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 An integrated child safety seat is optional, and the Expedition model has been replaced by a Premium trim package for the Sport.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 31 through 40 of 134.00

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  Almost 300,000 and Still Going - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By philzleads - April 11 - 10:46 pm

  Bought the vehicle new in 1996. Mileage is now at 291,942. Just had the transmission rebuilt. The vehicle miles are mostly hiway miles. I have had the alternator replaced as well as the transfer case. Original exhaust, which needs some work as the bolt-on joints are rusted. Compressor for AC is not working, but I only use the vehicle for truck like duties, I dont mind. Use it mostly in winter/Fall for hunting trips. The temp gauge on the dash no longer works so either full heat or no heat. I have had to replace the bulbs in the dash behind the intrument panel numerous times. The engine, incredibly does not use oil as I have maintained it diligently. 6th set of tires.

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  Best Car I Have Owned - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By CAROL - March 26 - 7:21 pm

  I bought this car 5 years ago from an individual that bought it new. My Ford Explorer now has right at 300,000 miles on it . You read right - 300,000 miles. We still take off on 4 hour one way trips all the time. The check engine light stays on a lot but I have gotten used to it as the car still runs perfect. We drove it on a 4 hour trip this past weekend and it brought us home as always with no problems. I love my Ford Explorer and all the extras it has such as the keyless entry, temperature and compass. I would recommend this car to my best friend

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  Dont buy Fords! - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Tiffany - February 6 - 10:00 am

  You dont wanna know. Any repairs are very expensive.

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  What a great vehicle! - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Great Vehicle - January 30 - 9:45 am

  I have owned many automobiles over the years and this one is by far the most reliable. It now has about 170,000 miles on it and has never needed anything outside of the typical routine maintenance schedule. The 4.0L is not the greatest on gas (although I have seen as high as 19-20 MPG on long trips) it shows no signs of tiring anytime soon. Still has the original exhaust sytem! Amazing. While the vehicle has just started to rust a bit, I cannot let go yet to buy a new vehicle. It is nearly worthless on the books as a trade. I will probably drive this until the body falls off! Sure home my next purchase treats me as well. Great job Ford!

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  One long time owner - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By TS - January 12 - 9:36 am

  Ive owned my Explorer for almost 12 years now, since new. It has nearly 150,000 miles on it. Its been very reliable, requiring less than the normal amount of maintenance of other vehicles Ive owned. Its now my extra third vehicle, and I use it often for truck like duties such as trailer hauling and moving my daughter to and from college. If and when I need a new SUV, itll be another Explorer, a true truck SUV.

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  Still going strong at 217k - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Brenrher - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Bought this vehicle new. To date about $4k in other than routine maintenance, replaced a fuel pump, replaced front end components a couple of times, replaced the alternator and battery recently. Same plugs, etc., did have a new belt put on at 150k. The handling and comfort is great with Michelin tires - replaced the Goodyears at 75k. The 5.0L engine is fantastic. All in all, I have been fortunate with this vehicle, and hope to get to 300k without a catastrophic and/or expensive failure. Love this one so much I bought a used 1999 Explorer XLT.

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  SUV Self-Cannibalism - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Angelos - October 9 - 3:59 pm

  In 12 years and 115K miles of not-so-hard driving, our $36,000 Exploder has eaten its transmission, eaten its torque converter, has blown out its manifold gaskets and has cracked a cylinder head. I expect to replace items such as starters, alternators, shocks, even Air Mass Meters and O2 sensors. But I cannot abide a vehicle that self-destructs major systems years and tens of thousands of miles before the end of their standard service lives under relatively easy use. If I could sell our Exploder to the Marines to use for target practice, Id do it in a New York minute.

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  Great Vehicle - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Dan Giesen - September 26 - 8:31 pm

  I drive this to work all week. Pull our boat all summer and haul my hockey player all over Wisconsin in the winter. The Ford Explorer is by far the best SUV out there.

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  Had it since new stil like new - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By sealerdave - August 1 - 3:48 pm

  We bought our 1996 Explorer new in 1996 we have had no trouble at all except the panel on the drivers side electronic buttons broke I bought the mount and fixed it. Really my wife will not drive the 2005 I bought last year. She likes "Her Baby" with 55,000 miles on it. After 11 years in CA, I guess its just about "Run In". Great SUVs very dependable. Not a bit of rust and never a scratch.

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  A Plum - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By CarD - May 30 - 8:26 am

  This vehicle has never caused me the slightest heartache or problem. Beyond the expected ravages of time (hoses, slight rust, etc.) I have never had a mechanical or performance issue.