1996 Ford Explorer Consumer Reviews
Most Helpful Reviews
Positive Review
We have owned two exporers and I would recommend them highly. The first was a 1997 which was a great vehicle. We drove it for 185,000 miles and sold it to the mechanic who serviced it. We now own a 2000 explorer which has 100,000 miles and we just purchased new tires because we plan on it going many more miles. This is a true work horse and I would buy another. Just maintain it and it will go on and on. I am convinced that this is a good vehicle based on our experience.
VS
Critical Review
I bought this car for $4000 with 135000 and in 2013 and spent $8000 in repairs to get to 160000. This car has been in the shop at least 2 days a month scents I bought it. I don’t think the car has run a whole 5000 miles without a break down. 3 transmission, 3 coolant problems, wiper motors, ball joints, most of the window leek, half of the locks don’t work, half the window don’t work, and the back door won’t open.
1996 Explorer Reviews
Showing 8 of 1,205 reviews.
Although technically a '95 by Confirmation of VIN my 2-Door Ford Explorer 4x4 Sport w/5-Speed Manual gearbox has the body style of the '96. I absolutely LOVE these 2-door Sports...the body style, the handling, versatility, fuel mileage, practicality, along with being one of the MOST reliable vehicles I've ever owned 4 times now, makes this particular Ford Product a Keeper for Life! The parts guy at my local Ford Dealership says the combo I've got on my '95 is basically like owning a unicorn being 2-door, 4x4, AND having a 5-Speed tranny. I'll take my unicorn anyday, this is now my 4th Ex Sport and I'm NOT letting go of this one. Regrettably the prior 3 I parted ways with were all decisions based on wanting to try something different and/or owning too many vehicles at the time. BIG MISTAKE is what I've always discovered and finding this needle in a haystack I will not part ways ever again! I honestly have not owned any other vehicle that could match the Ex Sports reliability. Find one that's in good well cared for mechanical condition, continue to stay on top of your recommended oem maintenance and you won't be disappointed! Great fuel mileage for a versatile SUV, turn on a dime steering for ease of maneuverability, fold down rear seats to add to an already ample cargo space, short & narrow wheel base makes the Ex Sport fun to drive and easy to get around, and when you can find one...the fun of off-roading capability with shift on the fly 4wd makes these vehicles one to grab when you have the opportunity! OH I almost forgot to mention, 249k original miles with original engine and transmission (recommended maintenance always followed and confirmed thru Car Fax history) and still runs like a champ!
Reliable
It is an investment
Second owner. Bought in 2015. Reliable with maintenance. Rides a little rough (and squeaky sometimes) on the dirt roads but I've never had it not start. Worst thing I've needed repairs to was the front differential needing a groove filed back to shape (3K repair). Has needed repairs to the door handles (interior and exterior) and the HVAC minor repairs over the years. Needs cosmetic repairs after the 25+ years it's been on the road (snow, ice, and 1800mi round trip). I've hauled trailers and other vehicles with it. Coming up on 200K miles soon and it works and looks just fine.
Incredibly reliable
Never having a new vehicle cause it keeps kickin’
This was my first car purchased nearly 10 years ago with 100k on the engine, currently sitting at 175k. In total, I think I’ve put maybe 2k of maintenance into the car over the ten years. Yeah, at 25 years old things like the internal computer, fuel pump will go out. But SO cheap to grab from a pick and pull and fix up. Was in one fender bender, the Explorer was still perfect. An absolute tank, and a treasure to have as a first vehicle.
Low mileage, Great condition
Small rip on driver's seat & small on console
EDDIE BAUER EDITION. STILL LIKE NEW. JUST 84790MILES. SMALL TEAR ON DRIVERS SEAT AND A SMALL ONE ON THE CONSOLE.
Shift tub and cable ain't the same after replaceme
Never had a single problem with this thing just a little minor issues that were fixed. Plenty of power 4.0. Four wheel drive Works AC still works everything works. I'm looking for a new one.
New tires and fun to drive.
Needs work on door locks
Runs good for the year sold. Handles well in most weather conditions. Brand new all terrain tires. Installed recently.
very strong and reliable
Best thing i ever spent my money on 1,500 dollars at 160,000 miles and it runs so smooth still need minor fixing but it so rilable it even goes off road with its big bold tires i hope ford makes another for 2022 best invention ever 5 stars all the way its almost like I'm driving a truck
Easy to drive
On the small side, bad gas mileage
I bought the vehicle as a daily beater. However, after replacing entire suspension, radiator,thermostat, ac evaporator coils, cruise control, brakes, & tires, I now have a VERY solid, road ready suv. Gas mileage sucks, however the engines performance makes up.
