We use it every day from mundane things like commuting to/from work to bigger things like camping vacations, driving trips and trailering loads. No major repairs in its history - just the usual things like battery, brakes, and tires.
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By Chris L on 10/20/09 19:07 PM (PDT)
Vehicle
1997 Ford Explorer SUV XLT 4dr SUV 4WD
Review
I can say that I have had a great experience with my Explorer. I bought it the way I wanted it, with plenty of options and comfort. I have used it for many a road trip to the mountains and to the beach and have driven from Atlanta to Phoenix and back. Most problems have been minor maintenance. Around 160K miles I started having transmission and transfer case problems. The Explorer still runs, is clean and paint still good,but I either need to have the transmission and transfer case rebuilt or sell it. I hope I can give it a new home where it will continue to perform well.
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By Matt on 09/24/09 19:50 PM (PDT)
Vehicle
1997 Ford Explorer SUV Sport 2dr SUV 4WD
Review
Well if your looking for a gas sucker this is your kinda car! Iv'e had it for almost a year myself. My father knew the ppl who bought it brand new. They took good care of it but no matter how well you treat a Ford, they always fail on you. It sucks gas, looks ugly and is louder then a mack truck! And make sure your ready for the expressway because if you want to speed up to pass your going to have to floor it otherwise the tranny stays in the same gear and you don't go anywhere! Whatever you do don't buy this thing, and i thought my sebring was bad!
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