Faults:

At 75,000 KLM a spark plug failed. Replaced under warranty as plugs warranted for 100,000Ks.

At 80,000 a small ornamental plastic strip on top of the drivers door came off. (Glued back in place/5 minute job.)

Last year volume control on audio started slipping, replaced front panel on unit. ($75.oo)

General Comments:

For such a large vehicle it is very fuel efficient.

Averages 12.5 litres per 100klm.

Rises to 18LPK when towing 20 ft cabin cruiser.

Excellent handling and turning circle, 1/2 my Patrol.

Could do with more ground clearance for off road work.

This is my 2nd and wish Ford Aust. still sold them.

Excellent performance and very comfortable.

Very user friendly and top rating safety features.

Faults:

HVAC fan resistor went (so climate would only do flat out or off).

Coolant leak (possibly through the radiator).

Differential leaked.

Drive line tended to shunt when warm.

General Comments:

The handling was incredibly sloppy, very very loose in the body and just woeful under brakes on gravel (the back end would fly out).

Nevertheless, it was a good bus with heaps of space, reasonable economy and performance for its size.

The stocker stereo was OK and you get heaps of kit.

The seats are flat and lacked support, and the rear seat is too close to the floor (lacking under-thigh support).

The split tail gate is a good idea, and the tall diff makes for good highway cruising. Unfortunately it makes 1st gear very tall, and thus it isn't ideal for towing.

The handbrake was a joke though - it just never held, even after tightening.

The worst thing about owning this car in Australia is the lack of support. Parts are so expensive through dealers and they have little idea what they're doing! The conversion wasn't handled very well, so the engine bay is a bit of a disaster in RHD cars too.

Faults:

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.

Faults:

Oxygen sensors replaced.

General Comments:

Has a few rattles on rough roads.

Completely reliable vehicle.

Proper and regular servicing is the key to getting the best out of it.

Faults:

Recalled by Ford for :-

Oil Pump alteration.

Cruise control problem.

Engine earth alteration.

Replacement of Bridgestone tyres.

Problems I encountered:-

After driving through shallow water (300mm) the transfer case took in water meaning the truck stayed in 4WD all the time. The dealer made a modification to the breather and changed the oil under warranty.

Numerous squeaks and rattles. The dealer could not trace them.

The fuel gauge sender is notoriously inaccurate. Going uphill or down could be different by 1/4 of a tank.

General Comments:

Powerful and comfortable with reasonable fuel economy

25 mpg on trip.

18 mpg around town.

20 mpg on trip towing 1.2 tonne jet boat.

Interior looks a bit plasticky.

I've been told earlier models have a problem with timing belt tensioners. It happened to my mate with a 1997 XLT at 90000km. The engine has to be stripped and a modified tensioner installed. Cost up to $5000NZ.

Telltale signs are a knocking noise when idling, (louder and deeper than tappet noise)

Great stereo

Great 5 speed Auto

Great 4WD selection with auto 4WD system.

Assembly from USA far below that of Japanese equivalent.