1999 Ford Explorer Review
1999 Ford Explorer Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- A commanding view of the road, multiple engine choices, and one of the most comfortable and commodious cabins in its class makes the Explorer the number one choice for American's buying sport-utes.
Cons
- Gas mileage is not the strong suit for any vehicle in this segment. The Explorer is no exception.
What’s new
The 1999 Ford Explorer gets exterior revisions including new foglamps, rocker panel moldings, wheel moldings, running boards and wheels. Harvest Gold, Chestnut, Deep Wedgewood, Spruce Green and Tropic Green replace Light Prairie Tan, Desert Violet, Light Denim Blue, Pacific Green and Evergreen Frost on the color chart. New options include a reverse sensing system and rear load leveling. Side-impact airbags are also newly available.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1999 Ford Explorer XLS 4dr SUV and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.11 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$213/mo for Explorer XLS
Explorer XLS
vs
$192/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
Since its introduction in 1991, the Ford Explorer has resided at the top of the sport utility sales heap. With good reason, the Explorer combines style, comfort and room in a go-anywhere package. The modern day Country Squire, some have called it, after the segment leading station wagon of the 1950s.
We think that there's a good reason for this. Simply stated, the Explorer is a more refined vehicle than the competition at Jeep and General Motors. The interior instills a feeling of quality that is missing from the Blazer. Jeep's all-new Grand Cherokee has made up much of the distance between its interior and the Explorer's. An organically sweeping dashboard houses radio controls that can actually be operated without a magnifying glass. Materials in the Explorer look and feel rich. Rear seat comfort surpasses Chevy, and entry/exit is easier than Jeep. Explorers offer more cargo capacity than most rivals do, and five passengers can ride with ease. Exterior styling is a subjective matter, but we think that the Explorer is an attractive SUV.
The Explorer's standard 4.0-liter V6 is the puniest engine found in a domestic sport-ute. Acceleration is fine from a standstill, but step on the gas at 50 mph and not much happens. That's not good news when there's a need to pass or merge. Ford also offers an OHV 5.0-liter V8 engine that used to power the previous generation Mustang GT. While the acceleration with 5.0-liter motor is improved over the base V6, it gives up a lot in fuel consumption. Fortunately, Ford introduced an optional SOHC V6 in 1997 that offers nearly as much power as the V8, for less money while offering greater fuel efficiency. We recommend this engine over the other two engine choices due to its great power and affordable price.
The Explorer gets exterior changes this year that include new quarter panel sheetmetal, body moldings, badging and running boards. New options include a reverse sensing system, rear load leveling, automatic ride control and side impact air bags.
Unlike the current Nissan Pathfinder, Explorers retain a distinctly truck-like character, which could be a bonus or a demerit. They're tough and solid, and easy to maneuver, though steering is a little slow and ponderous, and the body leans through tight corners. Braking is excellent, and the suspension has a compliant attitude, but Ford's Explorer can bounce around, making occupants regret the Denver omelet they had for breakfast.
Ford has a philosophy of building vehicles that everyone can be happy with. Sure, the Jeep Grand Cherokee feels sportier, and the Chevrolet Blazer looks cooler, but the Explorer has just the right amount of class and ruggedness to make it America's best-selling off-roader. If you are thinking about buying an sport-ute, chances are you've already checked out the Explorer. If you haven't, do yourself a favor and find out why there are so many of these trucks on the road.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1999 Ford Explorer.
5 star(37%)
4 star(38%)
3 star(13%)
2 star(9%)
1 star(3%)
158 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.75 out of 5 stars
Still Going
magnum, 07/27/2010
1999 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4dr SUV 4WD
Funny, I feel like several of these posters are driving my Explorer. I'm at 175k miles. Radio display went out at about 50k miles. Rear wiper works maybe one month out of the year. Tranny still good but starting to show its age. Occasionally it won't start. I believe its a short in the fuel pump sensor. If I wait about 3-5 minutes, for some reason she'll start right up. Driver door … handle broke and entire locking and handle configuration had to be redone. All in all, I've never put much money in this thing. It handles snow with absolute ease. Gas mileage averages 18.4 city and highway. For some reason, some car critics slam the explorer, but mine has been a darn good car overall.
5 out of 5 stars
Full Use/Longivity/Satisfaction
Sabrina, 04/24/2017
1999 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV AWD
I have owned a 1999 Ford Explorer XLT for 18 years and I must share with you that I have never been on the side of the road with engine problems. This was my "dream" car at the time of purchase and it NEVER disappointed me, through travel, family and regular use for work transportation, (including big dogs, kids, moving & craft shows). We have traveled across the United States during the … extreme heat of summer and used the air and no worries! I have always purchased the best tires and was taught at an early age after getting my driver's license that maintenance is KEY to a healthy car. I treated it well with auto checks regularly and in return my car performed well and still does. Now that it is older, my maintenance costs remain low because the only thing I have to fix is from natural wear, like brakes, belts, filters etc. My leather seats held up well with the exception of my seat , which got the most use. I just really wanted to share how happy I have been for the past 18 years with this vehicle!
3.63 out of 5 stars
1999 Ford Explorer
nazechad_3050, 12/02/2009
1999 Ford Explorer XL 4dr SUV 4WD
Bought it in May with 120,000 miles on it. Drives great. Love the truck. Had three small problems with it and one huge one. The rear wiper has stopped working, the drivers door handle broke off, and the drivers lock keeps getting stuck. The huge problem was at 130,000 miles the transmission started to go. Wouldnt shift into 3rd gear smoothly anymore. Currently replacing the Transmission … as I type this. Even with these problems i love the truck. does everything i ask it to do.
5 out of 5 stars
2nd vehicle and loving it!
frank nunez, 10/02/2015
1999 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4dr SUV
Got my 99 explorer in febuary of 2013 with only 97**** miles and now towards the end of 2015 with 104*** still running strong with the 5.0 engine. Plenty of room for my wife and 2 kids and you wouldnt believe how much stuff we hauled with this,better then a pickup. Truck has been very reliable with the only maintenence done to it has been buying a new set of tires when got it,got rear … and front brakes replaced and one time car did not start thought it was the starter had it checked out wasn't the problem,turned out to be the pulley that wasn't allowing it to crank replaced and nothing since. Got a MagnaFlow exhaust which makes it sound beasty,I leave Hondas in the dust! See other reviews of them pushing to 200*** plus miles and taking care of this bad boy hoping to keep em around to get him there.
1999 Explorer Highlights
XLS
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $213/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 42.6 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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