Used 1996 Ford Explorer Consumer Reviews
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Unparalleled reliability
molllibbburg, 01/13/2004
1996 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Traded SUV with in-laws in 7/03, so I know the history. After 130,000 miles, it just had its first repair (excluding maintenance) - a water pump. V8 runs great and starts every time. Drove from Miami to Chicago in July and then to S. Carolina in December. Would buy another (with V8 only). Mileage is acceptable and some interior components are cheap and deteriorate from sun rays.
"til the wheels fall off"
MacDaddy, 12/19/2009
1996 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought new. XLT w/Leather, moonroof, JBL, etc. Routine maint w/oil changes every 3.5K mi. V-8 is powerful enough, but times have changed. Still can drive 100 MPH all day & stays cool. New CD changer. Wore out armrest & had it re-covered, then the coolant leaked out the very same day, but temp gauge never went up. Suspension is a little rocky when empty.Cost to repair etc., is about the present wholesale value (174K mi), so put in a crate motor for $5K rather than buy a new SUV. Beats a car payment. Sunroof rattle on bumpy roads that I fix with matchbook. Great stereo & acoustics, comfy (I'm 6'5"), AC blows ice cubes,tows 2 jetskis so effortlessly, you barely notice them. Keepin' it!
1996 Ford Explorer for sale near you
Showing 3 of 6 listings
- XLT 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,00062 mi away
- XL 2dr SUVMSRP: $7,900454 mi away
- Sport 2dr SUVMSRP: $4,999676 mi away
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Green Explorer That Wouldn't
Blue from VB, 04/05/2005
1996 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
It is a roomy midsize SUV and the ride was car-like. It had a lot of nifty features as one would expect from a Ford that was not entry level, including a compass, temperature gauge, reclining front and rear seats, etc. The downside to it is when it goes it goes! In a twelve month period I spent almost $2,000 in maintenance ($900 for a heater core, $600 for a water pump 6 months later, then $500 for brakes and front tires). The vehicle left me stranded on two seperate occassions and I do my regularly scheduled maintenance on all of my vehicles. Ford's service was subpar and it was the last Ford that I will buy!
Living with our Explorer
mac merritt, 08/07/2003
1996 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This Explorer has been phenominally dependable.Only once in 7 years was it necessary to visit service dealer. Fixed loose hose in 40 minutes.Has been serviced regularly (oil change, tires, air filter, etc.)Now has 4 brand new Michelin tires (1 month old). Car slightly sideswiped in parking lot. Extremely light damage..almost unnoticeable..on right rear door. Hit a deer once..completely replaced front bumper assembly..no other damage.
96 Explorer 174k and still running great
mdmadv@hotmail.com, 11/25/2004
1996 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Purchased used off a lease w/ 17k miles. Has had strict maintenance program, synthetic oil every 4k, transmission service every 20k, flush coolant system annually. Normal driving 16-17, highway 20-21 mpg. Original transmission overdrive just failed after 174k. In shop now. Will repair and give to my son. I would buy another Explorer or Escape; If you service the vehicle it has a better chance of lasting.