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Used 1997 Ford Explorer Consumer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars
154 reviews

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1.5 out of 5 stars

1997 Eddie Bauer Explorer

mseinfeld, 06/30/2002
1997 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4dr SUV AWD
6 of 13 people found this review helpful

This has been the worst purchase I have ever made. The quality on this truck is terrible! I have averaged $200-$300 per month in repairs not including normal wear and tear items tires and brakes. Nothing has ever been cover and both Ford and the dealership have refused to help in any way. I cannot stress enough how poor the quality is of this vehicle. I cannot wait to get rid of it and I will never buy a Ford product again.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

200,000 and still strong

Jeeper, 12/19/2009
1997 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4dr SUV AWD
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

I've got about 209,000 miles on the 5.0 liter V8, and still running strong. I had to replace the transfer case at about 150,0000, but I was pulling a trailer a lot, often pushing the limits of what the vehicle is rated to pull. It's still my daily driver, and couldn't be happier with the longevity, and what I've gotten for my money. No, it doesn't get great gas mileage, but it's a 4500 lb vehicle with a V8 engine, what do you expect?

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2.25 out of 5 stars

1997 Ford Exploder

Tim Hopper, 10/31/2003
1997 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

This truck had lots of recalls. It was fairly relibale until the plastic timing chain guides broke at 70,000 miles. We had to replace the engine. I would not recommend this vehicle with it's unreliable v6 engine. This was a known defect by Ford and they would not help us in resolving the problem. We have a friend you also has '97 Explorer and he had to replace his engine as well. THUMBS DOWN!

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3.25 out of 5 stars

disappointed

sanjdip, 02/01/2003
1997 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4dr SUV AWD
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

I was disappointed with the drive when I compare it to the 4runner. It drives like a truck and it has no pick up even though I have an 8 cylinder. The rear door doesn't unlock automatically and we need to jiggle the outside handle to allow the passenger to get out. And worst, the heating system went out and cost us $1200 and apparently they improved the unit but their is no recall on it. I don't want to buy a ford again.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Great Explorer

B. Glenn, 05/11/2009
1997 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

OK here goes for all of you with bad reviews. I've had this car for 7 years and currently drive it every day. It now has 328,000 miles on it and continues to start and run each day. Yes, Ive had problems, transfer case, sensors, intake gaskets, but this vehicle has been used and used hard. I pull a boat 20 weekends/year and still use this one as my primary traveling vehicle for vacations. Ice cold A/C, pushrod V6 has been great, interior is comfortable (back seat could be better), very few electrical problems; I'm thinking about replacing it but having trouble parting with it. Compared to a similar GM suv owned by another family member, this suv handles more like a sports car.

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