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 61 through 70 of 100.00

• 

  No more Fords - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Melissa - March 12 - 2:29 am

  I bought this vehicle used in 99 from one owner. I would not recommend this vehicle to anyone! Mine was in the shop more than my own garage. Replaced hoses, sensors, valves and had the engine rebuilt from the crank up at 75,000 miles! Replaced head gaskets and they blew again within 8 months. Ford doesnt have any concept of customer service. The Explorer was my third and FINAL Ford (owned an Escort and Mustang previously with very similar problems). Sold it as fast as I could and bought Japanese, with no problems to this day. Save yourself the headaches and stay away from Fords!

• 

  Very versatile and comfortable - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By wdbarrett - February 1 - 12:36 am

  We bought our Explorer used from a dealer and have not had any problems. We currently have 72,000 miles on it and just love it. We upgraded the stereo with one that can play MP3s plus a 10-disc CD changer. The installer wired it incorrectly. The subwoofer is on the front channel, the middle speakers on the rear channel, and the front speakers on the center channel.

• 

  Maybe I Got Lucky - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By rufus1959 - January 29 - 1:46 am

  Powerful 4.0 SOHC engine, lots of options, nice styling, and comfortable. Needs better shocks and it has front end alignment problems. I got the timing chain tensioner and intake manifold gasket recall problem fixed at 50,000 miles. It has 101,000 miles on it now and the only problems Ive had were two thermostats replaced, front end alignment, and a battery. It could use some new shocks though. Overall it has been a pleasure to own. Ive had other Fords and I have experienced numerous problems with them. Maybe I got lucky with this Explorer. Resale value is terrible, but thats the norm with a Ford.

• 

  97 Ford Explorer - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Hermann Lag - December 5 - 8:24 pm

  Bought with the intent of keeping long term. The truck was very reliable, good performance, reasonable efficiency. NO problem pulling a 3500 lb. trailer through mountains. Comfortable ride.

• 

  After 7 Years 149K Miles Still OK - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By dilbert2 - October 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck new in 12/97. Engine had to be replaced at 103K. It was covered by warranty. Handle to recline driver seat bent and eventually broke off. Cost $600 to fix. Wow! AC will hold a charge for a season. I live in cold weather (upstate NY) and dont bother. Great in snow. Great towing vehicle. I hauled easily 3000 pounds in the vehicle with no problem. (32 bags of cement). I have a 7 foot snowplow and it handles it well...even though I have a 6 cylinder engine. For the abuse that I gave this truck it is great. I can still hit 95MPH on the NY State Thruway with it, get 17 MPG, haul 3000 pounds in it, or tow 5000 pounds. Not bad.

• 

  XLT SOHC V6 - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By gounder - October 17 - 2:00 am

  I am a college student and love my Explorer. My dad bought it with 20,000 miles and drove it to 90,000. I now drive it with 100,300 miles and counting. It can haul my friends and all our gear out to the beach or up to the mountains. I have taken over rocks, into mud, through water, and up snow covered mountains. I keep on top of the basic maintenance. My dad gave me a AAA card but I have never had to call them. It is a great SUV.

• 

  LEMON - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By whatalemon - July 18 - 2:00 am

  what a lemon. will NEVER buy a ford again. Bought used and in 4 yrs head gaskets, stabilizer bar link, control arm bushings, air conditioner, rear window lock, driver door locks, driver seat,and many other things all broke. Called Ford and they DONT stand behind their product. (yes it is out of warranty but all this shouldnt be breaking). only 60,000 miles. NEVER AGAIN. BUYER BEWARE

• 

  Its an old friend - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Sgt - June 28 - 2:00 am

  Bought this vehicle used, and I have put over 60000 miles on this old friend. It has been a costly vehicle, cost 400.oo for third brake light, used even!!! Likes to eat brakes and really loves gas, but has been a great vehicle to drive, has never let me down in the snow! You cant make this vehicle slide in the snow. overall, I love it.

• 

  Great SUV - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By meddac1 - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought our EB V-8 AWD explorer brand new and 7 years later at 85000 miles she is still a great performer! THis is our second EB had a 1994 that was equally good but underpowered so traded when the V-8 was available. I cant believe all the other reviews. The only problem I ever had was a computer module went out that caused the engine to run poorly and a power window switch at 60K. I do my own maintenance and used Mobil 1 ever since breakin and changed the plugs out early as waiting for 100K miles could be awhile. The AWD performs great in the snow and does much better than my 4X4 truck.

• 

  Review of Ford - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By ftaggart - June 14 - 2:00 am

  I have enjoyed my Explorer, so much I plan to buy another one this yr. The problems I have had were all minor & easily corrected. The ONLY issue I had that I could never fix was in cold, wet wheather, the auto off feature for the head lamps would engage & the only way to correct it was to unhook the battery. Ford repair could never fix it, fortunatly it only happened maybe 3 or 4 times a year.