1997 Ford Explorer XLT review from North America
"Good design, comfortable, and pretty reliable"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Driver Recline Lever broke very easily- seems to be a common problem for this vehicle.
Vehicle is too loud and have had to replace many parts that have cracked as if they're plastic to fix this.
General comments?
Overall- it's a car that I fell in love with. It's not too big like the newer Explorers, but it's big enough to feel macho and yet it also has a very nice design that really has changed since this years model. Gas Mileage is average- I've been on many road trips throughout the United States in this car and I wouldn't have wanted to take those in any other car besides this. The seats are comfortable according to all the passengers I've had in the car. The Security Lock on this car- so glad they came up with this. Sometimes I can't have a bulge of keys showing due to my military clothes and that helps. It's pretty reliable, but the 02 Sensors seem to always be messed up because of something- I don't know why it's so delicate to everything compared to my other car. But overall- I would recommend this car over any othe SUV around this years model.
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 |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | 5.0 V8 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 9/10 |
| Reliability marks | 7/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 76000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 125000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 24th March, 2006 |