Since purchasing this car in 2001 I have had only one incident where I was left stranded. The coolant temperature sensor fell out of the casing landing in one of the pans. Took the car to my local garage and had it fixed for $100. This has been the only problem. Most repairs are just regular maintenance.
I love this car. It looks great and handles very well. I receive many compliments on the styling and the ride quality.
When this one finally kicks the bucket (won't be soon) I will be heading for another Explorer. I find myself feeling very safe when I am driving it, I also like to sit above all the little cars. I have seen an Explorer hit a tree head on at 60 mph and the occupants walk away with only scratches. I would like to see a KIA do that.
This car has 107,000 miles and still going strong. Must have been built on Wednesday!
The only major problem I have with this car is the fuel consumption, it's horrible. I am a college student and money is tight. I feel like the gas station up the road has become my new hang out. I know all the employees. I do however have a heavy foot when I drive the Explorer, so that could be a little my fault. Other than that, I love the car and feel that it's a great car... excuse me SUV.
Look out. I have a 98 4 door XLT which has been very very very well maintained. When you get to the mid 100,000's you can look for transmission trouble. I also have had to replace the control arms and bearing to keep it driving like new. In all I think the Explorer is a wonderful vehicle, but is a little expensive to maintain. So far the engine has been bullet proof through 160,000 miles. I've performed very good maintenance and keep it well tuned up and nothing on the engine has ever failed. If the transmission and interior gadgets were as well made as the engine I would think I was driving and import instead of a Ford.
I purchased a 1998 explore xlt about 8 months ago and I have had a few problems. I did get a screaming deal on it and cannot complain. I had to replace the thermostat at about 90,000 miles and now at 93,000 I need a new bay 2 cat. converter. And today my idle-contol-valve went out. I hope to keep it because it is a very smooth ride. I do agree that the gas mileage really sucks. But it comes with the territory.
P.S. I hate to say that my 1990 honda with 187,000 miles has a lot less problems.
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