Overview & Reviews

The 1998 Ford Explorer gets a restyled tailgate.

• The Explorer is the best selling sport-ute on the market for a reason. A comfortable interior, three engine choices, and multiple trim levels mean that there is an Explorer for nearly any budget or lifestyle.

• Abysmal gas mileage. Handling is sloppy in corners.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 176.00

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  Ill stay with General Motors! - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Bu_BU - October 2 - 10:00 am

  After buying Vehicle @ 40,000 Miles, Dealer Was terrible. I gave them the Check and was told that there was only 1 Key and they wanted $65.00 for key and programing. Engine makes a noise I never heard before it sounds like the engine is rattling after you restart engine when it is warmed up. Noise Goes away as quick as it comes. V=6 SOHV is under powered for towing and 5 speed trans. is ok when it shifts. The Best Part of a ford is the transmission as they Shifts smooth unlike the G.Ms. Lack of Torgue. It does have a Good turning radius. Feels like the Rear wheels stop before the body,Need I say any More???

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  Still going strong - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By MSH - September 22 - 8:41 am

  Bought my explorer new and now have about 120k miles on it. It has had its share of maintenance issues (radio display, back windshield wiper, fuel pumpx2, belts, sensors, minor suspension issues, etc) but overall it has been pretty reliable. I perform scheduled maintenance regularly and dont worry about random breakdowns or taking on long trips. Both the interior and the exterior have held up well and (IMHO) still look good. Overall, the value of the car to me far exceeds its blue book price.

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  WILL ALWAYS LOVE IT! - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By g8torgirl - September 17 - 4:45 pm

  Im the original owner and primary driver-its been flawless other than a new A/C in 2003 ($750). Live in FL, but have driven it often to/from/in NC mountains and it was great w/the manual transmission, made it tons o fun. Decent mileage for an SUV (22/19 mpg). Oil is changed every 3,000 mi. Had 3 sets of tires-Goodrich lasts longest-Goodyear the least and the most flats (too soft). Replaced one out of round wheel ($450) under warranty. Minor leaks in back fixed windows. No rollovers (driver error in my opinion & Im a woman). Exterior finish and wheels are still shiny (we wax). Bought vinyl liner for cargo area and excellent mats--a great investment. My previous vehicle? Manual88 BroncoII

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  No complaints - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By NAD - August 26 - 2:58 am

  Bought new now has 126K miles. Original tran. replaced under warranty at 35k miles. Since then its been a pretty good vehicle. Very capable off-road vehicle. Still has original fact. wheel alignment! Does not come close to overheating in the most extreme conditions even when towing. Since resale value seems to be so low suspect Ill drive it till it drops

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  Explorer in the UK - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Jim - August 24 - 6:05 am

  I have had my Explorer for over 3 years with no major issues. Failed its last MOT on rotten rear hangers, a ball joint and a hole in the exhaust. Not bad for a vehicle that now spends half its life on the beach and in the sea!! Reasonably comfortable but extremely practical. There is no other vehicle (maybe the Toyota Landcruiser) that can match its size for such little money. 20-22 mpg is easily achievable which is just as good as most 4x4 diesels. Pulls like David Beckham at an all girls school. Very solid and very reliable.

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  98 Explorer - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Blackhorse27 - August 19 - 6:38 pm

  Very relaible SUV. No major repairs in 11 years and 150,000+ miles. Some interior noise from frame stretching, flexing, but rare.

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  Comfy SUV! - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Elias diaz - August 16 - 5:54 am

  Great fun SUV Enjoy cruising my explorer, north to south , South to north. Explorer all the way. The classic the better. May get an other baby explorer: 2001.

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  Pushed Limits - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By DocBone - August 11 - 8:35 pm

  I have owned my explorer for 2 years now and have not had to deal with any major problems. I did learn the hard way that the o-ring from the oil filter can occasionally get stuck and has to be peeled off. In the last 2 years I have managed to put on nearly 40K miles, between driving to and from school (about 150miles round trip)and pizza delivery. Slightly bothered by the less that stellar gas mileage, but on the highway I have gotten 20+ mpg a few times. Strongly recommend to anyone needs a decent amount of space in their car. Also, after surviving through 2 winters, I have no complaints, snow is not an issue. This car can easily modified without affecting its electrical system

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  Overall, reliable - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Mike13 - July 29 - 1:22 pm

  I have owned this truck for a few years and it has never given me any MAJOR problems. A small electrical problem with the drivers door lock and recently replaced the vent blower moter, but other than some small normal wearntear repairs, it always gets me where I need to go. 189,000+ miles and running strong.

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  More reliable than my Lexus - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By John - June 30 - 8:26 pm

  Purchased used 75000 miles ago