1998 Ford Explorer Sport from North America - Comments

18th May 2004, 19:41

"A well built, reliable powerhouse!"

What things have gone wrong with the car?

Radio display went out at 42000 miles. (previous owner)

replaced tires and shocks at 68000 miles. (routine)

No other problems.

General comments?

I love this car. It is very reliable and runs like a top. I had to replace the tires and shocks because of usual Michigan wear and tear. I was surprised at the performance level of the car when I bought it. It is very fast and could probably smoke a stock mustang v-6 off the line. The seats are comfortable and the cabin is very roomy for being a smaller SUV. I was also impressed with the optional stereo system that came with the premium package. I have, but one complaint-the radio display lights went out and go off and on sometimes. I don't want to take it to the dealer because ill probably get ripped off. Anyway, it isn't really a huge bother to me, and it doesn't affect the sound quality. For a powerhouse of an SUV it is, I can't really complain about the mileage-it comes with the territory. All in all, my Ford Explorer Sport is a great car so far with plenty off power and cargo room for my needs and when this one wears out, I would definitely consider buying another one -maybe a 4-door.


10th Jun 2004, 18:52

I couldnt agree more. my 97 explorer sport was bought with 12,000 miles it now has 214,000 with only oil changes tires and a battery knock on wood. it gets 21 mpg on the highway with the 4.0 v6 and drives like a champ. want to upgrade to a tahoe, but this has been such a good vehicle I don't want to give it up yet.

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21st Jun 2004, 22:29

I also have a 98 sport and am very pleased with the overall reliability of the vehicle. I got it with 49,000 and it needed a steering rack and new brakes. Recently the radio display also went out and after some Internet searching went to www.shareamemory.com, now works great, the other complaint was the rear wiper would fail sometimes, but wd40 fixed that. I have now noticed that the truck sits 1" lower on one side, so I am guessing shock replacements. It has 63,000 now and has been reliable. I am concerned of the longevity of the truck after reading some comments on the net about explorers.

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24th Jun 2004, 21:06

Hey, if you have an explorer watch out for your front ball joints because they will go at one time or another. Mine went at 69000 miles. I DON'T recommend taking it to the dealer to have this fixed because a local auto repair shop can do it for half the price. I also recommend installing a K&N replacement filter. It does wonders for fuel economy.

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16th Mar 2005, 23:57

Hi, got my 98 Sport 6 months ago, granted it had 169,000 at the time. I haven't had any problems other than the transfer case and Delta Pressure Feedback Sensor. I am very impressed with my Explorer and hope to have it around for awhile.

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11th Dec 2005, 18:14

December 11 2005.

I bought my 98 sport new and it never has failed me yet.

But I must confess I had to replace the ball joints and tie rods, and shocks, and brakes, and 2 sensors and a major tune up at 72000 miles. Ford was nice to buy me new tires at 23000 because of the Firestone problem. so I bought the best michelin's I could find and received $500 dollar check as reimburesment. I have a 5 speed stick and it is very responsive and easy to service.

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17th May 2006, 15:44

Having trouble with mine everything shutting off at slow stops now and then,its not constant. I am looking into why the rear of the truck sags down so bad. any input e-mail me --jfoster2@wideopenwest.com.

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30th Jun 2006, 22:25

I purchased a 1998 Ford Explorer Sport. This is my first ford product ever. My vehicle is humming at 110,000 miles and I purchased it with 28,000 miles. The only problem I've had is my factory cd player section of the radio went out so I replaced it with an after market. I get lots of comments on the vehicle because I treat try to keep it looking show room new. Everything still works, AC, elec windows, heat, electric seat. I've replaced the tires recently with Goodyear Fortenza's which helps with some of the external road noise. This is a "real" truck. It doesn't ride like a luxury suv, although pound for pound it will do anything most full size trucks can do. I've had this truck for 5 years and so far I've purchased tires, shocks, and routine oil changes. differential changes, etc.

No compaints here. The old cliche "Fix Or Repair Daily" for Ford doesn't apply at all. I'm sold on Ford.

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