1999 Ford Explorer XLT from North America - Comments

There have been a few problems worthy of mention.

The accelerator pedal began to stick at around 65000 miles; so in other words, the car is very jumpy from a standstill. I am beginning to wonder if it has rusted.

The speedometer needle has some trouble moving when accelerating and decelerating, but for the most part does run smoothly.

The ignition takes many cranks to start in all types of weather. This started at about 66000 miles.

There has been a weird banging feeling when driving it at a fairly modest speed on city streets.

Fixed the brakes at about 35000 miles due to some squeaking. It no longer does that.

Otherwise, it runs great and is an attractive SUV. But, it requires a lot of work to maintain. Keep in mind that the SUV is only five years old.

I like this SUV--despite some of the problems.

I really like the interior--it's simple and to the point while still being accommodating to me and my passengers.

I really like the off-road capabilities of the Explorer. I am not wary of driving it in any weather at any place. (I've taken it into the Rocky Mountains on dirt roads during a torrential thunderstorm, for example). I think it is somewhat reliable under these conditions.

I think the interior should be silenced a bit more; it is fairly noisy when cruising at 75 mph.

Big size comes at a price. Burns a considerable amount of fuel--only 15 mpg tops on the Interstate.

However, I do not like the ride very much. I understand it is an SUV, but it jitters over every bump and throws me around when turning onto an elevated driveway.

But, all around, it is a very nice SUV. My family has been one for the Explorer and Bronco SUV over the past 25 years--and we've always been repeat customers of America's Best Selling Sport Utility. We currently own two Explorers, this one and a brand new Eddie Bauer with a 250 hp engine.

Update--12/16/05.

The Explorer is still running acceptably. It has 86000 on it right now and has a new problem. The rear windshield wiper is not working all the time--it only wants to work when it's cold out. How can I fix this?

If your wiper only works when it is cold... then reason dictates that when the dampness in the surrounding chamber condenses it completes the circuit, and this indicates that (most likely) the ground is compromised. Running a ground wire (other than just the unit it self to body ground) should solve the problem. I ran into this dilemma on my wife's old Plymouth. The only time the windshield wipers would work was when it was cold..,. and usually not snowing or raining,,, just cold. After trying everything else first... I thought of the KISS principle (Keep It Simple, Stupid) and cut and attached a wire.. drilled a small hole, put in a screw and connected (tightly) the wire to the screw. Worked well for many years now.

I'm the original poster.

That remedy described above really did work! Thanks!

My Explorer just turned over 90,000 miles and it has had no major problems since. I did get the brakes done and I recently took it on a 1200 mile trip to Colorado. I drove at 80-85 mph and it ran great!