Used 1997 Ford Explorer Consumer Reviews
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The tank
blackhaus50, 08/02/2008
1997 Ford Explorer Sport 2dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This truck is an animal. Starts everyday and won't die after 20k in 1 year. So far so good. No major repairs yet and my Explorer has 188k on it. AC don't work, that's about it.
69,000 and no problems
Dave Miller, 08/28/2002
1997 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Unlike those reviewers who have panned the 1997 Explorer, I have found with Mobil 1 and had regular maintenance by Explorer has performed extremely well. There has been only one problem which cost about $100 in repairs. It has been an excellent truck. The gas mileage is about my only complaint but after all, it is a fairly large truck that with only average aerodynamics. I feel my Explorer has met my expectations and am totally satisfied with its performance and value.
1997 Ford Explorer for sale near you
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- Limited 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,288322 mi away
- XL 2dr SUVMSRP: $3,966356 mi away
- ED BAUERMSRP: $2,789645 mi away
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My Explorer Experience
jculp, 09/21/2002
1997 Ford Explorer XL 2dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My Explorer Sport has been reliable in the sense that it always starts. The flashing warning lights on the dash and incessant recalls -- that's a different story. I've owned it 3 years and have endured the tire recall and two other engine parts. Also, the mounting bolt had to be replaced. The ride is rough -- comparable to covered wagon. I still prefer the exterior to the new model. And while I love my Explorer, I never plan to purchase another. The price seems great at first -- until you have to pay for the car and the repairs. Definitely get an extended warranty.
First & last time
Scrnrat, 09/27/2002
1997 Ford Explorer Sport 2dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought used with 60k miles and purchased extended warrenty. Good thing. Front drive problems withing 6 mo. All went well until warrenty ended. Now experiencing 4wd problems with front and back axle sensors & shift motor. Plus need all five front tie rods replaced. Approx $1200 that will be better spent on another vehicle. Never will buy Ford product again. Numerous recalls on the Explorer excluding the Firestone problem..which looking at suspension/drive train problems just may not be the tires after all.
Best SUV I have ever owned!
Chris L, 10/21/2009
1997 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I can say that I have had a great experience with my Explorer. I bought it the way I wanted it, with plenty of options and comfort. I have used it for many a road trip to the mountains and to the beach and have driven from Atlanta to Phoenix and back. Most problems have been minor maintenance. Around 160K miles I started having transmission and transfer case problems. The Explorer still runs, is clean and paint still good,but I either need to have the transmission and transfer case rebuilt or sell it. I hope I can give it a new home where it will continue to perform well.