1995 Ford Explorer XLT review from North America

Replaced front brakes twice and rears once during ownership.

Replaced tires once.

Folding rear sear doesn't go down.

Cigarette lighter never did work.

Temperature gauge stopped working twice.

1995 was the first year of the second generation Explorer. Our Explorer XLT 4 door was purchased brand new in spring of '95. This vehicle was driven for two years by my mother then the remainder of it's life until it was sold by my father. When he sold it with 128k on it it had the original battery, spark plugs and wires, distributor, fluids aside from oil and transmission fluid, shocks and light bulbs if not more. This isn't because the vehicle wasn't cared for. Most people found it hard to believe it was a '95 in it's later years because it was in such great shape. The truck never indicated that these things needed replaced. It started right up in any weather and never let anyone down. From my experience driving it it was a solid vehicle. It rode rough which shows it's a real SUV; not a grocery getter like late model SUV's are. The 4.0l OHV engine had loads of torque (225lb/ft). High end was a little weak (only 160hp) but torque is what you need in a truck. The four wheel drive was always dependable and worked great in all conditions. Gas mileage wasn't the best, but was can one expect. I believe it got around 18mpg on average. All Explorers and Rangers of this generation are great vehicle and in my opinion even comparable to Toyotas.