1997 Ford Explorer 4wh Sport review from North America
"Good vehicle for good price"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Transmission at 100,000 miles.
Oxygen Sensor.
Plastic seat recliner.
General comments?
Very good towing power with SOHC V6 motor.
Very versatile for hauling, even for such a small vehicle. Back seats fold flat.
Transmission is okay. Shifts are very smooth, but mushy feeling. Prefer firmer shifts.
4 wheel drive with control track is okay. The Control track system is supposed to sense slippery conditions in 4 whd auto, but does not do it very well. 4 whd high works well, and engages with a flip of the dial.
Gas mileage averages 15 mpg combined city and highway.
A lot of rattles inside the cabin.
Brakes perform very well, but are mushy.
I have had no problems with rotors wearing fast. I commute up and down the San Bernardino mountains every day, and after one year, my brake pads showed very little wear.
My gear ratio is 3.55, I would prefer the 3.73s for going up and down mountains.
Get rid of factory shocks. My Explorer Sport had lots of body roll.
I got Monroe Sensamtic shocks, and now it handles much better. I give the handling a D+ with factory shocks. With the Monroe Sensamatics, I give it a B-.
I can tow a 3000 lb tent trailer 65mph up a 6% grade with the SOHC V6.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 4.0 SOHC V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 9/10 |
| Reliability marks | 8/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 80000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 117000 miles |
| Previous car | Nissan Pickup |
| Date of Entry | 9th August, 2003 |