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 An integrated child safety seat is optional, and the Expedition model has been replaced by a Premium trim package for the Sport.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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  Amazingly Tough!!! - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By glenniz - March 10 - 10:32 pm

  Bought this 1996 XLT as a first car for my daughter to learn how to drive and then I was going to sell it. Well guess what....Im going to do some maintenance on it and keep it for myself. The 5.0L motor is amazing and the transmission shifts like it was new (this vehicle has 185,000 miles on it). It still gets 18 mpg in the city and about 23 mpg on the Hwy. and has absolutely NO oil leaks!!! Im Impressed!!!!!

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  Driving on SNOW STORMS - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By udarab88 - December 13 - 5:54 pm

  This is not a good SUV to drive on heavy snow high ways. Specially 4x4. I spinned twice and hit on the edge of the highway safety guards. I was driving 30mph on a 70mph road. Please use 2 wheel drive on high ways when its really bad on roads.

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  Still Working - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By slinsk - November 9 - 2:15 pm

  Bought my 4.0L, 4dr, 4wd, auto XLT as a new loss leader from the Sunday newspaper auto section in 1996 for $23k. Had to replace a blown head gasket twice. First time was my fault because thermostat was bad and temp gage wasnt working so engine overheated & blew the head gasket. 2nd time was just from age & I was able to save a few thousand by doing the labor myself (~$700 in parts & machine shop work on the valves/heads). Now has 157k on it. Transmission is starting to slip but I understand thats normal wear & tear with this many miles. Other than that, just had the usual, tires, alternator, brakes stuff. The truck has been a workhorse.

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  Cant complain one bit - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By roller_k - May 21 - 2:21 pm

  I bought my 96 in 98 with 14000 miles on it. 12 years and 160,000 miles later and it never had a breakdown. The transmission never gave me problems. Only problem after many years was the link to the auto transmission and the back door lock had problems that I never took it in for. I did most of the scheduled maintenance myself and Im no real mechanic. Great vehicle from Ford.

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  Sure footed ride - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Anonymous - December 7 - 2:00 am

  92,000 miles on 5.0 L and it still looks and runs almost like new. Terrible gas mileage(16)and some engine noise. Ive pulled a 16 ft box trailer all over, it has plenty of power and suspension, just doesnt have the long wheel base for stability.Love the short turning radius, tight suspension, and awd traction. No significant repairs other than the heater controls are shot, cant turn it off - damper? On the second set of brake pads and have just recently started noticing rotor warp on original set. Still uses zero oil between changes. On the second set of tires. Original muffler and suspension!! No rust. This vehicle has been babied, but it is still runs and looks great at 14.

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  1996 2 dr 4x4 explorer sport - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By steve - November 18 - 2:00 am

  I have 200,100 miles on my SUV. I purchased my 1996 with 108,000 miles for $3200.00. I have put 92,000 miles on it. I have had to replace upper ball joints, tires and routine oil changes, battery, alternator. Other than that I got more than my moneys worth still running strong. I purchased 70,000 tires thinking they would outlive the truck. Now I need new tires.

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  1996 Ford Explorer XLT 5.0L V8 - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By HeZ777 - March 5 - 7:42 pm

  Ive owned this car since October 1997, buying it with about 11,000 miles. It now has over 203,000 miles and still running strong. The 302 V8 is a strong and efficient runner, with a strong and durable transmission. Pre-Ethanol highway economy 22 MPG. Post-Ethanol highway economy 18 MPG. Very practical car, tows 5500 lb loads with ease, plenty of ramp torque, and horsepower to run up hills with ease. Recurring issues: this car eats up upper/lower ball joints, water pumps, radiators. Subwoofer not a standard size. On the plus side: 190,000 miles on a fuel pump, 170,000 miles on the air conditioning system. Engine, tranny, fuel system, computer top notch reliable on this car.

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  "til the wheels fall off" - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By MacDaddy - December 18 - 11:41 pm

  Bought new. XLT w/Leather, moonroof, JBL, etc. Routine maint w/oil changes every 3.5K mi. V-8 is powerful enough, but times have changed. Still can drive 100 MPH all day & stays cool. New CD changer. Wore out armrest & had it re-covered, then the coolant leaked out the very same day, but temp gauge never went up. Suspension is a little rocky when empty.Cost to repair etc., is about the present wholesale value (174K mi), so put in a crate motor for $5K rather than buy a new SUV. Beats a car payment. Sunroof rattle on bumpy roads that I fix with matchbook. Great stereo & acoustics, comfy (Im 65"), AC blows ice cubes,tows 2 jetskis so effortlessly, you barely notice them. Keepin it!

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  Great daily driver... - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By 6spdGTO - August 23 - 11:45 am

  I have owned my Explorer for a year and a half now, with no major problems. I bought it to take my GTO off the road. It needed some work at the time of purchase: Front wheel bearings, a starter, thermostat, IAC motor, brakes and BF Goodrich All- Terrain tires. Recently, the transmission began acting up, but it is most likely an issue with a shift solenoid and separator plate gasket which is common in these models. Should be an easy fix. Due to its short wheelbase, it also offroads great and is fun to drive in the snow or snotty mud. Over all, a great truck. After I drive the wheels off of this one, I will certainly buy another.

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  Never let me down - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Ted Sz - May 12 - 1:24 pm

  I bought my Explorer XLT 4WD new 13 years ago. Ive maintained it myself for 151,000 miles. Ive changed the AT fluid and filter every 30,000 miles and have had no transmission issues. It does chatter when dropping out of OD, but only when another transmission fluid change is due. Ive always used Mobil One ATF. I recently did a lot of work on it because, although its worth less than $2K on the books, it runs like new. I replaced the upper and lower ball joints last fall. I also found an A/C leak and fixed it myself. My brother the HVAC pro pressure tested, evacuated and charged it. Blows ice cold again! Heater blend door is a common failure, $9 part and about eight hours labor!