Used 1996 Ford Explorer Consumer Reviews
Used Explorer for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
216,000 Work horse
Karrie, 04/05/2016
1996 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV AWD
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
We bought this 3 years ago with only 174,000 miles on her and now 216,000 miles and still runs great. Only put radiator, water pump, tires and oil changes might need a rack and pinion soon but runs strong. Going to try and keep her running for another 216,000 miles...
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
They don't build 'em like this anymore..
NMR, 04/15/2009
1996 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV 4WD
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought this SUV with 150,000 miles. I now have almost 180,000. The only 'major' repair I have had is with the transmission...a solenoid that cost $200. Other than that, I have experienced only typical maintenance issues: exhaust, brakes/rotors, O2 sensor, plugs/wires...which most can be done by the average DIYer. To the poster with 240k+ miles: if you have that MANY miles on a (American) suv and you aren't happy, then you will never be happy with any vehicle. I have been looking to buy a new vehicle for the past year and based upon reviews, I will be sure to keep this one as a backup. I cannot say much bad about this SUV...IMO the Explorer is an A+ concept that ended when Ford redesigned.
1996 Ford Explorer for sale near you
Showing 3 of 6 listings
- XL 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,995483 mi away
- Sport 2dr SUVMSRP: $4,999561 mi away
- XL 2dr SUVMSRP: $7,900655 mi away
See all 6 listings
Still Working
slinsk, 11/09/2012
1996 Ford Explorer Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought my 4.0L, 4dr, 4wd, auto XLT as a new loss leader from the Sunday newspaper auto section in 1996 for $23k. Had to replace a blown head gasket twice. First time was my fault because thermostat was bad and temp gage wasn't working so engine overheated & blew the head gasket. 2nd time was just from age & I was able to save a few thousand by doing the labor myself (~$700 in parts & machine shop work on the valves/heads). Now has 157k on it. Transmission is starting to slip but I understand that's normal wear & tear with this many miles. Other than that, just had the usual, tires, alternator, brakes stuff. The truck has been a workhorse.
My Explorer
wild, 05/24/2002
1996 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I purchased my explorer used several years back. It seemed to be in good condition. I only had it for a couple of months when I had to replace the head gaskets and timing chain gasket. Awhile later the another sensor went bad. Now I have a whirling noise coming from the front driver side at lower speeds. My mechanic can not find the problem. Overall I really like the truck. It's fun to drive and hany when hauling kids and stuff. Gas milage even with the six is poor.
Sure footed ride
Anonymous, 12/07/2010
1996 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV AWD
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
92,000 miles on 5.0 L and it still looks and runs almost like new. Terrible gas mileage(16)and some engine noise. I've pulled a 16 ft box trailer all over, it has plenty of power and suspension, just doesn't have the long wheel base for stability.Love the short turning radius, tight suspension, and awd traction. No significant repairs other than the heater controls are shot, can't turn it off - damper? On the second set of brake pads and have just recently started noticing rotor warp on original set. Still uses zero oil between changes. On the second set of tires. Original muffler and suspension!! No rust. This vehicle has been babied, but it is still runs and looks great at 14.