1998 Ford Explorer SUV Review | Edmunds.com
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1998 Ford Explorer SUV

 
 
 
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Ford Explorer Features and Specs

Features & Specs

  • Engine 4.0 L V 6-cylinder
  • Drivetrain Four Wheel Drive
  • Transmission 5-speed Manual
  • Horse Power 160 hp @ 4200 rpm
  • Fuel Economy 14/18 mpg
  • Bluetooth No
  • Navigation No
  • Heated Seats No
See All Features & Specs
 

Review of the 1998 Ford Explorer

  • Info is not yet available.

  • Safety

  • Pros

    The Explorer is the best selling sport-ute on the market for a reason. A comfortable interior, three engine choices, and multiple trim levels mean that there is an Explorer for nearly any budget or lifestyle.

  • Cons

    Abysmal gas mileage. Handling is sloppy in corners.

  • What's New for 1998

    The 1998 Ford Explorer gets a restyled tailgate.

 
What Others Are Saying

Customer Reviews

  Average Consumer Rating (148 total reviews)

Ford explorer xlt v8 awd

by on
Vehicle: 1997 Ford Explorer

I bought my explorer for $1000 for my first car in august of 2012 with 154,000 on it. Let me tell you this is a badass truck with a lot of power. I drove it pretty hard, commuting back and forth to school every day for a semester doin about 70 miles a day offroading some weekends and going up to the mountains in west virginia, and using it as a utility vehicle this spring for my landscaping business. Not the most reliable but it was 15 years old, replaced camshaft position sensor, cat flange gasket, alternator, radiator blew and overheated engine and made #4 cylinder thereafter but hell engines made today would be toast after overheating. Recommend getting owner records before buying



Built ford tough

by on
Vehicle: 1997 Ford Explorer

My Explorer is a 1997 Automatic 4x4 coming up on 180k miles, and it has honestly never failed me. I know that every time I turn the key it will start, and any time I need it to perform it does. Just 2 days ago an older couple got their Kia stuck in a steep ditch and dug their tires in the wet mud, I towed them out just fine. I tow my 3 ton boat without issues, and the high torque V6 never fails me next to a ricer at a red light. The 4x4 is great out on the beach, and even the backwoods trails. I agree with the other reviews, the gas mileage is just horrible, but other than that, I can't complain. I've had no mechanical issues, the ride is decent, and for the money, this truck is priceless.


1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Rock hard

by on
Vehicle: 1997 Ford Explorer

My dad bought me a 1997 Ford explorer about 6 months ago. Pretty much my only gripe with it is the poor fuel economy. Other than that, it's fantastic. I have an XLT with the V8 and AWD. I am yet to have used the AWD in the snow, but the V8 has supple power and (for a truck) smooth power delivery. The driver and passenger seat is comfy. Overall, a great purchase.


 
 
 
Gas Mileage

EPA-Rated MPG

  • 14
  • cty
/
  • 18
  • highway
Calculate Yearly Fuel Costs
 

Other Explorer Years

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Full 1998 Ford Explorer Review

What's New for 1998

The 1998 Ford Explorer gets a restyled tailgate.

Talk About The 1998 Explorer

1998 Ford Explorer Discussions See all Started By

juschecking
juschecking
11-23-2013
2014 Ford Explorer
I would like to purchase the 2014 Explorer to replace my 1998 Mountaineer but am unsure as to how the new electronically controlled drive train will function in deep, loose sand. With my current vehi...

i20west
i20west
12-07-2006
Ford Explorer Fluid Leak
My 1998 Explorer XLT has 170,000 miles on it. I get a full tune-up every 50k (change all the fluids and spark plugs), get the oil changed every 3,000 miles and have only had one major problem (rear di...

curbaniu
curbaniu
08-01-2010
Ford Explorer Automatic Door Lock Problems
My 1998 Explorer automatic door lock remote will not open my driver's door sometimes. You can hear it click but it will not unlock the lock. I've changed the battery in the remote but still the proble...


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