1998 Ford Explorer XL review from North America

1. Air conditioning module was leaking freon? at 40k miles - $400 repair from dealer

2. Front struts was replaced at 60k miles - $250 in non-dealer garage

3. Indicator bulb for headlights went out at 80k miles - waiting to get service manual to fix it myself

4. Rear left passenger power door lock stopped working at 90k miles - waiting for service manual to repair it myself

5. Rear windshield wipers occasionally doesn't work (or rather worked). I think it has something to do with the outside temperature

6. One LED bulb in the top rear brakelight has burned out - not replacing until all 8 burns out.

We pretty much got the base model of the Explorer with XLT APPEARANCE package. It has luggage racks, tined windows, power accessory group, auto-tranny, etc. So far no transmission or engine problems at 92k miles. (Knock on wood) Someone once told me that the engine they used in the XL model was the same one used in the Toyota 4runner (4.0 EFI). I don't know, but I haven't had any issues with it yet. I am planning for the worst since I've had many FORDs that died horribly on me. My radio works fine. It only has cassette and I added an aftermarket changer. I think people with stereos that have display problems are the ones with the CD players. The car handles terribly. It's so bouncy. It drives like it's predecessor, the Bronco II which the Bronco II could be bouncing because it is named after a horse that kicks. One thing good about the car is that the center seat fold completely flat so it easily sleeps two in the car. It's actually the only thing that's keeping me from trading it in for the new explorers. (I want 7-passenger seating sooo bad)