1997 Ford Explorer Sport XLT from North America - Comments

The air conditioner failed at 29,000.

Ball bearings needed replaced at 32,000 miles.

Serpentine belt broke at 35,000 miles.

I took the SUV to the Ford dealer at 41,000 miles because the car would start sometimes and not others. After 3 trips to the dealer and $840.00 later they found the problem, a $26.00 camshaft sensor. Needless to say, they lost my business.

I had to replace the front ball joints at 44,000 miles.

The vehicle was towed yesterday at 51,000 miles. The starter needs replaced.

Not to mention the stack of recalls on the vehicle for the throttle body plate which has been replaced twice already, the tires, front cam chain guide assembly, lower intake manifold gasket and front cam chain guide assembly to name a few.

This vehicle is comfortable, which it should be considering the amount of time one will sit on the side of the road awaiting a tow truck.

I wrote this review - UPDATE: The Cam Chain Tensioner broke at 81,000 mile. Engine is a total loss. Vehicle will be taken to salvage yard. I will never buy another FORD as long as I live. The 1997 Explorer was a lemon. I have opted to purchase from a reputable automaker - Hello Toyota - Good bye Ford.

I strongly disagree, it's how you treat it. In my opinion it's the best Ford ever made.

"I strongly disagree its how you treat it, in my opinion its the best ford ever made."

Any car should be able to go 81,000 miles even with some neglect. And a timing chain tensioner should NEVER break. If it does, then it was a faulty part and not the owners fault. So this car really was just total junk.

Well, don't throw the baby out with the bathwater, so to speak. We had a '97 Ford Explorer at work with the 4.0L pushrod, and I thought it was a cheap, spartan, underpowered tin can. I really felt sorry for anybody that actually paid 25 grand for one. But then, when my truck wore out, I needed a new 4WD and it just so happened that a 2002 Explorer Sport had the right price. Wow, it has been the best vehicle I ever owned, and it is soooo much nicer than the '97 we had at work! We still have Explorers at work, and the 2005 and now the 2009 have improved even more. Honestly, I don't think you would be disappointed if you got a newer Explorer.