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Used 1997 Ford Explorer Consumer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars
154 reviews

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Love this SUV

veryhappy, 10/15/2010
1997 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought my Explorer 2 years used and have had it for 11 years. It has been extremely reliable with only the expected maintenance issues of a vehicle over time. If I had a child of driving age I would definitely consider this vehicle as a great option!

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3.75 out of 5 stars

Built Ford Tough

fanglemeister, 07/15/2002
1997 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Model: XLT AWD V8. If contemplating the purchase of an Explorer, don't even consider the pathetic 6 cylinder versions! A real truck has a V8 engine, period end of it. This truck has been a reliable cruiser, nothing to write home about but sometimes no news is good news.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Built Ford Tough

alessing, 06/23/2013
1997 Ford Explorer Sport 2dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My Explorer is a 1997 Automatic 4x4 coming up on 180k miles, and it has honestly never failed me. I know that every time I turn the key it will start, and any time I need it to perform it does. Just 2 days ago an older couple got their Kia stuck in a steep ditch and dug their tires in the wet mud, I towed them out just fine. I tow my 3 ton boat without issues, and the high torque V6 never fails me next to a ricer at a red light. The 4x4 is great out on the beach, and even the backwoods trails. I agree with the other reviews, the gas mileage is just horrible, but other than that, I can't complain. I've had no mechanical issues, the ride is decent, and for the money, this truck is priceless.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Worth every penny

Drives American, 11/26/2010
1997 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have 304,000 miles on my Explorer. Replaced the transmission at 290,000. Replaces heads (cracked) a year ago. Dealer told me that there was no "gunk" in the heads which meant the motor runs clean. This car has raised two children and has been phenomenal! Plan on trading it in on the Ford Edge in a few days. Hard to see it go but I'm ready to get better gas mileage.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Good truck to own.

keibie2, 07/25/2002
1997 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Purchased this SUV used in April of 2000, with 40k on the odometer. We're only the second owners of this vehicle. Other than some costly front-end repairs shortly after purchase (covered under warranty thankfully), my wife and I really love this vehicle. The 5.0 V8 is a gas hog only if you frequently have a heavy foot. Under normal/moderate driving conditions the fuel consumption is average for having full-time AWD and a V8. Great in Chicagoland heavy snow and rainy weather conditions. No chore has been too big for this truck. Great for a family of four.

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