By silverbax on 11/20/06 06:30 AM (PST)
Vehicle
1998 Ford Explorer SUV XLT 4dr SUV
Review
Bought a '98 Ford, had a good vehicle history. Every time there was a little rattle or squeak, I'd take it in to try and maintain it. Bad thing: about 3-4 times a year something major happens. Fuel injector sticks and can't be fixed. A/C went out, antifreeze line ruptured, check engine comes on for no reason, and yesterday dash lights blinked out a couple of times. Sometimes parts just fall off - literally. Have to have it aligned about every six months. Spent over $3000 per year in repairs, and it still needs more work. Like the design, but I won't buy another one.
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By Steve on 07/10/06 11:30 AM (PDT)
Vehicle
1998 Ford Explorer SUV Limited 4dr SUV AWD
Review
I bought this used 1998 with 100,000 miles on the odometer. At the same time I purchased a 2000 with the SOHC V6. The V8 increases towing capacity by about 500lbs, but the fuel economy is awful (8 city/12 hwy) compared to the V6 (17 city/22 hwy). This vehicle had its fair share of squeaks, rattles, and other unsettling noises, yet had a very compliant ride and willing performance. I'm happy to report no troubles at all with this truck (excluding the poor fuel economy).
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By FA91 on 06/02/06 18:15 PM (PDT)
Vehicle
1998 Ford Explorer SUV XL 4dr SUV 4WD
Review
As a family who buys new cars and drives them into the ground, I should not complain about the Explorer. I bought this car new in 1998 for about $20,600. At the time this was a very good deal. It was the base model with 5 speed and no roof rack, rear wiper or rear defrost. Good service with no work done until about 80K. It then started eating brakes like candy. Intake manifold went at 90K, and cost $600 to fix at a reasonably priced mechanic. Replaced a front axle hub for $300. Shouldn't be complaining at 107K, but no resale value and my two other vehicles are at 110K '92 Dodge Pickup and 195K - 91 Chrysler. Both still going strong. No more Fords, bought an Xterra.
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By bought a headach on 05/23/06 23:20 PM (PDT)
Vehicle
1998 Ford Explorer SUV XLT 4dr SUV 4WD
Review
Always wanted an Explorer until I got one. Where do I start -- every little curve you make it sounds like the front end is gonna fall out. The CD player works when it wants to other times it says CD error. The radio stations change themselves. The door, after the driver's side has been opened, keeps unlocking itself. Rides like a horse & buggy. Some times all the windows will roll down. Had to replace driver side door handle two times. Driver side seat latch broke so you have to sit the same way every time you drive. Im 5', my husband is 6'2. He was driving when it broke so very rough drive for me.
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By J on 05/12/06 19:22 PM (PDT)
Vehicle
1998 Ford Explorer SUV XLT 4dr SUV 4WD
Review
Replaced ball joints at 25,000 miles and again at 90,000. Radio stopped displaying at 60,000. Problems too numerous to mention. Gas mileage started at around 17 city is now down to 10-12 city and 15 hwy, and that's driving like a granny. Put more work into this truck before 90,000 than any other vehicle I've owned. Trading it off soon, good riddance!
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By rideforlife on 04/28/06 04:09 AM (PDT)
Vehicle
1998 Ford Explorer SUV XLT 4dr SUV AWD
Review
I love the design and comfort of driving this SUV. I've used the 4wd fairly often. With recent gas price hikes, though, it's become impractical and I'm looking for something with much better fuel economy. I've also had to make various repairs over the last year.
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1 of 1 people found this review helpful
By ol_man_ed on 12/22/05 14:31 PM (PST)
Vehicle
1998 Ford Explorer SUV Sport 2dr SUV
Review
i hear a lot of complaints about the gas mileage, just remember before you complain, that it is a truck after all. If you want gas mileage one should buy a Civic or some lil car like that. Rear wiper kinda stinks though, it only actually wipes about 20% of the back glass. Can't really say much bad stuff though, it's fun to drive, and a SUV with a standard tranny (i love it). All in all it's a good truck, just don't expect to go without spending some money on gas, like you would with a lil four banger.
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By JD on 11/10/05 21:46 PM (PST)
Vehicle
1998 Ford Explorer SUV XLT 4dr SUV 4WD
Review
Purchased the car with 53,000 miles from a dealer. Within a month the transfer case was leaking which was replaced by the dealer. At 78,000 had to replace the heads due to coolant disappearing. At 82,000 unable to control the temperature, full blast heat. To fix this problem the dashboard must be taken out to get to the heater box to replace the damaged part at a cost of $1,100. The mechanic stated that this is a common problem with Ford Explorers. Terrible gas mileage; in town 14-15 mpg, highway 17-18 mpg. Owned many Fords before, this one has been the worst.
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By Wulf on 07/27/05 16:41 PM (PDT)
Vehicle
1998 Ford Explorer SUV Eddie Bauer 4dr SUV
Review
We've had nothing but problems with this car. The electrical systems fail constantly. We've had problems with the lights, the brakes, the turn signals, the power doors, the transmission, and the gauges.
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By JRR on 06/09/05 12:18 PM (PDT)
Vehicle
1998 Ford Explorer SUV XLT 4dr SUV
Review
I was very hesitant buying an American made vehicle, but the Explorer has proven to be very reliable. It rides and handles decently for a truck-based vehicle, and is very quiet on the road.
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