Faults:

I do all my own general repairs, and I also try to keep up with maintenance on the usual "wear and tear" items for a vehicle with over 150K - tires, shocks, control arms, radiator hoses, serpentine belt, etc. The only thing that ever left me stranded was the fuel pump (which they mount in the gas tank!). Everything else was pretty non-consequential - and if something broke on the road, I was ALWAYS able to limp it home (sometimes that was 50+ miles!).

General Comments:

** FORD made a HUGE mistake going with all automatic transmissions for the Explorer! **

The Mazda 5 speed manual transmission in my 1995 Explorer (offered as a transmission option up to 1998) was bulletproof. The original manual transmission lasted until 292,000 miles - and by that time the truck was getting some serious body cancer from the winter road salt up here in the Northeast.

The 4.0L engine still ran like a champ when I finally parked the truck - chalk that up to regular maintenance, and a strict use of Mobil 1 pure synthetic motor oil.

Ride was what you'd expect from a full framed SUV - a little stiff, but nothing uncomfortable. Off-road capability was impressive for a stock vehicle - and having the ability to force the transfer case into 2WD was great for gas mileage around town (~22mpg) / on the highway (~25-28mpg).

Faults:

Very expensive to fix. Most parts are obsolete at dealerships. $30 just for rivets.

It's bad as a Lincoln Navigator on gas.

Been reliable. Didn't put too much money into it.

Ball joints failed. $500 to fix at my mechanics.

O/D off light is on, very expensive to fix.

General Comments:

Could use more back seat room. My brother can't sit behind me, because I have to recline while driving. Only has room for 4 people.

Sound system is very good.

It's a nightmare to drive in the snow. I got stuck and it took an hour to get up a steep hill. Much worse than my aunt's '85 Town Car in the snow.

Faults:

Fuel pump in tank replaced at 135,000, cost $800.

Brake calipers front replaced once (120k).

Expect brakes to be replaced every 15-20K or so, even if you are fairly light footed.

General Comments:

Very reliable car, except for the fuel pump (almost got stranded at work but started up in a 1/2 hour).

It is great in snow, Ford has the best 4x4s. The brakes do wear fairly quick, but are easy to replace if you are handy. It gets decent MPG, since it is lighter (2 door) than the heavier 4 door & XLT version, about 19-20 MPG (60/40 highway/city).

There is some rust around the door jamb, side rail & rear bumper, but a little black paint is just what the doctor ordered.

The second version Explorer 1995-2001 is highly recommended, I had a 1999 Limited (real nice), which was wrecked, but no injuries. I put about 27k a year on it, so it is used as a every day commuter.

Pretty solid car a good hauler. B+ grade!

Faults:

Previous owner had transmission work.

General Comments:

Comfortable ride, very dependable. It's a very good vehicle for people who work on their own cars.

It handles well and performs well in moderate offroad, trails, firebreaks and log roads.

We have 5 Explorers in the family. One of them has the V8 and it also performs well. Obviously uses more gas, but you get more power.