Overview & Reviews

For the 1996 Ford Explorer, the long-awaited V8 AWD versions are available in XLT, Eddie Bauer or Limited Edition flavors. An integrated child safety seat is optional, and the Expedition model has been replaced by a Premium trim package for the Sport.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 134.00

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  TANK - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By red - May 11 - 8:17 am

  This is my first American vehicle and will NOT be my last (Ford). This thing is a WORK HORSE. I pull a 3500lb trailer every weekend and it has done this for the last 3 1/2 years. Very reliable. I have 130k on it and look forward to 75k more

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  They dont build em like this anymore.. - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By NMR - April 14 - 10:23 pm

  I bought this SUV with 150,000 miles. I now have almost 180,000. The only major repair I have had is with the transmission...a solenoid that cost $200. Other than that, I have experienced only typical maintenance issues: exhaust, brakes/rotors, O2 sensor, plugs/wires...which most can be done by the average DIYer. To the poster with 240k+ miles: if you have that MANY miles on a (American) suv and you arent happy, then you will never be happy with any vehicle. I have been looking to buy a new vehicle for the past year and based upon reviews, I will be sure to keep this one as a backup. I cannot say much bad about this SUV...IMO the Explorer is an A+ concept that ended when Ford redesigned.

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  Dependable car! - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Elizabeth Smith - October 29 - 5:11 pm

  This is a comfortable, good riding, easy handling car with plenty of cargo space. We kept this car to use for our road trips, because it rides better than our new 2016 car!

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  No problems! - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By califbucfan32 - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Has been a great car for my family!

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  1996 Ford explorer 4DR XLT - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Anthony Arpino - September 22 - 8:45 am

  At present 145000 miles. Replaced lower ball joints 2X under warranty. Replaced with the ball joints that can be lubricated. Gas mileage has improved since increasing tire preasure to 32 to 35 lbs. (18 to 23 miles per gal highway). I wish it was better. Also use a good fuel injector cleaner every 3000 miles. I have serviced the transmission every 12 to 15000 miles & so far no problems. I find it a comfortable & fun vechile to drive. Excellent handling in snow. One other problem was the thermostate. I had to replace it 4 times. If yours needs to be replaced ask for a heavy duty one that is made in the USA. The automatic choke in the winter kills your gas mileage, since it is temperature sensative

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  If I could change one thing - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Frankm - September 13 - 7:17 pm

  We have a 2WD XLT with the 5.0 engine and it has been great vehicle with no serious issues. My only gripe is that there is no camber adjustment for the front end alignment and it eats front tires something awful.

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  Awesome - except for the transmission - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Exploder - July 13 - 12:57 pm

  We have 240,000 miles so far and the only complaint is the transmission. It cost $1800 to rebuild and it appears to be a common problem on 1995 - 2001 Explorers with over 100k miles. If youre looking at a used Explorer with 100k+ miles, pay attention to the transmission! Other than that we love this truck. It is great in snow, very comfortable, and extremely reliable (except when transmission left my wife stranded). Even with 240k miles I would not hesitate to drive it on a cross country trip. The fuel economy is around 14/18, which is about average for this type of vehicle. The vinyl on the center console cover will crack too. I have never seen one that wasnt cracked.

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  1996 Explorer A Solid SUV - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By lgcook - June 14 - 10:00 am

  The ride is a little stiff, gas milage not all that good, but this has been the best vehicle I have ever owned in my 58 years of vehicle ownership. We have had one recall but other then that we have only had the Explorer in for regular scheduled service, spark plugs, wires, hoses, belt, and fluids. 135K miles and the front end is starting to squeek but I would not be afraid to take it to Alaska tomorrow.

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  Ok drive, but not reliable - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By mattathayde - June 4 - 8:54 pm

  Got this car from my sister in 05 for free, just paid to ship, ok not bad at all 900 bucks. Had to put 4- 500 bucks into it for repairs. A/C, alignment, brakes. Nothing huge. Now the Explorer has a little bump and dip if you turn it hard right because inside the front wheel well the cloth material that blocks a lot of dirt from getting up into the engine well is ripped and catches the wheel a little. Drive it for about a year, the coolant system started to leak, had to get that fixed, had to get an O2 sensor replaced. Some other repairs. Now we have about 3-5000 worth of repairs needed on it- electrical issues, ac is broken, driving lights go out some times. I didnt abuse it.

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  Solid - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Hubbell - April 24 - 4:19 am

  Purchased new in 1996 it is my wifes primary vehicle it has been driven across the US twice hauling trailers from 3-5K both times.