2000 Ford Explorer Sport from North America - Comments

Tire recall took 6 months to supply new tires.

New centre console, original broken from me leaning an elbow on it.

New oil pan, pan was perforated all over.

New valve body in transmission at 30,000 kilometers.

3 fluid leaks and new seal - new seal within 9 months.

Computer chip defect within 1 month of ownership - windows and cd player stopped working - on a hot day!

I am very disappointed with the reliability of this car. I have been given a loan vehicle - Ford Focus, by the dealer, but that isn't the vehicle I'm paying sweetly for every month.

I don't feel like hanging on to this vehicle once the warranty is up - can you blame me?

Perhaps if I was a man it may have been different.

WOW! Guess I got lucky. My new 2000 Ford Explorer just turned 4 years old on 3/20/2004, and the same day it also turned 240,000 miles.

The only replacement parts I have dealt with are 1 battery, 1 alternator, front left and right ball joints, Idler tensioner and belt, and one thermostat.

That is it, other than fluid changes, tires, and brakes.

I have the original engine that does not burn oil, and the original transmission, and timing chain.

I really believe Amsoil synthetic products kept me going. I change my engine oil religiously every 10,000 miles, added Amsoil into my differential and gained 1.2 miles per gallon for that one.

I use 2 certified mechanics that can vouch for the performance. They are the only 2 I let work on it when necessary.

Any questions, you can e-mail me at n5ibmyahoo.com, subject line " 2000 Ford Explorer ".

Thanks, Russell - Orlando, FL.

Don't feel bad about the valve body. It seems to be a common problem. Ford produced this part knowing it would go bad. Mine went out at 90,000 miles (95% highway driving). I'm lucky I found a mechanic who did not want to run me through the ringer. I filed a grievance with Ford for willingly putting in a faulty part.

Zach.

2000 Limited Ford Explorer, bought with 42,000 miles. Thank God for the warranty which went for a good 2 grand, but saved me thousands. From normal daily driving, the dealer has replaced:

ALL front ball joints numerous times

ENGINE! (at 72,000 miles)

Transmission wiring and sensors

Both front wheel bearings, one twice

Both front and rear stabilizer bar links

A tie rod or 2.

As soon as I can get the truck to a good running state, I'm getting rid of it. The 100$ deductibles add up, as do the costs of the rental cars. You pay 20 grand for the truck, and they give you a Kia or Focus, and they don't even pay the total cost each day!

I'm afraid to drive my truck, wondering what is gonna go wrong next...

It is always something. Then it gets worse. The last two times the vehicle went from a smooth ride up the grade to a a spastic crawl--pinging and knocking--I thought it threw a rod. Spark plugs and wires fixed it. Then, a plug blew out of the block. The same noise, no power. This time just worse. I thought it threw a rod. Faulty plugs, replaced plugs and wires and it was on the road again. Signs, of a valve job ahead, but ran fine. This time the same thing, this time not so lucky. I brought the car to a reputable mechanic and after tearing in to it determined he is unable to fix it. Vehicle still crawls--pings and knocks--knock lessens under load.