1999 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer review from North America

Paint scratches; dents and rusty hole in the roof, stain on dashboard when I got the car. Within 20,000kms - rear wiper would wipe only half of the rear window; car would not start in cold weather (repaired under warranty). Transmission replaced and leather seats starting to crack (despite applying leather conditioner on a regular basis) by 50,000kms. Also several recalls including the Firestone Tire recall. By 70,000kms transmission replaced again, rear wiper still wiping only part of the window, underside of rear doors starting to rust (despite purchasing rustproofing from dealer). Dealer also told me that I needed to replace the fan belt because it was cracked and that I had to replace the ball joints because they were loose. Fortunately my father is a licensed mechanic who changed the brakes just before I brought the car in. Those dishonest people at the leadership lied to me and tried to milk me for unnecessary repairs. Not only do I have an unreliable SUV that I paid $50,000 for, but the dealership lacks any sort of ethics whatsoever!

I never felt safe driving the Explorer (even before the Firestone Tire recall). It just feels like it will roll over if you turn too harshly or drive too fast on the highway. I drove it on grass once (10% incline) and I was very scared because it felt as if the SUV was going to roll over. I should have bought a Toyota or Honda, but fell for the 0% financing Ford had. You know that there must be a reason some car makers are offering this financing! I will NEVER EVER BUY ANOTHER FORD IN MY LIFE. Found on road dead! This is the true meaning of the crap FORD makes.