1995 Ford Explorer XLT review from North America

My 1995 Ford Explorer XLT with Control Track.

The truck kept stalling, and I lost all control and power while driving. DANGEROUS! It did re-start, but this problem got worse. Told it may be the Cam Sensor or Intake Gaskets. At the same time, the transmission began shifting very hard. It wouldn't go into reverse sometimes. Took it in for service. Cost $125.00 to hook it up to a computer, then they had a hard time figuring out the problem because it wouldn't read any codes. I got "guesses" as to what it may be. So I started with the transmission.

Had to replace the transmission at 123,000 miles. It had to be 90% re-built. It cost about $1,600.00 I continued to have tranny problems even after this. Took it back in to the tranny specialist, and they couldn't figure out the problem, so they took it to several different tranny places. No one could figure it out. They finally took it to the dealer. Again, they said it MAY be the Cam Sensor, so I had it replaced for $700.00 The tranny STILL doesn't run smoothly!

The truck started leaking fluid. I had to have a part replaced, I can't recall the name of it. It has to do with the heating/cooling system. It's function is so that I can turn the heat off in the summer, or something of that nature. Cost $125.00.

The Air conditoner went. Have not looked into replacing it yet.

The power steering just went. It is leaking VERY badly. I'm putting a bottle a day in it. Put a bottle of Stop Leak in it, to no avail. Will have it looked at.

Had to have a complete brake job done when I first got it, at 113,000. Cost $800.00 Seems like they may need to be done again already.

Had to have all the shocks replaced at 118,000 miles. Also had to replace all the tires at 128,000. Shocks cost about $400.00 and tires about $450.00.

The oil smells "burnt", even after an oil change.

The front end is making noises, a "banging" sound, when I come to a stop. I was previously told that I may need a new U-Joint. Possibly a Transfer Case too.

Check engine light still comes on during long trips.

The rear doors don't work right. The child locks are on, and can't seem to be switched off. The doors won't close when I try to take them off.

The power lock on the front passenger door doesn't work. The one on the driver door works when it feels like it.

The "theft" system, an alarm, doesn't work all the time either.

The lumbar support doesn't work in the drivers seat.

The fuel pump had to be replaced just before I bought it. Cost $450.00.

"Luxury" package, but no CD player!

I'm sure there are other things that have gone wrong that I can't recall at this time. But these are the major problems with it. I bought it from a neighbor who used it as a family car, I am the 3rd owner. They did regular maintenance to it, and told me there were no problems. All of the problems started around 110,000..

I paid $3000.00 for it. I've had the car 1yr. 6mo. and put over $4000.00 into it so far, and I still have things that need to be fixed. I feel as if it's a never ending battle. The power steering will hopefully be the last thing I will need to fix for awhile. I plan on keeping this truck for good. I have put WAY TOO MUCH $$ into it to get rid of it. I'm currently looking to buy a new car, (NOT another Ford either) and the dealership offered me about $1000.00 for it. I laughed! I'll keep it as a Winter Beater for the 4wheel drive. (If that doesn't go soon!) FYI most of the 24,000 miles I put on it were highway.

On a positive note.. It seems good on gas for a truck. A tank generally gets me 300-350 miles my guess is about 25 mpg on the highway. I feel safe in it, as far as crashes go. The leather interior is holding up well. The key-less entry still works.