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Used 1997 Ford Explorer Sport 2dr SUV Consumer Reviews

3.4 out of 5 stars
12 reviews

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4 out of 5 stars

21 years and still running but for how long?

Kevin, Sedona, AZ, 01/12/2019
Ford Explorer Sport 2dr SUV
7 of 7 people found this review helpful

My father bought his 1997 ford explorer sport 2wd (automatic sorry no tab for it) a few month after I was born( new kid new car). He bought it as a family vehicle for weekend outings but it ended up being a daily until about 3 years ago. This explorer currently has 279,138 miles on the clock with original engine and transmission. This vehicle has never left my father in a hard spot and now in my hands it's still more reliable than my bmw. However, like every car, it has its fair share of problems. The suspension in the from was replaced, water pump replaced, sunroof is leaking currently, sunroof has gotten stuck open, the engine currently has piston slap but still runs well when warmed up, and with old age is starting to develop some rust on the roof. All in all, if the owner is willing to put the proper maintenance and be a little patient with a vechile pushing 20 years it can be a dependable vehicle.

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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4.38 out of 5 stars

Go FORD!

rpsims82, Spring, TX, 02/26/2012
Ford Explorer Sport 2dr SUV
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I've got 180k miles on my explorer and the 4.0L keeps on going! No ticks, knocks, EVERYTHING works including all power windows, locks, cruise, etc. Auto 4x4 kicks in when it needs to, 4 low and high both work outstanding. Might need a new clutch soon, but that's expected. I never liked the explorers much, but I bought this one as a back up vehicle and now it's my daily driver. Despite all of the other negative comments on gas mileage, I get from 18-20 on every fill-up. I think that's good for a big V6. Very happy with my Explorer! The 5 speed manual tranny makes it even more enjoyable! My complimants to Ford on this one.

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1.5 out of 5 stars

The truck is the worst

prez, 04/10/2003
Ford Explorer Sport 2dr SUV
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought my ford expoloxer in 99 and it has costg me so much money I would never recommed anyone to purchase this vechile you would be making a bad mistake.

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1.5 out of 5 stars

The truck is the worst

PreZ, 04/10/2003
Ford Explorer Sport 2dr SUV
1 of 3 people found this review helpful

I bought my ford expoloxer in 99 and it has costg me so much money I would never recommed anyone to purchase this vechile you would be making a bad mistake.

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4 out of 5 stars

Sporty and Fun!

AngelOU, 08/24/2007
Ford Explorer Sport 2dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My parents ordered this Explorer from the factory, custom-made for them. It has performed well after being shipped around the world, including surviving a typhoon. Regular maintenance is a must, and you will have to fix things as they break. We replaced the CD player with an MP3 player after the 6 disc changer went out. A few minor repairs along the way, but nothing more than a few hundred dollars a year. It's now my college car, and I'm enjoying it! The gas mileage is less than desirable, but it's normal for an SUV. The paint looks excellent with regular washings and waxings. The plastic covering on the driver's side seat has broken from regular use, though. Speakers stink.

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