1993 Ford Explorer XLT from North America

Summary:

Great vehicle

Faults:

General wear and tear of of CV and universal joints due to mileage.

Transfer case motor.

Motor on back seat power window.

General Comments:

This vehicle has been excellent after putting 160,000 km mileage on it with little expense. Vehicle still has original battery and exhaust system. Selling it tomorrow for Eddie Bauer Explorer and still no noticeable rust on it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th February, 2003

1993 Ford Explorer XLT V6 4.0L from North America

Summary:

Everything you need, for cheap!

Faults:

Hydraulic Clutch loses fluid over short periods of time.

Driver seat bolt snapped in two.

Paint is fading on roof.

Rear windshield wiper is not operating.

Emergency brake pedal broke off.

All of these were cheap and easy to fix.

General Comments:

The 93' Ford Explorer XLT is a very reliable SUV.

It has a great turning radius.

Poor acceleration up any hill.

Lousy suspension.

Great mileage.

Tons of space.

The truck never breaks down no matter what you throw at it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd February, 2003

1993 Ford Explorer Sport 4.0 Liter V6 from North America

Summary:

Most satisfying vehicle I've ever owned

Faults:

Transmission blew fourth gear at 140,000 miles.

Driver's seat adjustment rail broke in numerous places, and I could not order a replacement from Ford, as the part had been discontinued. Had to effect repairs with bolts and clamps. Haven't found one at a wrecking yard yet.

Right radius arm bushing failed at 200,000 miles.

Thermostat stuck closed while towing a trailer through the desert in July about three years ago. Could not find a new one in the area. Re-assembled housing without it to complete trip and never put a new one in. Runs great without one and never overheats!

General Comments:

Replaced stock 'passenger car' tires with LT31x10.50s. (This was long before the infamous Firestone controversy.) They fit with no need for frame or chassis lift, though I would have liked to if it were in my budget.

Replaced stock shocks with Gabriel "Off-road" units all around.

Added Bosch platinum+4 spark plugs.

With the above modifications, this S.U.V. performs very much like a sports car. The platinum+4 plugs boosted the horsepower noticeably.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th January, 2003

1993 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0 V6 from North America

Summary:

A very reliable off road SUV

Faults:

The rear driver side window came of the track.

The arm-rest broke. I was able to go to my local Ford dealer and get a bran new arm-rest for thirty dollars.

Very minor oil leak problem. Most common on higher mileage cars. Now there is oil that helps prevent leaks, so leaking has reduced.

The leather seats crack, but they are very comfortable, except for in the winter time when it gets super cold.

General Comments:

This car is in excellent condition and has been taken off road many of times.

Also great for going on road trips.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th October, 2002

1993 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0 V6 from North America

Summary:

A sturdy well built Ford Explorer which helped give the car its initial reputation

Faults:

- Rebuilt automatic transmission at 135000 miles.

- Kingpins replaced, shocks replaced and tires replaced at 88000 miles.

- water pump failure at 190,000 miles, starter failure at 191,000 miles, heater core failure at 195,000 miles.

- seat wear, some cracks in drivers seat leather. paint coming off roof hood and luggage rack.

- leaky block at 199,000 miles, fixed easily with block sealant.

General Comments:

- engine is a 400 pound gorilla, has almost 200,000 miles on-board and no major failures... good compression, rings are holding up well, timing chain may need replacing.

- Engine has good power and acceleration in passing, but less power on hills (v6 has always been underpowered on hills, as it's a 5000 pound vehicle.)

- the vehicle has been up mountains, through deserts and in violent Texas thunderstorms and remains a sturdy companion.

- Ford Explorers aren't made to last like this one. Find one, rebuild it and ride it to 300,000 like I am doing.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th September, 2002

28th Mar 2005, 13:36

I've got one with 187,000 miles on it, doesn't burn a drop of oil, body is solid, and the leather seats are the most comfortable seats I've ever planted my over sized butt in.

I'm pretty sure these vehicles were built to last a long time, and with proper care they could probably outlive everything, but a jeep.

19th Mar 2006, 21:28

I have to agree. I wish I had kept my old '93 explorer with its 250,000+ miles instead of replacing it with an '02. The '93 was a much better built truck and never let me down.