2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 4.0 from North America

Summary:

Nice style, poor engine performance

Faults:

Nothing so far, however, experiencing a puzzling rattling noise upon acceleration. Bogs down when accelerating.

General Comments:

I like the styling, it's a nice truck.

The best of both worlds.

Windshield seems a little limiting.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 28th January, 2003

23rd May 2004, 16:32

Did you ever find out what that rattling noise was from? I'm having a similar problem.

4th Sep 2004, 21:53

My problem seems to be similar to the previous two. I press the gas while in park and the engine seems to bog down. Has anyone found anything out about this issue? This just started recently.

2001 Ford Explorer LIMITED 4.6L SOHC V8 from North America

Summary:

Ford Did Their Homework!!!

Faults:

The only problem was when I picked it up the sunroof motor did not work properly, but the dealer fixed it under warranty, quickly.

General Comments:

The engine is very strong and roars with power, The leather seat are very comfy and luxurious, It practically drives it self its so easy to drive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd January, 2003

2001 Ford Explorer Premium Sport 4.0L V6 from North America

Summary:

Good car to lease... always under warranty!

Faults:

Factory Recalls:

Goodyear Tires replaced to prevent blowout. I went into the dealer twice for replacement after receiving my recall notice, but they didn't have any tires in stock.

Hood latch replaced to prevent hood from flying up.

Nothing has actually gone wrong with this car, but it is only two years old.

General Comments:

Cabin space is tight, and at 6'3", I can barely get behind the wheel.

Visibility through the small front windshield is poor, due to placement of the large rear-view mirror in the center of the windshield, rather than at the top.

Suspension is very stiff, and you suffer violently when hitting bumps around town. However, it feels right at home on a severely rocky and bumpy dirt road. High center of gravity makes it feel like it will tip over around turns, and it is squirrelly in the snow, even in 4WD. I felt more secure in my Honda Accord in the snow than in this.

V6 offers only 15mpg, though the 210hp is nearly that of the V8.

Rear seats are like cardboard, but front seats are fairly comfortable.

Easy to load and unload, with seats that fully fold down, and a rear hatch that opens wide.

Attractive car has received many positive comments from passersby.

Steering is quick and responsive, and feels sporty.

All the Ford dealers and service departments I have dealt with are criminals. The car is a very good value for the $200/mo. we're paying in Lease, but the service is horrible. So bad that we won't consider buying another Ford, even if it is a great deal.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 22nd September, 2002

2001 Ford Explorer Sport-Trac 3.0L from North America

Summary:

Better than a pickup, better than a SUV. The best of both!

Faults:

Nothing wrong so far.

I am the second owner.

General Comments:

Overall styling of the Sport-Trac is clean and trendy. A very solid/rugged look to the truck.

The cabin is roomy, even in the back seats.

Plenty of engine power from this v6 motor.

Would like better gas mileage with highway and city driving.

All power options are still in working order.

I feel I have spent my money well with the purchase of this Ford Explorer Sport-Trac.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th July, 2002

2001 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer - 2WD 4.0 SOHC from North America

Summary:

Quality is suspect and Ford Motor Company's Customer Assistance Center is useless -- don't buy it!

Faults:

My 4.0 SOHC engine generates a metallic clatter/knock when driven up hill or upon acceleration. The problem is most prominent when the engine is cold. Ford's technical bulletin #14868 acknowledges: that "some" 4.0 SOHC engines have the problem; acknowledges the problem has existed since 1997; and acknowledges that Ford does not yet know how to fix it.

The drive shaft was replaced to eliminate a squeal.

I have had to have malformed weather strip replaced in a door, and a malformed door panel replaced to eliminate a gap.

The tires were recalled due to potential blow-outs.

General Comments:

If the engine didn't knock every morning, Ford smoothed out the ride, and Ford stood behind their product better, the vehicle would actually be enjoyable. The Eddie Bauer model has comfortable seats, well placed controls, a nice stereo, and a lot of other comfort features.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 13th January, 2002