1999 Ford Explorer XLT from North America - Comments

Basic general maintenance

Needed seal replacement on rear drive shaft.

Electrical problems with sunroof and door locks after 100,000 miles.

The 4 liter SOHC V6 engine is every bit as powerful as the V8 model and cheaper to boot, makes me feel like a smarter consumer then those that just had to have the V8.

I have proved that Explorer is not prone to rollovers.

Poor fuel mileage and now a days very costly to fill up the 20 gallon tank.

I own an Explorer with the V8 and agree that under normal conditions the V6 is sufficient. I happen to tow a boat, which is the reason for the purchase to begin with and that's where the difference is between the two engines. I'll bet a dime to a dollar that I get better gas mileage and put less strain on my V8 pulling my boat than you would with your V6.

I have towed a camper with both a V-8 and and V-6 SOHC. The V-6 out performed the V-8 as far as torque and gas mileage. The V-8 got 9 mpg while the V-6 got 15 mpg. Going up the same mountain the V-6 would pull the camper at 50 mph while the V-8 could only manage 30 to 35 mph.

I have towed a camper with both a V-8 and and V-6 SOHC. The V-6 out performed the V-8 as far as torque and gas mileage. The V-8 got 9 mpg while the V-6 got 15 mpg. Going up the same mountain the V-6 would pull the camper at 50 mph while the V-8 could only manage 30 to 35 mph.

I have the SOHC V-6, and it sounds just like a V-8 and pulls my 3500LB Boat easily. Would not buy V-8.