Overview & Reviews
The 1997 Ford Explorer receives a few appreciated improvements this year. A new SOHC V6 engine is now available, providing nearly as much power as the 5.0-liter V8. Also new is a five-speed automatic transmission, the first ever offered by an American auto manufacturer, which is standard on V6 models equipped with automatic.
- Great cargo space, multiple engine options, and attractive exterior styling make this the best selling SUV on the market. The fact that the Explorer has dual airbags sure helps too.
- The base V-6 engine is a asthmatic when trying to pass at freeway speeds. The Explorer feels top-heavy in tight corners.
User Reviews:
Showing 11 through 20 of 100.00-
Dont buy this ever - 1997 Ford Explorer
By Donovan - May 25 - 8:51 pmThe car is alright. I made mine look awesome. Thats the only reason I like to drive it. Loved it when I got it until the transfer case went out. And the back doors dont open from the inside. Rear end has a problem with become lower than the front struts? Who knows I see a lot of the 95-97 like that.
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Dont Buy - 1997 Ford Explorer
By XpLoDeR - April 6 - 4:28 pmFirst of all its gas sucker to the max i have the 4.0 liter and its still sucks gas at 200 miles to the tank its at 184k and is drove a little rough but its had minor problems but i can tell the transmission is going i had to replace the alternator, belt, idler pulley, front end needed multiple alignments, rear bumper bends really easy, but i did make mine pretty nice its all off road style with big tires loud exhaust and custom gauges and rims
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Junk that looks good - 1997 Ford Explorer
By Richard Potter - March 31 - 9:04 pmTwo weeks after we bought the Explorer the transmission went out. The transmission man who replaced it said it was the worst transmission Ford ever made. Five months later the trans mission went out again and was replaced under warranty. The transmission just went out again. Im going to haul it to the Junk yard. The door locks dont work, the seat is broken, the AC doesnt work, cruise control quit and it is running bad now. It isnt worth the trouble to fix it. I always took care of it and never ran it hard so it shouldnt have had these problems.
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Loved the car first, Now on the Fense - 1997 Ford Explorer
By mercuryfordlover715 - March 29 - 6:33 pmWhen my parents bought this Ford Explorer, I was in love with it. Plenty of get up and go from the 5.0 liter V8. Awesome comfort for me and 4 of my friends. But about 3 weeks after I purchased the car, I began to have problems. Needed a new EGR Valve,$300. Front End Alignment, $80. Sway Bar $200. And lastly, a Wheel Bearing, $150. After that though it seems to run like a top. But I do experience some rough idling from time to time. Even though I have experienced these problems, my other family members have been very lucky with their Fords. Uncle, 1997 Ford Expedition 187,000 miles before he traded it in, No Problems. Sister 1996 Ford Explorer V6, 167,000, traded in, No Problems.
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Lasted a long time - 1997 Ford Explorer
By Chauncey - March 26 - 12:10 amI bought my explorer from carmax with about 36k miles in 98. Initially I had a lot of minor problems going back and forth to carmax and then 1 big problem that never got fully resolved. I had a problem with heating and a/c system switching from heat to air conditioning. After that no major problems with this vehicle lasted a long time 226k before it died on me. The body and interior held up very good still in very good condition. Had a lot of class for an SUV and fun to drive and take on long trips. Overall I was very satisfied with my explorer got my money out of it.
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Excellent - 1997 Ford Explorer
By Happy - February 24 - 8:11 amMy Ford Explorer is still going. Only had to replace fuel pump once it turned 10 years old. Had to change all oxygen sensors and other than regular brake work this car was a great purchase!
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Most reliable Vehicle weve owned - 1997 Ford Explorer
By Bill - January 17 - 11:22 amMy wife went to look at this SUV on 9/11/01. 5.0 V7. It has been very reliable, starting to have some repairs now but it has 147,000 miles. I have towed several Uhauls between WI and TX, plenty of power, also a 25ft Boat. It was great when we lived in WI during the winter. AWD works great, you dont have think about when you might need 4 wheel drive. Mileage not so great, but then this is an SUV. 14 around town, 18 on the highwy, best was 19. I had a 94 Explorer so this is my second and now also have a 04 Mountaineer. Smaller V8 4.6L but more power and better mileage. We now live in SC but travel back to and forth from WI. This was a great vehicle on the road.
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200,000 and still strong - 1997 Ford Explorer
By Jeeper - December 18 - 9:45 pmIve got about 209,000 miles on the 5.0 liter V8, and still running strong. I had to replace the transfer case at about 150,0000, but I was pulling a trailer a lot, often pushing the limits of what the vehicle is rated to pull. Its still my daily driver, and couldnt be happier with the longevity, and what Ive gotten for my money. No, it doesnt get great gas mileage, but its a 4500 lb vehicle with a V8 engine, what do you expect?
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HATE IT!!!!!!! - 1997 Ford Explorer
By Andy - November 22 - 11:11 pmI bought this suv with 20,000 miles on it and it drove good, until the rear window wiper broke, passenger handle droke. Also the radio button is broken and cant turn it off. The windows shake when you roll them down, and it makes a weird sound when you go over rocks and bumps. The lock in the back of the suv broke and now makes a load sound when you lock the doors.
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Our Best Vehicle Ever - 1997 Ford Explorer
By rlc1997 - October 29 - 2:44 pmWe have had our 97 Explorer XLT AWD V8 since new and its now 12 years old and has 169,000 miles. This is by far the longest we ever have kept a car both in terms of time as well as miles driven. This truck just keeps on going. We use it every day from mundane things like commuting to/from work to bigger things like camping vacations, driving trips and trailering loads. No major repairs in its history - just the usual things like battery, brakes, and tires.
