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 1 through 10 of 100.00

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  King suv - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By ra - August 12 - 8:43 pm

  Bought it with 60,000 mi. Drove like new! Luv American cars never had one less than 100,000 on it with very little trouble. Now has over 200,000 and still going strong, looks great, runs great, everything still works. Understand why no. 1 seller.

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  A Classic - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By GORDON CORCORAN - June 3 - 3:08 pm

  I bought this 1997 limited Explorer from a private party ONE OWNER with 97,000 miles. with no body damage at all, Excellent interior. With many extras. Like a pone in the center console. Heated seats. Mirrors. Computer display. 10 CD player. Cassette, New Tires. No oil leas, and the V8 5.0 engine. Navigational system. I got it for $3.500. and much more, When I got stationed here at FT Sam Houston, San Antonio TX. So far So Good. $3.800. I am very pleased.

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  Excellent - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Happy - February 24 - 8:11 am

  My 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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  200,000 and still strong - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Jeeper - December 18 - 9:45 pm

  Ive 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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  Our Best Vehicle Ever - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By rlc1997 - October 29 - 2:44 pm

  We 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.

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  Excellent vehicle for trailer towing et - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Dennis Miller - December 14 - 6:32 pm

  I have found this to be an excellent vehicle. Interior is as new. Very limited repairs aside from a couple of brake jobs. Michelin tires put on by Ford for free are still serving me. Tows a 4,000 lb. trailer no problem..in the mountains. AWD has proven to be terrific. Have passed stalled/stuck buses, cars, SUVs many times in the mountains. Everything works! 11 years old.

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  Still going - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By GREAT CAR - July 19 - 3:05 pm

  I bought my Ford used in 2000, It has never broken down on me never had a major problem. Has been to California at least 10 times, I live in Albuquerque,NM. Besides minor maintance like oil and breaks this car has definitely paid for itself. It still drives daily, has no leaks and power still there like the day I drove it for the first time. 225,000 and counting

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  They dont make them like this anymore - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Karl - December 2 - 7:50 am

  This has been a practical, fun, and very reliable vehicle, with only minimal unscheduled maintenance. Needed a brake job and tie-ins replaced at 90,000 miles, but what do you expect? The ride is not great, but its a real SUV that you can drive over fields and rough paths.

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  i love my car/truck - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By brant - August 26 - 9:24 am

  I bought my 97 used at my cousins car lot and I loved it since day 1. Mileage and power was a little low but the k&n high flow air filter does help a lot. The only repairs Ive done are your usual high wear items like brakes, shocks, tune up and 3000 mile oil and filter. I have great power and get around 15-18 mpg. Great interior space. This one is a joy to drive and I must say very safe to own. My dad saw an accident with a newer one that went into the rear of full size car that totalled the car and the suv was still very drivable. Since this accident my dad has finally bought an Explorer and he just loves his 98 explorer sport to death and now is a loyal explorer owner.

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  Good Car but you have to know how to fix - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Gregory - August 5 - 10:47 pm

  My Ford has 203k on it now. Its good and has the same engine but I replaced both front and back timing tenshioners. These were easy to do because they are located outside the engine. I read this has to be done or your engine will go away! I guess I am lucky because the guides never broke and I never had to go inside the engine. The rest of the car is 100% quality, never an issue with anything. Much better than my Benz that had constant issues with electrical problems. Like all German cars do. I love American cars because they dont have nagging problems like import cars have. They just work. The CD player failed ( Sony Made) and this seems to be a problem all for cars have