1996 Ford Explorer XLT review from North America
"Gas guzzler with a few problems"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Replaced missing sway bar link at 55,000 miles. (factory recall for this)
Replaced defective Air Idle Control Valve.
Replaced all shocks at 70,000.
Replaced clutch when slave cylinder failed at 75,000 miles.
Replaced battery at 55,000 miles.
Replaced tires (Firestone recall) at 50,000 miles.
Replaced torsion bar control cams at 70,000 miles.
Replaced parking brake shoes and rear service brake hardware at 60,000 miles.
General comments?
The stock V6 is enough to send it down the road, but add a few passengers or try towing a trailer and you start wish you had the V8. I adding a cat-back and aftermarket air intake before seeing any "performance" out of the weak V6. Gas mileage from the V6 is marginal.
Stock shocks on the vehicle are also marginal. I added a set of Rancho 5000's and it really helped- if you ride in the pre-96' Explorers (solid front axle) you can definitely feel the difference the independent suspension makes.
Interior is small, but comfortable and all controls are well placed. Cloth bucket seats wore well and were comfortable.
Vehicle performs well in winter conditions- great weight distribution for driving in snow- rotary control on dash easily actives the 4WD.
Recommended reviews
  | Okay vehicle, but crap for gas |
| A Money Pit!!! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| First year of ownership | 1999 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 4.0L Manual |
| Performance marks | 6/10 |
| Reliability marks | 6/10 |
| Comfort marks | 6/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 50000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 95000 miles |
| Previous car | Chevrolet Truck |
| Date of Entry | 10th September, 2003 |