1992 Ford Explorer XLT review from North America

Hardly anything has gone wrong with this SUV. Except for the heater blower motor going out the day that I bought it, and having to replace many fuses for the heater, it does all right. Even with irregular oil changes, it still performs reasonably well. Though it does not get the best gas mileage in the world, you have to consider the overall weight and size of the vehicle.

My only major complaint is the gas mileage, as stated above. It is not uncommon for me to have to fill up twice a week, and that gets expensive! Ford recommends using the highest octane gas that is available, and I regret following that order.

Handling is very good for a vehicle of this size. I can literally turn the steering wheel with my little finger. Though sometimes it is hard to see when you are backing out of a parking space.

Acceleration is poor for the size of the motor. I hate to say it, but my previous car, a Pontiac Grand Am with the 2.3 liter Quad four had more get up and go than the Explorer does. It is also very unsettling that the Explorer starts to shake at about 60 mph.

But where it really comes in handy is when you must use the 4x4. We live out in the country, and the plows never come down this way. It has never left me stranded or worried in any way. In fact, the deepest snow we have had this season was 8 inches, and it went through it like it was nothing.