1997 Ford Explorer Reviews - Page 3 of 7

I bought my V6 97 Explorer used, back in 2000. It had 103,000 miles on the odometer.

Now 6 years later, it has more than 307,000 miles. This truck does not smoke has never leaked oil, and has never had any major mechanical problems. The fuel pump gave out at about the 200,000-mile mark, but once replaced the truck was up and running again. Air conditioner went out at 250,000.

I change the engine oil and filter on this truck about every 10,000 miles and change the transmission oil every 50,000. The only oil I use in my truck is Castrol Full Synthetic Oil, 10w30 for winter months, 10w40 for the summer and Mobil 1 Full Synthetic Transmission Oil. Sure Full Synthetic oil is more expensive, but in the long run it will save you lots of money on engine and transmission repairs.

Radiator Cracked

Transfer Case rebuilt

Transmission rebuilt (Transmission was serviced a regular intervals)

Just about every sensor replaced

Radio problems

Other costly repairs like the $450 we just spent recently to replace some obscure part.

Left us stranded on two different occasions. I am not sure what was wrong either time.

This car is very expensive to maintain.

I have personally spent over $3,000 to in repairs. This is greater then the combined total that I've spent on repairing every vehicle I have ever owned and I've been driving for 30 years.

Transfer case motor went out (no 4-wheel drive) @ 131,000 miles ($300)

Transfer case motor needed further adjustments (wouldn't engage in 4-wheel drive) @ 131,500 miles ($100)

Tranny servicing (making clunking sound from reverse to drive) @ 133,000 miles ($100)

Spark plug wires went bad (car shuddering) @ 134,000 miles ($30)

Front brakes wore down @ 135,000 miles ($50)

Intermediate planetary gears shot (tranny making whistling sound) @ 137,000 miles (estimated cost to fix: $1200-1800)

I have never had so many problems with a car in my life. This was my first Ford vehicle I have ever purchased, and my first mid-sized SUV. I have only had the car for 4 months and put 6,000 miles on it and am up to my ears in debt over it. After paying the shop for my tranny to be fixed and having them add it on to my loan since I don't have $2000 to fix it, I will be about $5000 upside down in this ridiculous piece of machinery. Everything cosmetically has aged nicely, the paint looks good, the interior is exceptional--the seats are very comfortable. I don't know if this is the norm, but this vehicle can barely get me down the road. I'm the 3rd owner apparently. The only sweet release would be for me to be its last - kill the car!!