Used 1996 Ford Explorer Consumer Reviews
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'96 XLT
Renae, 01/15/2004
1996 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I really enjoyed my Explorer. It corners well, is well balanced, therefore travels in snow & on ice REAL WELL. Mine has a tow package and overdrive feature. I have towed 4000# a few times, pulls comfortably on the level, slow on inclines but what else do you expect with a 4.0 litre engine?
A Better Explorer
Jim Myers, 12/31/2005
1996 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After owning 4 Explorers over the years and living with their poor cornering, I was amazed at driving an All-Wheel-Drive version. No more slowing down in a turn 'cause you felt the "it's gonna tip over!" feeling. What a difference! It felt, and still does, like a big sports car. Very safe and secure feeling. Very well built. My ONLY complaint is the fuel economy! Typically 12-14mpg and 11 if all city. I don't lead foot (remember the Shell Answer Man commercials?). I'll never sell this one as in its extended life it will carry big things till the wheels fall off. I still love it.
1996 Ford Explorer for sale near you
Showing 3 of 6 listings
- Sport 2dr SUVMSRP: $4,999499 mi away
- XL 2dr SUVMSRP: $6,900585 mi away
- XL 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,9991,833 mi away
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Going the distance with it
Dweeze, 08/21/2009
1996 Ford Explorer Sport 2dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this SUV new, out of necessity, in 2005 when my 1987 Bronco II died on the highway Xmas night with 140K miles. Nearly 14 years and 164K miles later, I have never once regretted that decision. The original engine is still as powerful and the original transmission is still as smooth as the day I drove it off the lot. It is showing signs of age, however, as some of the interior hardware is beginning to fail and the rust is creeping up underneath the rocker panels. Despite the extremely tempting offer to ditch this SUV in the "cash for clunkers" program, I am sticking with my Explorer until the bitter end. The scrap metal heap would not be a fitting end for such a reliable vehicle.
Looking for #6
Gimme the V-8, 02/23/2004
1996 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the fifth Explorer we have owned, and we're looking for #6. I have NEVER been stranded by an Explorer. Our '96 with V8 AWD is a true workhorse. Handles snow, hills and rough roads like a champ. Still had my 95 EB V-6 when we bought this one. No comparison between powertrains. We both have V-8 AWD now, and will always buy them. 96 XLT now has 118k miles and never needed a major repair. Built Ford tough!
Drivin' this 1 'til bottom falls out!
LoveMySUV, 03/11/2006
1996 Ford Explorer Sport 2dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Original owner, love this vehicle. I will cry the day I have to get rid of it. I've had NO issues, repairs, etc. other than regular maintenance or the occasional cracked radiator hose or seal deterioration (at 10 years old, this is expected). In attempts to improve gas mileage, I added K&N air filter, open cat-back exhaust with 2" pipe, and performance spark plugs, boosting from Std 160 HP to about 180. The occasional tow of 750-1000 lbs. and the random off-road experiences make this a fun ride. It turns 180 on a dime, I've seen no other car make turns like this one. I've never managed to get the EPA fuel rating, and this, to be honest is the only problem I have, with 14/17 mpg city/hwy.