Recent Consumer Reviews
(130 Total Reviews)
Great Car
Vehicle
1999 Ford Explorer 4 Dr Eddie Bauer 4WD Utility
Review
I purchased new; after 124,000 miles I have not touched the motor. It is a V6 and have never added oil between changes. Except for replacing tires, brakes, and front ball joints the car is all original. It is sad to see the rating on not just Ford, but all American vehicles. I have had 6 Ford vehicles and 2 Thunderbirds 89 & 95. Both over 125,000 miles. 2 Town Cars, 92 was sold at 135,000; the 98 I still have with 93,000 miles. The V8 does use oil, but the V6 on one of T-bird's and on the Explorer never used oil.
Favorite Features
Good strong motor, good car. too bad they get a bum rap.
Suggested Improvements
Get the V8 to quit using oil. I had a 1954 Ford V8 and that never used oil. I also still have a 1967 Olds V8 100,000 original miles, never used any oil.
3 out 3 people found this review helpful
solid dependable vehicle
Vehicle
1999 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer AWD
Review
We've had this car about five years and really had very few problems with it. We call it the 'snow beast' as its awd is fantastic in the snow. I've had a couple other 4wd trucks and this is just much more competent in poor conditions. It has the 302 V8 and can pull a trailer without complaining and is comfortable to ride in and drive. It beats you up at the pump, but it averages about 17mpg in mixed driving, so it's not much worse than your average minivan, suv, or pickup truck without awd! It beats the Jeep Cherokee I had prior to this by about 4mpg and it had the 4.0l I6 with part time 4wd,
Favorite Features
302 V8, steering wheel climate control & radio buttons, great AWD system, very reliable.
Suggested Improvements
Improve gas mileage? None really. Pretty satisfied with the vehicle.
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
love my Explorer
Vehicle
1999 Ford Explorer 4 Dr XLT Utility
Review
I bought my XLT Explorer new in '99 and am now going to sell it after 128K miles. I have never had any major problems. I changed the thermostat once and the alternator once, but $800 in repairs over almost 8 years isn't so bad. The ride is bumpy. The power locks are about worn out and the radio randomly switches to CD randomly, but it's an old SUV. What do you expect?
Favorite Features
Room for cargo and myself. Easy in/out in front and back. Rugged good looks. High ride. The keypad on the door is the best. I lock my keys in the truck at a ball game and use the keypad to get back in. That way I don't have to lug keys around all day. It's great!
Suggested Improvements
I'm only getting rid of it because I want a fancier look to drive people around in. I will miss it greatly.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
GreatCar
Vehicle
1999 Ford Explorer 4 Dr Limited Utility
Review
One of the best vehicles I've ever owned. Very reliable, only two failures in 95,000 miles; the radio display and a $100 EGR part.
Favorite Features
Great power w/ the 5.0L V-8 and still get 18 MPG overall. Very comfortable power seats.
Suggested Improvements
Stiff ride, much improved by the IRS in later models (I also have a 2006).
American Dream?
Vehicle
1999 Ford Explorer 2 Dr Sport 4WD Utility
Review
I bought the car used at 19,000 miles and now have 130,000 miles on it. It has been a rough 130,000 miles. I change the oil every 5,000 miles and rotate tires. Thermostat has gone out twice, electrical system shorted out, causing $1,000 dollars in repairs, and my windshield wiper motor went out. Repairs keep adding up and I don't find it surprising that Ford is going bankrupt. I would love to buy another Ford, but I doubt that will ever happen again. American car companies need to invest in quality and durability or they are done for.
Favorite Features
Body style.
Suggested Improvements
Reliability. Gas mileage. Quality.
4 out 7 people found this review helpful
zippy toy with lots of room
Vehicle
1999 Ford Explorer 2 Dr Sport Utility
Review
I've put on two kayaks and stuffed the back full of camping gear. At 88,000 miles, it's always started when I turned the key.
Favorite Features
When I step on the gas, it gooooeeess! I love the interior design on this earlier model. Easy to keep clean vs. later models with more spots to catch dust.
Suggested Improvements
The drive belt is still noisy when cold - even after a recall replacement part.
4 out 4 people found this review helpful
great Ford vehicle
Vehicle
1999 Ford Explorer 4 Dr XL 4WD Utility
Review
My car has been a wonderful vehicle -- has always had good performance. reliability and such a good look. It's in great shape and has excellent highway mileage.
Favorite Features
Good gas mileage/always reliable/looks great/runs smooth/easy on maintenance.
Suggested Improvements
Would just like a newer model with a good warranty.
I love my Eddie!
Vehicle
1999 Ford Explorer 4 Dr Eddie Bauer Utility
Review
This is a great SUV. Purchased it after getting tired of my sedan. I love the visibility and safety. The ride is comfortable, the seats feel like I'm sitting on a sofa. When I retire this one I will buy another!
Favorite Features
Two-tone paint, running boards & lights, comfortable seats, auto lights, controls on steering wheel, 6 disc changer, visibility, gas mileage not bad for a larger SUV.
Suggested Improvements
Better placement of rear view mirror.
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
Ford=Fix Or Repair Daily
Vehicle
1999 Ford Explorer 4 Dr XLT Utility
Review
We bought the truck new. The check engine light has come on 7 times. Now the engine needs to be replaced. We have put close to a $500 in repairs into this truck every year for the last 7 years. We had to replace tires after the Firestone recall, the truck has had a shake in it ever since. When we go over a bump in the road or our driveway, the truck rocks so bad I feel like I have whiplash. I will NEVER buy another Explorer again. I begged my husband not to buy this one, now look where we are!
Favorite Features
Interior design.
Suggested Improvements
Everything under the hood! Talk to any mechanic you know and they'll tell they see the Explorer in their shop more often than a foreign car or SUV.
1 out 3 people found this review helpful
Good vehicle
Vehicle
1999 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer AWD
Review
My wife and I have owned this truck for several years and have about 90k miles on it now. It has been very reliable and easy to maintain. I had the the ball joints replaced at about 70k miles, as the steering seemed slightly vague on-center. That cured the problem completely. I also had the EGR valve replaced at about 75k miles, and I had one of the chips in the ignition key quit working one time, which required a new key. Aside from those three problems, it has been a joy to own. With the 302 V8, the fuel economy is about what you'd expect (14 city/18 hwy) but the AWD is fantastic in the snow. I've owned 4WD pickups and the Explorer is much more capable. I would recommend this vehicle.
Favorite Features
Interior space, powerful engine, reliable electronics, decent brakes, trailer pulling capability
Suggested Improvements
Drivers seat could move back farther for taller drivers, slightly heavier springs in back end.
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