1997 Ford Explorer 4wh Sport from North America - Comments

Transmission at 100,000 miles.

Oxygen Sensor.

Plastic seat recliner.

Very good towing power with SOHC V6 motor.

Very versatile for hauling, even for such a small vehicle. Back seats fold flat.

Transmission is okay. Shifts are very smooth, but mushy feeling. Prefer firmer shifts.

4 wheel drive with control track is okay. The Control track system is supposed to sense slippery conditions in 4 whd auto, but does not do it very well. 4 whd high works well, and engages with a flip of the dial.

Gas mileage averages 15 mpg combined city and highway.

A lot of rattles inside the cabin.

Brakes perform very well, but are mushy.

I have had no problems with rotors wearing fast. I commute up and down the San Bernardino mountains every day, and after one year, my brake pads showed very little wear.

My gear ratio is 3.55, I would prefer the 3.73s for going up and down mountains.

Get rid of factory shocks. My Explorer Sport had lots of body roll.

I got Monroe Sensamtic shocks, and now it handles much better. I give the handling a D+ with factory shocks. With the Monroe Sensamatics, I give it a B-.

I can tow a 3000 lb tent trailer 65mph up a 6% grade with the SOHC V6.

Now my explorer was a 1991 but I had to add this after you wrote abotu the tent camper that wieghed 3,000 ibs. I have a 27 ft speed boat (was fully loaded at 7,500+ ibs). And the engine didn't hesitate at all. Took it like it owned it. Except it wa a smaller truck so the handling wsa not all that great, kept it at 55mph. BUT HOLY COW I was shocked by the power it had. I MISS IT!! SHOULD HAVE NEVER TRADED IT IN for my 94 f 150 w/5.0 biggest wimp ever. But I loved it and it purred like a kitten 165,000 and I would trust it across country. Sorry had to add the 7,500+ ibs boat. Thanks.