4 Star Reviews for 1994 Ford Explorer

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

3.83/5 Average
82 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

New wheels and a power equipment group for the Eddie Bauer model are the only changes to this year's Explorer.

Pros:
Cons:

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 82.00
  • Reliable, and trustworthy 200K mile workhorse... - 1994 Ford Explorer
    By -

    I bought mine with 186k miles, 5 speed stick shift and everything worked great on her, and it kept on going for the 14 months i owned her, i live in Las Vegas where most cars can overheat, she never did (except for the time in which a 21 year old hose broke, replaced the hose and refilled the antifreeze, good as ever). Only malfunction it had was a alternator gone bad, and it took me 3 belts to figure it out... my bad... We arrived in the US and owned absolutely nothing, except for her, so she pretty much hauled us and all of our belongings from our first apartment to the next one, she never left us hanging not even when the belts were broken because of the alternators pulley getting stuck (bad bearings i was told). Parts were always available at any local auto shop, and they were also cheap, which is great too... We changed the oil every 3k miles, and i changed the spark plugs a couple of times, i also did the front brakes when i got her. Only problem was the famous ford power steering leak, and a couple of noises here and there. It did pass the smog check when i had to register for the first time, and guess what, it did it again the next year without any hiccups, i saw my neighbors having to spend money on their newer flashier cars, and i did nothing to her, she passed without any effort, and the last tune up had been like 15k miles before. A really comfortable ride, even for our family of four, of which 3 are taller than 6, a bit tight on the backseats but could easily go from Las Vegas to L.A. without having to stop and stretch the legs. The best part is that i sold her for a profit of a 50%, so i can say im a happy customer, and needless to say im getting another ford, im sure ill continue to be a happy customer for the years to come. Glad to keep up buying american instead of imports.

  • WORTH IT! - 1994 Ford Explorer
    By -

    Bought it 3 years ago at an auction for $200 with a badly rebuilt engine. They the put the head gaskets in upside down. Replaced all the rings and the bearings on a fresh block and all new gaskets. Most of the outer engine parts where original. Since then weve replaced water pump, alternator, battery, plugs,plug wires,clutch fan,ball joints,tires,radius arm bushings,door panel,MAF,Fuel filter,and clutch. Much of this was because I wanted it to perform at its best.Would have did just fine without it. The gas mileage on the 5speed manual 4.0V6 is 18/20 City /22/26 Highway. But for 200 bucks this was a deal. Makes it from Phoenix to Denver no problem. Reliable and fun! Great on gas and roomy!

  • A Solid, Reliable Truck. 1994 Ford Explorer Sport, 2 DR, Auto - 1994 Ford Explorer
    By -

    I bought my 1994 Ford Explorer Sport in May, 1994 and it has been pretty reliable over the years. Id have to say its weakest point has been its tranny, which required rebuilds in Jan 00, Dec 02 and another one now, as I write this. This is with the trailer towing package with the auxiliary tranny cooler, though I never towed anything with the truck. There have been other parts that have been changed over the years, but not at a faster rate than one would expect. I have to admit though, If I didnt have GEICOs mechanical breakdown coverage, I probably wouldnt have this truck still. Im grandfathered in under the old plan that was offerred in NY with unlimited time and mileage (I pay the 1st $250 of any major repair). They will total the vehicle if the repair is over 75% of appraised value, which is around $2000 for my truck. All the talk of the repairs aside, this truck has been my companion for 17 years and I consider it a part of me. Weve explored all over this country together and Im determined to see its 250K mile "birthday" in the next couple of years, when I can tell people its driven the distance to the moon (and not at the closest point in its orbit). At $223,500 now. I would also like to see my 14 y/o learn to drive in this truck when he turns 17.

  • Worth It! - 1994 Ford Explorer
    By -

    I bought this truck in 2005 after originally wanting an Expedition, but I absolutely love it. I am still driving it but am looking for something new. It got me through college several states from home and a huge move for a new job even more states away from home. It has been very dependable, however it is just getting old and many small annoying things are starting to go wrong with it. For spending most of its life in Midwest winters it has surprisingly little rust on the body and still looks great. I regret having to get rid of it but it has served its purpose very well and is an extremely comfortable ride. I definitely want to stick with another vehicle about the size of this.

  • So Far So Good - 1994 Ford Explorer
    By -

    Bought this as a winter vehicle. Wasnt looking for an Explorer but the price was good ($2,400) for what I got. 119K miles, ZERO rust (rare for Northeast Pennsylvania), and no fluid leaks. The underside is unexpectedly clean. So far I had to put in an AC comp. clutch, steering bushings, EGR sensor and front rotors. I also replaced the horrible stock speakers. Ive heard horror stories about the tranny (main concern before buying) so I bought an extended warranty. Mine is OK except when its cold reverse takes a second or 2. Going to change the fluid. It has push button 4WD but manual hubs... replaced before I bought. Thats another common problem, so Ive heard. Overall, Im happy with it.

  • not bad for a starter car - 1994 Ford Explorer
    By -

    got my 1994 ford explorer eddie bauer. needed about $1500 worth of repair. After that, cant complain much more. Once you push her past 70 MPH it starts shaking violently and makes a ticking noise. It also gets bad city MPG. The factory speakers are also poor quality. Other than that, it is a fun car to pile in a cruise around in, good 4x4, fun to drive.

  • 1994 Ford Explorer - 1994 Ford Explorer
    By -

    Let me start off with the bad issues. The first thing I have to say is that the interior door handle design is the worst ever. Ive seen many Explorers witht broken handles. Next, I hear a slight lifter knock from the engine. At first I thought Id just drive it until the engine gives out then do a total valve job, well yeah that was 100k miles ago and hasnt caused any major issues, just annoying once in awhile. Well other than that the car has been fantastic. I just recently changed the radiator and fuel pump just for peace of mind since the car now has 333,000 miles on it and I figured it was time. I really think it could of gone longer but I sometimes use the car the take my 1 yr.

  • Lots of Repairs - 1994 Ford Explorer
    By -

    I loved my Explorer! Bought w/ 90k on it. Drove 1 year fixed brakes, transmission went out. Fixed it, brakes bad again. Got rid off after 1 year when Ford replacement transmission started slippping again. Great ride, awesome 4wd- just costly to own. Be wary of high mileage Explorers and brakes wear fast in hilly areas.

  • Thumbs up for the Explorer! - 1994 Ford Explorer
    By -

    We bought it used with 58K on it, and have added over 60K ourselves in the past 3 1/2 years. We have done maintenance, replaced the computer, and the automatic hubs need replacing. Besides that it has been flawless. Cant ask anymore out of a rig than that!

  • 94 XL 4dr Explorer - 1994 Ford Explorer
    By -

    An awesome SUV, great off road and in the snow. Only qualms are fuel economy, stiff ride, and lack of power.

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