2000 Ford Explorer Review
2000 Ford Explorer Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- A commanding view of the road, multiple engine choices, one of the most comfortable and commodious cabins in its class.
Cons
- Trucklike ride, poor gas mileage with V8 engine.
What’s new
For the 2000 Ford Explorer, a color-keyed, two-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel (with auxiliary audio, climate and speed control) is now standard on Eddie Bauer models. XLT Sport/Eddie Bauer/Limited models with 5.0-liter V8s receive a trailer-towing package as standard equipment. The XL is available only for fleet sales, and the XLS replaces the XL Appearance as the base retail model.
Edmunds says
In spite of its ubiquity, the dated 2000 Ford Explorer can't compete with the other excellent midsize SUVs available.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2000 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV 4WD 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
$239/mo for Explorer XLT
Explorer XLT
vs
$192/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
Since its introduction in 1990 as a 1991 model, the Ford Explorer has resided at the top of the sport-utility sales heap. This is totally understandable, as 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 1960s. In 1999, Ford sold 428,772 Explorers.
The Explorer's sales success, of course, has to do with America's big appetite for SUVs. But it's also a compliment to Ford, as the Explorer gets just about everything right. The interior instills a feeling of quality that is missing from the Chevrolet Blazer. An organically sweeping dashboard houses radio controls that can 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 the Jeep Cherokee. Explorers offer more cargo capacity than most rivals do, and five passengers can ride with ease.
The Explorer's standard 4.0-liter V6 is the smallest 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. To compensate, Ford also offers an OHV 5.0-liter V8 engine that used to power the Mustang GT. While the acceleration with the 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. In addition, this engine costs less and offers greater fuel efficiency. We recommend this powerplant over the other two motor choices due to its great power, decent fuel economy and affordable price.
Explorers retain a distinctly trucklike character, which could be a bonus or a demerit. They're tough and solid, 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 over rough pavement, 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 Toyota 4Runner 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 a 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 2000 Ford Explorer.
5 star(33%)
4 star(35%)
3 star(23%)
2 star(8%)
1 star(1%)
149 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Shockingly Good
Bob Coviello, 02/22/2016
2000 Ford Explorer Limited 4dr SUV AWD
I purchased this vehicle while hoping to find a good used 4Runner of the same vintage, but this one-owner SUV appeared with 166,000mi with a nearly new remanufactured engine (owner felt a new engine was better value than replacing both head gaskets, one of which was leaking) that looked exceptionally good, outside (not even a door ding) and with an interior that looked amazing, showing … no real wear at all. A comparable 4Runner of the same mileage and year would have cost at least $2000 more than the $3300 I paid for this V8 AWD Limited that cost $41,000+ new (I have the window sticker). If I am careful I can get 18 city and 24 highway (Interstate) which I consider nothing short of outstanding for a V8 SUV. A former 6cyl Cherokee I once had only managed 16 city and 20 highway. The AWD with limited slip rear differential model does not have a 4WD Low transfer case, so I expected nothing off-road, but I easily followed a friend w/ a 4X4 4Runner through Arizona backcountry that looked impossible for an AWD, but the Explorer easily went up no drama and with zero wheel spin on any tire, whereas the 4Runner was skipping and intermittently slipping one tire or another. Even w/out a low range, it climbed with little throttle, and the temp gauge never moved. I don't plan going on expeditions with the vehicle, but I was amazed at how it did in conditions I thought it would fail at. Overall, given its high chassis mileage especially, it's tight and rattle-free and has been extremely reliable (I have the service records since new), and except for the head gasket problem, only the front shocks and upper ball joints were replaced (except for normal wear items like brake pads, wiper blades, etc.).
5 out of 5 stars
Fantastic Vehicle for Family Fun
TrailThunder, 12/01/2015
2000 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4dr SUV AWD
I bought this vehicle used and currently have 130,000 miles on it. It needs a little front end work right now, but nothing that isn't expected at the 130,000 mile mark. The Explorer handles great in winter weather and also does surprisingly well off road for an AWD vehicle. I am an offroad hobbyist and use this to tow both a Jeep and a camper at various times. There is plenty of room for … me, my wife and our three kids. I am most impressed with the ride quality while towing. It tows my 3000 lb camper like there is nothing there. We do have a class III towing hitch which helps. The 5.0 motor is awesome! Love that engine. Overall I love this vehicle and have been very impressed with its durability and reliability. Take care of it and it will take care of you. Every vehicle requires maintenance with aging. Just do the maintenance and you will drive an Explorer for a long time.
4 out of 5 stars
KEEP OIL CHANGED EVERY 4K miles and TIRES ROTATED
woodinva, 02/23/2014
2000 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4dr SUV 4WD
We are original owners of this car being our 2nd
Eddie Bauer Ford EXPLORER 4X4 . Wife uses it as a commuter vehicle, I
get it when anything is wrong with it....lol. We have 326k miles on the car. She commutes 30 miles daily
4 miles city 26 miles highway daily with vehicle. We got 350k
miles out of the previous generation car
before someone hit it and totaled it.
You can get good mileage … out of these cars if you dutifully maintain them. Husband has Ford Explorer Sport Trac
for work around the farm and grounds. We also own VOLVO sedan Maintain these vehicles and they will last as long as we have had them. find a good mechanic after you have finished your first 100k with dealer service.
Update February 2017 Mileage now 343K and still going...
4.75 out of 5 stars
Where did you get your SUV?
inquisitive, 04/09/2002
2000 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV AWD
An SUV is not a mercades benz. If you
want comfort, buy a car not a truck. I
love my Explorer and have had several
in the past 5 years. No breakdowns, no
problems and great maintenance plan.
As for offroad, it handles perfectly
fine and has plenty of clearance. If
you want to bounce around like a
kangaroo, buy a Monster Truck with
poofy tires. I stand 6'2" and get …
claustraphoic in vehicles. The Ford
Explorer has more room in the cab
compared to the Chevy-Blazer and Jeep-
Cherokee. As for carrying room. We
have 2 large dogs and the truck area is
plenty of space for travelling gear as
well as dogs.
2000 Explorer Highlights
Sport
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $213/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 35.6 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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