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 81 through 90 of 100.00

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  my explorer gets more love than any girl - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By AYA chu CO - December 15 - 2:00 am

  i had moved to buffalo, ny, so i traded in my 93 infiniti for this truck. i had to replace the intake gaskets literally a few miles before the warranty was up, so i was lucky with that. i have had no other problems whatsoever with the truck, the cd changer i installed skips a lot, but that might be my fault. the sohc engine is awesome, i have raced and beat many accords and camrys, as well as triton v8 f150s, and other explorers.

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  Good and fast - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Gumkat - December 6 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun SUV. I have the v8 option which makes it really fast when I need it to be. I average 15mpg which is better than the brand new Explorer with a V6. I did have to rebuild the front end and the rear differential, which is funny because this is an All wheel drive model. I use it for everything.

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  As a pleasure car - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Local Driver - November 15 - 2:00 am

  This car is used for local driving. Its fun to drive, but MPG is poor. In the 6 years I have had it, it has many recalls and mechanical problems. Also, it started rusting on the tailgate, bumpers and side steps after only a couple of years. I would not buy another one.

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  Im going to miss my 99 Explorer Sport - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By mewsgal - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely loved my Ford Explorer Sport and am going to miss it terribly. It had 181,000 miles on it and was still going strong when I totaled it. I never had a single mechanical problem other than I had to replace the transmission at 170,000 miles but that was not unexpected.

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  1997 Ford Exploder - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Tim Hopper - October 31 - 2:00 am

  This truck had lots of recalls. It was fairly relibale until the plastic timing chain guides broke at 70,000 miles. We had to replace the engine. I would not recommend this vehicle with its unreliable v6 engine. This was a known defect by Ford and they would not help us in resolving the problem. We have a friend you also has 97 Explorer and he had to replace his engine as well. THUMBS DOWN!

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  Its cool BUT - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By cshel24 - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I really loved my 97 XLT Explorer, however it wasnt too kind to me, I drove it a year or so, and it was great, then the problems started. As previously stated by somebody else, tensioner problems, believe that stuff. The tensioner broke on mime Then the transmission problems began it was going to be around $2000 to fix that problem. So I traded it off. I miss it a lot, Id love to have another. Mine had 107000 miles when the problems began. and oh yea, the check engine light burned for a long time... no problems, when the check engine light quit burning, thats when the problems began.`

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  Automatic Transmission Problems - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By ootpa - September 23 - 2:00 am

  My family members have bought approximately 10 Ford vehicles since we purchased a 1988 Aerostar. All have been exceptional vehicles except for our recent experience with our 1997 Explorer. The transmission began having shifting problems at 62K. When I returned it to the dealer, I was told we needed a remanufactured transmission which cost $2400. Quite a shock and no explanation from the dealer except "it happens." Appealing to Ford directly.

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  97 explorer sport - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By VooDooU7 - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because of the job I had. I traded a jeep wrangler for this explorer. The explorer is not as much fun as the jeep it is a lot more functional. it is more comfortable and reliable as well. the only complaint I have is with the dealership. I no longer live in that area so that is no longer a problem for me.

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  Good Power, but..... - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By revgod - September 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought this to pull my 19 Robalo fishing boat here and there, which it does SURPRISINGLY well. Took it 585 miles to Lake Powell, no problem) Worked a little hard on the grades, but maintained 60mph most of the time, AND managed about 12mpg. I added an air lift airbag suspension system which is a MUST. It was 100 degrees, and the temp. guage never budged! That 5.0 V8 is pretty outstanding. BUT....man, this thing rides HARSH.... even after new, softer shocks, it beats ya up a bit. But hey, its a truck. The check engine light comes on frequently, indicating a faulty gas cap. One of the o2 sensors needed replacing at about 55,000 miles.

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  1997 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By scooty - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Alot of options for the money.The 4.0 SOHC motor has plenty of horsepower.Beware of the timing chain tensioner problems and intake manifold gasket problem,though.Recall on these will fix it,but warranty runs out 7 yr/84000 miles.I have had no major problems with this vehicle.Only problems so far were two thermostats and front end alignment.It could use some shocks.All in all Im satisfied with this SUV.