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 71 through 80 of 176.00

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  xlt 98 - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By nick lupu - August 14 - 10:00 am

  1. 44,000 miles: replaced both drive shafts. 2. 50,000 miles: replaced transfer-case. 3. 60,000 miles: repaced upper left arm an d all schock-absorbers. 4.Clonking and radlle noise in the front end still there. 5. 40,000 miles: defective manifold and lifters. 6. 60,000 miles: defective ball-joints front left.

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  Reliable workhorse - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Love to travel - May 28 - 7:23 pm

  Purchased 2 years old with 34,000 miles. Original flaws repaired under warranty by first owner, but had to take it in to redo the front differential pinion seal. Relatively few problems over 7 years and 70,000 miles: the usual DPFE failure, cruise control servo that went out at 100,000, squeaky bushing requiring replacement of an anti-wind up bar in the rear suspension, very short lived ignition wires - replaced twice. Major annoyance: disappearing display of the MACH radio - replaced the power board myself otherwise a very expensive repair. Minor annoyance: squeaky front axle seals in cold weather. Overall, compared to other vehicles that I owned, a very reliable, almost trouble- free performer.

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  So Far, So Good, Knock on Wood - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By blue58 - April 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 98 in 00 with 13k miles on it. It now has 75k miles and we just redid the front breaks, pads on the back and gave it a tune up. Otherwise we have not put a penny into it. The exterior is still holding up and we have the cloth interior with two little children and that has done fine also. Its paid off so I plan to run it til it dies. I hope to get at least another 75K out of it.

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  Great SUV - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By gatormike - April 7 - 3:59 pm

  This has been a great SUV for my family. The vehicle handles well and has excellent pick up. It has been very reliable. I must say, on the negative side, that the overhead instrument panel display lights went out and the moonroof frame came out, however it did not affect the operation. Those are about the only problems we have had and we have had the vehicle for 4 years. I put a captains bed in the vehicle and I am amazed at the cargo capacity. I know the Explorers have a bad reputation for rolling so I am very careful but all in all I love the vehicle.

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  Explorer Sport 4x4 - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By markandleigh - April 3 - 8:40 am

  My wife loved this vehicle for 3 years until she got a Nissan Pathfinder. The Explorers ride is bonejarring and it drifts a lot on the highway. It seems like you are always fighting it instead of having a nice relaxing cruise (yes, the alignment is ok). I have had a few problems out of it, but overall it has been fairly reliable. Did I mention a very poor resale value? We have lost thousands of dollars when compared to other import SUVs.

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  Ford Forgets About Quality - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By SLP - April 2 - 10:00 am

  A very nice looking vehical with good accerlation. Ok milage on highway but could use some improvment around town. Dealer mechs need better training. (had to tell them how to fix problems, they did not look very hard for known problems) Simple items like wiper pivots and motors, door locks, radio controls, etc. have had to be replaced soon after purchase. All has worked well since! Ford needs to pay more attention at the vehical factory.

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  pretty happy - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By ronnieleg - March 27 - 10:00 am

  very trucklike, but if i wanted a wussy car-like truck, id have bought a pathfinder. V8 is great for towing heavy weight buy mileage is abysmal. thats the trade-off. cant have everything in life.

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  50/50 - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Twinklesparkle002 - March 1 - 2:57 pm

  Im 50/50 on the good and the bad, but I guess for the price, that it is good. I love how it takes corners, but I hate having to fight the locks while holding a baby. Car seats do not fit in the back seats unless you want your chair kicked or hugging the dash. But I love how it gets up and goes.

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  No problems here! - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By three-gals-n-gear - January 31 - 2:00 am

  Purchased new 1998- now has 60K miles on it...no maintenance issues- transmission is fine, everyone seems to complain about that one on Fords- very reliable- great creature comforts on Eddie Bauer model. Ford replaced 4 tires and spare for free, even though my particular tires werent involved in Firestone issues. Great customer service through the whole recall issue. Havent even replaced brakes yet! Plan to purchase another Ford after this one.

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  Poor reliability - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By wind - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Within three months of ownership, I had a lot of engine problems! I wasted a lot of my time, as well as money sending my truck to the repair shop for expensive mechanical problems. The customer service complaint line was a waste of time. The trade value for this vehicle is another sad issue. If I want to trade my vehicle , I will lose 3,000 from the blue book value! I will never buy another FORD!