Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Common Interests Opinions: Ford Explorer

damn, sounds like most of you have problems with these newer Exploders, rather than the older ones.......well, except the one who's father just plain treats his like crap. LOL.
My hub doesn't treat his 94 like crap, does the oil changes on time and had never had a problem. We did have a check engine light problem for a while, turned out the MAF needed cleaning, since then, no light. We probably would have never figured that one out had it not been for me finding this site and finding out about Auto Zone and the CEL check. Heheheheh.
Anyway, just remember, there are ALWAYS going to be some that have problems, and alot that won't. I would trust the rentals anyway, God knows how people love to tear them up.

Again, thanks to all.

It is the V6 model, not the V8. I drove it Saturday, the 6 has enough power for me, cruised easy at 90 mph , the 8 would just be overkill for me.

I will ask around about the issues some of you noted on reliability. Plenty of people with Explorers around here to just casually ask.

Pathfinders=too damn expensive for a comparative model in year and milage. The price is right on the Explorer.

I have thought about Subies, and I really like them, however, I really like having a real, truck-based SUV as a daily driver, with low gears. That has been about the only thing I lacked with the Bravada, and having a farm that I sometimes drive out onto, combined with our frequent trips way into the backcountry of the WV Highlands really make a true 4x4 package better for me. I'd use the GMC more, but its mpg is a joke, so I only use it to pick up really large or heavy loads.

I believe it's not a rental, is there anyway to find out w/o seeing the title?

I am still mulling it over, but unless I find a better deal on something, I think I am going to go for it.

I would check out ExplorerForum.com. If I recall correctly, there were a lot of issues with 02 Explorers. My parents had one for a few months and had to trade it in. The 4x4 leaks like crazy. Others with the 02's had simliar problems, as well as other problems. Its a good site. I used to frequent it back when I had my 94 XLT.

Here's a good site to look at. Ford Truck Enthusiasts

As far as checking it's history, when I bought mine I was able to take the VIN to a dealer and have them run it's history for me. They were able to give me the names of the dealers that serviced it, then I went and called thoes dealers and they were able to give me the history on it. You may be able to call Ford and they may be willing to tell you who originally bought it.

Eons ago I had a 93 Exploader 2dr sport - drove it off the lot. She drove like a car but transmission was a bit weak for the 4.0L.

The only less than ideal things discovered were the cost of front end work (slid her into a snowbank and $$$ later)and how easily the centre console armrest would break. OK so my 100lb dog jumped on it.

But, if one showed up in my driveway tomorrow, I'd be more than happy My ol' girl never laid down on the highway. Hard miles and no maintenance.

I have a 93 Explorer, four wheel drive, and I love it! There is more maintenance required than a late model vehicle, but it repays the effort.

Hauls four with cargo in comfort and will go damn near anywhere. The 4.0L is a little under-whelming, but its not supposed to be a sports car.

These vehicles have their problem areas (like contours) but the issues are well known (radius arm bushings, electric shift motor, vacuum solenoid, etc) and not too difficult to deal with.

Since 02 was the first year after the redisign, it should be expected that these things happen, as all vehicles do in their first year. I had a 91 last year before I sold it to get the Contour. It stood up to the abuse that the guy i got it from gave to it(he was a 17 year old, enough said). It had the 5 speed manual so the power was pretty good, could easilly whoop my 'tour up to 40 or so cause of the good low end power. It stood up to the abuse taht I gave it(taking out snowbanks, playing in a field, numerous off road excursions, ect). I never had any trouble at all with it, save for the 4 wheel that was broken before i got it. Never has anything too big for it, tons of room and even got decent gas milage once in a while on the highway. Oh, and it starts in -25 without being plugged in, but its not happy about it. and my Contour leads a much easier life.