1993 Ford Explorer Consumer Reviews

keeps on truckin'

Written by: jaykva on 01/29/2006

Vehicle

1993 Ford Explorer 4 Dr XLT Utility

Review

Just spent the day looking at newer, used SUVs and this '93 XLT remains with us. At 175K miles moved from DC to New Mexico, loaded down with stuff, dogs and clamshell on roof and got 21 MPG (cruise set on 70). Tranny died a week later, but that's to be expected (hey, it got us here!). $1800 rebuild was worth it. Still leaks no oil at 186K miles. Sure, the gas gauge has never worked, but that's about my only complaint, use the trip meter. Put new tires on it and rides much better. Original A/C compressor still works. Should go 250K for me or someone else, easily. Compared with newer Acura and Trooper SUVs and it wasn't much of an upgrade to spend between $6K-$10K more on a newer, used SUV.

Favorite Features

4.0L V6 ... darn near indestructible. Amazed it still takes no oil. A couple of bad snow storms in DC in early '00s were absolutely no problem with this rig.

Suggested Improvements

Gas gauge on ours never worked. Mother-in-law had a '91 and gauge never worked for her either. Her '91 died with lack of maintenance at 205K miles ... ours should go 250K miles.

5 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Bulletproof, reliable truck

Written by: AdmiralHappy on 01/17/2006

Vehicle

1993 Ford Explorer 4 Dr XLT Utility

Review

Just hit 223,000 miles with no major issues. Radiator replaced by shop after being damaged by mechanic, but other than that, all original parts. Regularly serviced. As a valet, I've had plenty of competition to compare my car to, and have found the 1st generation Explorers to be one of the most agile and reliable vehicles around. I've parked a couple of Explorers with over 500,000 miles with original engine and transmission, and the owners still ... and mine feels like it could go as long, too! Exterior in good shape, some dings and dents but paint holds up well ... interior in even better shape, looks ten years younger than it is. Gas mileage is lackluster, but hey, no vehicle is perfect.

Favorite Features

Engine is bulletproof... I've never heard of one of these 4.0L giving anyone any grief. I'm sure it's happened, but it must be rare. Interior is much better quality than some Fords five and ten years newer. 4WD still works, handling is superb for an SUV. Overall quality and reliability is amazing.

Suggested Improvements

I've driven the newer Explorers quite a bit, and Ford has definitely ironed out some of the little quirks, but the newer vehicles are much bigger and have lost a decent amount of agility, offsetting the space gain. Wish my car had airbags, a better stereo, better gas mileage ... still a great car!

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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EXCELLENT EXPLORER

Written by: Fishin_Fool on 11/14/2005

Vehicle

1993 Ford Explorer 4 Dr XL Utility

Review

Bought my Explorer two years old. I am the 2nd owner. Have had all upkeep maintenance done by certified Ford mechanic. Other than tires, oil changes, 1 brake job, and alignment. I have had ZERO problems with this unit. 156,000 miles all over WA, Idaho, and Canada fishing with NO failures to start. Never left me stranded ever. Have used Mobile 1 oil religiously and almost no where on internal engine parts. WHAT A TRUCK. I will drive it till it rusts from beneath me.

Favorite Features

4x4 works always. Rugged. Dependable. Factory tow hitch. Gets my boat where I wanna fish.

Suggested Improvements

Console up front. 16 inch wheels standard. Onstar.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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takes a lickin'

Written by: TAKES A LICKIN' on 06/07/2005

Vehicle

1993 Ford Explorer 4 Dr XLT Utility

Review

This truck is amazing - except for rebuilding the transmission and some problems with window motors, the car is in great shape; very versatile, seats myself and three children great, with room to spare. The ride is a little rough, but all in all, very good vehicle. Considered buying new, but decided to work on it and keep it for the long haul.

Favorite Features

Fold down seats, rear flip window.

Suggested Improvements

if you're looking to upgrade your look, add some nice rims - makes the truck shine.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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reliable truck

Written by: Matt Lenz on 01/23/2005

Vehicle

1993 Ford Explorer 4 Dr XL Utility

Review

This a a good reliable truck. I towed a 4000 lb Trans Am from New York City with the manual transmission. It did quite well. I had 150,000 miles on it at the time. You had to downshift in the mmountains when climing the hills but it did well. I got over 20 miles to the gallon while driving there. It also is a good riding vehicle..

Favorite Features

I love the manual transmission. They need to put manual trasmissions back in the newer vehicles. It has a nice, smooth ride.

Suggested Improvements

Needs a more powerful V6.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Great SUV

Written by: DK5 on 10/31/2004

Vehicle

1993 Ford Explorer 2 Dr Sport Utility

Review

Bought new in SC with a dozen miles on it. 11 Years later, have just had to replace the clutch at about 80K. Extremely reliable. Not really any problems to mention. Just a great all-around dependable SUV.

Favorite Features

Manual, Fold-Down Second Row. Good price. Vinyl Seats.

Suggested Improvements

More power.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Ford Explorer EB

Written by: WADDy on 09/10/2004

Vehicle

1993 Ford Explorer 4 Dr Eddie Bauer 4WD Utility

Review

I like my ford explorer eddie bauer a lot no problems 183000 miles very nice vehicle.

Favorite Features

lots of leg room in the back seats

Suggested Improvements

Maybe a little more horsepower

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Good Car, Questionable 5 Speed Transmiss

Written by: John_2 on 08/17/2004

Vehicle

1993 Ford Explorer 2 Dr Sport Utility

Review

Bought this sport SUV for my daughter but learned to like it. Overall it has been reliable with some problems that others have noted: inside door handle broke off, gas gauge broke at 60K, air vents are shoddy, FM cassett died at 100K. Only big repair has been 5 speed tranmission- shifting 1-2 grinds!! Repaired but grinds again! Important to change trans fluid and use the RIGHT fluid. Stability better with big tires, no air bags scare me. OK for running chores but don't like using it on the freeway.

Favorite Features

Comfortable seating (cloth), good space use, nice exterior paint job.

Suggested Improvements

Much has been done already since this is a 93. But sturdier interior door handles and ..Ford, get your act together on gas gauges!! This is my second Ford, got em 15 years apart, and still the same crappy gas gauge!

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Best Vehicle I've ever had

Written by: Erik93 on 06/29/2004

Vehicle

1993 Ford Explorer 4 Dr XL Utility

Review

Simply put...a great SUV. I've had my truck for ten years now and have NEVER had a problem. I've had to replace the starter once. 160,000 miles and it's still going strong. As for the transmission problems; if you replace your tansmission fluid every 30,000 to 40,000 miles there is no problem. The only people that I've heard of that have problems ar those that have never or rarely replaced their tranny fluid. I love this truck and wish I could buy it all over again.

Favorite Features

Size and reliability.

Suggested Improvements

I'd like to have a little more power, and of course better gas milegae, but the mileage ain't bad for an older SUV.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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1993 Ford Explorer Limites 4 door

Written by: Zippide on 04/29/2004

Vehicle

1993 Ford Explorer 4 Dr Limited Utility

Review

Over 180,oook hard miles with no engine work! Always runs great. And I don't even like Ford.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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