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 An integrated child safety seat is optional, and the Expedition model has been replaced by a Premium trim package for the Sport.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 1 through 10 of 134.00

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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.

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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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  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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  PROBLEMS - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Cameron EX - February 9 - 12:50 pm

  What can go wrong on my Explorer has. I have had 3 transmissions. The inside is falling apart and the foil aluminum is coming off of my bumper and the thing is noisy.

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  Run Away Fast - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By buy another car - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Nothing but problems.Oil leak under chain cover ($525) Transmission ($2500) Steering column broke ($310.00) + 2 recalls, & many little things. Disappointing vehicle. Never buy Ford again. Will buy Toyota to get a real car. Mechanic who fixed steering wheel said Ford told him that the Fords have alot of problems with this steering wheel problem. I went to turn off my car and my key just flipped around & then it would not turn off my accessories. It was not my starter it is Actuators and Assy Bracket. My suggestion is buy another car.There are many more out there that are better than the Ford Explorer and Ford all together. Gas mileage stinks to.

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  SUV has lasted despite recalls - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By C. Bright - February 28 - 2:00 am

  My 96 Explorer still looks good & drives well. It hasnt been driven hard - its spent more days at the airport than off-roading. I get an oil change every 5,000 miles or so and I havent spent much time at all at the repair shop (new brake pads and a new thermostat). Its been recalled twice: once because of the infamous Firestone tires, and once for for something having to do a weak front stabilzer bar link (granted, both pretty serious). I have to say I wasnt too impressed with the way it drove until after I replaced the Firestone tires with 4 brand new Michelins. They made a huge difference in stability and handling.

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  Clutch Unbelievably Bad - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By bhburton - July 3 - 2:00 am

  Stiff clutch must be pushed all the way to the floor, still doesnt quite disengage. Miserable to shift from neutral to 1st at stoplight. Wont enter 1st without great effort. But its my first SUV and I love sitting higher where I can see the traffic!

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  WORST GAS MILEAGE IVE EVER SEEN! - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By 7774u - May 23 - 2:00 am

  We have the V-8 XLT in 2WD and it seems to only get 8-12mpg (if we are lucky). The ride is stiff and unpleasant for long trips. Over taking a car on the California freeways becomes a chore with this SUV, it makes more noise than it speeds up. Most of the plastic trim on the interior seems to look cheap as the dash seems to not fit together after a while. I will admit I like the trunk. It does give you more than enough space with out folding down the rear seats. The rear heat, air, and stereo controls are perfect. Head room is also a plus. The feeling of the brake pedal becomes one with you giving you a sense of great stopping power.