1997 Ford Explorer SportTrac review from North America

Transfer case motor went out (no 4-wheel drive) @ 131,000 miles ($300)

Transfer case motor needed further adjustments (wouldn't engage in 4-wheel drive) @ 131,500 miles ($100)

Tranny servicing (making clunking sound from reverse to drive) @ 133,000 miles ($100)

Spark plug wires went bad (car shuddering) @ 134,000 miles ($30)

Front brakes wore down @ 135,000 miles ($50)

Intermediate planetary gears shot (tranny making whistling sound) @ 137,000 miles (estimated cost to fix: $1200-1800)

I have never had so many problems with a car in my life. This was my first Ford vehicle I have ever purchased, and my first mid-sized SUV. I have only had the car for 4 months and put 6,000 miles on it and am up to my ears in debt over it. After paying the shop for my tranny to be fixed and having them add it on to my loan since I don't have $2000 to fix it, I will be about $5000 upside down in this ridiculous piece of machinery. Everything cosmetically has aged nicely, the paint looks good, the interior is exceptional--the seats are very comfortable. I don't know if this is the norm, but this vehicle can barely get me down the road. I'm the 3rd owner apparently. The only sweet release would be for me to be its last - kill the car!!