1997 Ford Explorer Sport XLT review from North America
"This vehicle is a true lemon"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The air conditioner failed at 29,000.
Ball bearings needed replaced at 32,000 miles.
Serpentine belt broke at 35,000 miles.
I took the SUV to the Ford dealer at 41,000 miles because the car would start sometimes and not others. After 3 trips to the dealer and $840.00 later they found the problem, a $26.00 camshaft sensor. Needless to say, they lost my business.
I had to replace the front ball joints at 44,000 miles.
The vehicle was towed yesterday at 51,000 miles. The starter needs replaced.
Not to mention the stack of recalls on the vehicle for the throttle body plate which has been replaced twice already, the tires, front cam chain guide assembly, lower intake manifold gasket and front cam chain guide assembly to name a few.
General comments?
This vehicle is comfortable, which it should be considering the amount of time one will sit on the side of the road awaiting a tow truck.
Recommended Reviews:
  | 1997 - Explorer 4wh Sport 4.0 SOHC V6 Good vehicle for good price |
| 1996 - Explorer Eddie Bauer AWD 5.0 V8 Excellent truck, comfortable, quick and reliable |
All 1997 Ford Explorer reviews
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | Automatic |
| Performance marks | 3/10 |
| Reliability marks | 1/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 2/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 2/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 12000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 51000 miles |
| Previous car | Toyota 4Runner |
| Date of Entry | 30th June, 2003 |