2001 Ford Explorer Sport 4.0L V6
Summary:
Good 2 people SUV
Faults:
The engine cover or something leaked and had to be replaced at 61000, $250.
In addition, the rear axle seal was leaking and had to be replaced, $250.
Then $400 on maintenance with the repairs.
The right side mirror vibrates a little, annoying.
Something in the back makes a clunk noise when turning fast around corners.
Engine squeaks in cold weather, may be normal for the car (think its the belt).
General Comments:
The car is very fast for an SUV, 0-60 in 7.8 seconds.
It has a high roll over risk, you can feel it going around corners fast, you can't speed on corners.
Rear wheel drive in this car stinks in the winter (very dangerous too, unless you accelerate slowly).
It's a good car overall, too bad it only has 2 doors for its size.
It only gets around 16.5 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway.
It's nice driving it, but the back seats stink.
Only good if you mostly drive with 2 people in car, including urself, otherwise get a four door.
Very stylish interior and front grille.
Back of the car is kinda ugly, mine is green, get a black one.
The car stinks off road, its suspension is hard like a sport car, and with Rear wheel drive it slips and easily does 360s on rocks/sand, it sucks.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 16th May, 2006
10th Aug 2006, 13:51
I own a 1997 Explorer Sport 4x4 with the 4.0L OHV V6 Engine.
If you want a better ride, handling and cornering as well as less risk of rollovers, BUY NEW SHOCK ABSORBERS. I bought Monroe sensa-trac shocks and the ride is much more stable, and I can corner faster than some cars.
The clunk you may be referring to when you corner hard may be the limited slip differential in the rear, however there are atleast 3 rear axles ratios and both open and limited slip in all three. I have an open 3.73 rear end. there are also 3.55 and 4.10 in open and limited slip.
I don't understand why you would try to go off-roading in a rear wheel drive vehicle, did you actually expect it to perform well?
I have blown past any other 4x4 you can imagine in snow, mud, ice, gravel, sand, and even through rivers and creeks. I have pulled GM's, Mopar's, Audi's, BMW's and all other Imports from ditches, and even pulled a 96 Mustang up hill on a road to a ski hill in 10" of Snow. (P.S. I live in Canada)
I have also driven in snow that is 3" below the top of my stock size Michelin LTX M/S tires and other than it being somewhat difficult to steer, the Explorer plowed through like it was its job. It was one of the funnest things I have ever done.
If you wanted all-terrain performance, then you really dropped the ball when you bought a rear wheel drive Explorer. It's common knowledge that 4 wheel drive is what you need for off-roading. Never 2 wheel drive of any kind.
17th May 2006, 13:37
If you're going to go offroading, then buy the 4x4 next time.