1996 Ford Explorer XLT review from North America

O2 sensor has failed twice.

EGR sensor failed twice.

Power door lock switch failed on both doors.

Air vents do not hold their position - they always point down.

Check engine light would frequently light up. True story - dealer suggested "black tape" to fix the problem.

Transmission occasionally "slips" and moans - engine revs, but truck will not go.

Overall, we are generally happy with this vehicle. We have three children and it is tough to find another vehicle as versatile as the Explorer.

While the ride is rough, most of our trips are short and the seats are fairly comfortable.

The gas mileage is horrible. I can never get much better than 14mpg in the city, and usually it is 13mpg. On the road I can squeeze 19mpg.

I quit paying to have the "check engine" light diagnosed after about the fourth time. The dealer would put it on the scope, tell me nothing was wrong, and charge me $80.

My biggest complaint is the transmission - it really acts up. According the the dealer, when this happens I am supposed to switch in and out of 4wd, then drive in reverse for 100 yards. They originally diagnosed the problem as a "poorly tuned vehicle that was causing the sensor that controls shifting to act up". After a complete tune-up, it still acted up.

My overall dealer experience was terrible, and I quit visiting them. I felt like I was paying to train their technicians.

Overall, mechanically sound, but interior fit and finish could be better for the world's most popular family "wagon".