1996 Ford Explorer XLT AWD review from North America

Upper control arms/ball joints replaced at 90,000 $500.

Heater core at 110,000. Stunk that they had to take out entire dash to replace a $50 dollar part. Total $500.

Check engine light has been on for 50,000 miles with no ill effects on performance. Had it checked once and replaced an 02 sensor. Came back on a week later and have ignored ever since. New gas cap did not remedy either.

Cam synchronizer at 90,000 Don't remember how much it was.

Freon recharge at 140,000 $100.

I bought this vehicle for $6,000 dollars and 80,000 miles on it. With 152,000 on it now, I would say above average in reliability.

All of the things that have gone wrong are not unexpected in a high mileage car. The engine and tranny still run like new. Perfect shifts and strong acceleration.

Gas mileage is about 12 city and 18 highway. Has been a good truck for me.

AWD is great for Michigan winters. Hope to get another year out of her.