1996 Ford Explorer XLS review from Australia and New Zealand
"Not worth it, even if someone gave you one"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
I had the car for 2 days & then the timing chain had to be done. This was warranty, but took 6 weeks! They did it wrong & the engine blew. This took another 4 weeks to repair at horrendous cost. Finally I got it back & 30 minutes after driving the back wheels kept locking up (another week to repair). Two days after getting it back the 4 wheel drive system failed, (another week gone). I could go on & on.
General comments?
What a piece of crap! I had this car for only 8 months & in that time it was off the road for repairs for over 4 months. Things don't work properly such as the fuel gauge is all over the place & when I asked to repair it Ford goes "oh yeah, their all like that!".
Repairs are outrageous.
Eg: Timing chain $3000. I phoned up about equivelant parts to other 4 wheel drives & the Explorer were always 3 times more expensive.
Beware of fuel costs, this thing drinks.
It's a real shame because it is such a comfortable car to drive.
I have had 36 cars & this is the only car that I would bag. All cars have ups & downs, but by the time I sold it this car had cost me $7000 in 8 months.
Recommended Reviews:
  | A good car if you can afford the maintenance. |
| Okay vehicle, but crap for gas |
All 1996 Ford Explorer reviews
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 4.0 V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 1/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 4/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 167000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 180000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Jeep Cherokee |
| Date of Entry | 4th September, 2004 |