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 An integrated child safety seat is optional, and the Expedition model has been replaced by a Premium trim package for the Sport.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 51 through 60 of 134.00

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  I truly plan to keep my Explorer - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By jltacy - October 29 - 1:37 am

  I plan to keep my Explorer until the most expensive thing that can go wrong, goes wrong. I have only had 1 small part replaced since I bought it in 2002. I cannot imagine driving a car again. I am spoiled. It has over 110,000 miles on it and I have had no major repairs, only wear and tear items. Yes it gets 15 - 16 miles per gallon, but when you are not making payments that quite a savings.

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  174 k and still like it - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By WL - April 19 - 6:02 am

  Bought it used for cheap off a Toyota dealership lot, with 100k already on it. Had to be talked into buying it by the salesman, and have never regretted it. Drove a 6 cylinder prior to the 8 cylinder. Grandma wont get on the freeway with the pathetically weak 6 cylinder. but the 8 cylinder hauls! Bad gas mileage, hard ride (as expected from an SUV?). Lots of features, the 3.73 rear-end (read:traction) even got me around on Texas "black ice" as good or better than the 4WDs were doing. Tows a 3500 pound boat ok too. Tranny rebuilt at 120k for $1600. Overall, could be a little more reliable I guess. Buy one cheap and replace the parts when they go bad. A good deal for the money. Havent been stranded yet.

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  Not for little people - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By pmm - April 13 - 3:30 am

  Bought this car from my sister for my husband. He was happy driving to work and home. My primary vehicle blew a rod in the engine so I had to drive this car for six months while I saved for a new car. I drive a lot and I am only 5 ft. tall. This car has got to be the most uncomfortable vehicle made. It has been very reliable but I need to be put in traction now, plus the $75-85 weekly gas bill I could have just skipped the experience and paid a car note (minus chiropractor bills) instead.

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  Green Explorer That Wouldnt - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Blue from VB - April 4 - 8:58 pm

  It is a roomy midsize SUV and the ride was car-like. It had a lot of nifty features as one would expect from a Ford that was not entry level, including a compass, temperature gauge, reclining front and rear seats, etc. The downside to it is when it goes it goes! In a twelve month period I spent almost $2,000 in maintenance ($900 for a heater core, $600 for a water pump 6 months later, then $500 for brakes and front tires). The vehicle left me stranded on two seperate occassions and I do my regularly scheduled maintenance on all of my vehicles. Fords service was subpar and it was the last Ford that I will buy!

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  Outstanding - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By oxbow - March 31 - 10:00 am

  My 1996 Explorer has 118,000 miles on it and all I ever did to it was oil changes,shocks and brakes nothing else and it is still going strong.There is one thing I dont like is the rack and pinion steering it is to quick, Ill take gear box steering any day.Overall a great truck.

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  Will buy another - in a Few years. - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Matt F - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Bought new in 1996. I was initially skeptical about buying a Ford after having owned Acuras and VWs and reading reviews on line. You have to treat these reviews the same way you would a movie critic panning your favorite movie. Almost 6 years later and close to 80,000 miles, I still enjoy this SUV. Besides the routine oil changes, brake replacement and Firestone tire changes, I had to replace the thermostat. $100.00 repair. While under warranty, the 02 sensor was replaced. Thats it. The leather interior has held up well, even with two golden retrievers riding in the back. The V6 and transmission have performed well in the hilly San Francisco terrain.

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  an ok suv - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By kevin5150 - March 31 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle workred pretty well overall for me. My biggest complaint was with the handling. It just never felt very solid. I had the 4.0 V6 with a 5 speed manual worked ok but down on low end power (needed lower gearing). only major thing that went wrong was that the clutch master cylinder went out but that was after 90,000+ miles. All other repairs were just standard maintainance. overall not too bad.

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  Will drive this one till it dies... - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By LUVmySUV - March 25 - 12:59 pm

  I bought this new in 1996. Fabulous vehicle all-around, no issues, never been in the shop for any mechanical reason. I especially love the tight turning radius. It will do a 360 on a dime. My only complaint is the poor 14/17 mpg. Ive never seen the 18/21 it was rated by Ford.

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  A Pretty Good SUV - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Wildbill - February 18 - 11:23 pm

  I bought the Explorer used. At first I had to replace the head gaskets due to oil and antifreeze leaks. That took about $1000 which really bumed me out on it. Since then it has been a good vehicle.

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  Great CAR - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Laurie - February 10 - 10:00 am

  Its a nice comfortable car, that also insures a great deal of safety.