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 91 through 100 of 176.00

• 

  Comfortable, but costing in repairs/gas - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By rideforlife - April 28 - 6:09 am

  I love the design and comfort of driving this SUV. Ive used the 4wd fairly often. With recent gas price hikes, though, its become impractical and Im looking for something with much better fuel economy. Ive also had to make various repairs over the last year.

• 

  burning bag on your doorstep - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By William Clay Ford - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Chronologically, we have had to repair/replace: -tranny (1 week after purchase) -transmission valve body -Throttle body -New keyless entry keypad -Air sensor (once it fails you are rewarded with an exhilirating 30 minute period during which the truck will not start) -Fuel Pump -Throttle body -New tires (the original firestones had a nasty tendency to kill you) -Ball Joints (No grease points. if they ever need grease, they need to be replaced. Top notch!) Currently, I am eagerly anticipating having to replace another throttle body, as the car stalls every so often now, and well, it has been 10,000 miles since I replaced it. I guess its time.

• 

  Excellant value - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Rick A. - February 18 - 2:00 am

  This suv has been dependable and faithful. Whatever the need, it gets the job done. Pulls boats, loads furniture, toats Christmas trees, carries 5 people. Never a moan or groan. No breakdowns, no extra expenses, just loyal. Very satisfied with this EXPLORER. AWD has been maintenance free. Excellant safety during inclimate weather.

• 

  its a truck after all... - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By ol_man_ed - December 22 - 4:31 pm

  i hear a lot of complaints about the gas mileage, just remember before you complain, that it is a truck after all. If you want gas mileage one should buy a Civic or some lil car like that. Rear wiper kinda stinks though, it only actually wipes about 20% of the back glass. Cant really say much bad stuff though, its fun to drive, and a SUV with a standard tranny (i love it). All in all its a good truck, just dont expect to go without spending some money on gas, like you would with a lil four banger.

• 

  Lemon - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By JD - November 10 - 11:46 pm

  Purchased the car with 53,000 miles from a dealer. Within a month the transfer case was leaking which was replaced by the dealer. At 78,000 had to replace the heads due to coolant disappearing. At 82,000 unable to control the temperature, full blast heat. To fix this problem the dashboard must be taken out to get to the heater box to replace the damaged part at a cost of $1,100. The mechanic stated that this is a common problem with Ford Explorers. Terrible gas mileage in town 14-15 mpg, highway 17-18 mpg. Owned many Fords before, this one has been the worst.

• 

  98 XLT 130k - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By moviper - August 26 - 11:26 pm

  This is our third Explorer. I just love them. This one has 130,000 miles on it but it run and looks great. I wish I had gotten the V8 this time but only because I tow a trailer. I have put a air bag module on it and a Clutch fan. Other than that and some new tires it always goes.

• 

  1998 Explorer Woes - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By smph50 - August 21 - 10:00 am

  Almost $4000 in dealer warranty work. Nothing major, just a lot of stuff that should not have broke. Rotors every 20000 miles. Three sets of ball joints. Two multifunction switches. Radio, 4wheel drive shift motor, intake manifold gaskets, AC, door locks, fog lamps, transmission gaskets, oil pan gaskets, rear axel seals and cables.

• 

  Depreciation monster beware. - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By tcliffton - August 21 - 10:00 am

  Fuel pump went out at 37,000 miles, not acceptable. Dead in the driveway. Ford wanted $900 with special 4x4 tow to garage. Did it myself for $300, nasty job. Radio display bad. Rear wiper and rear electric release bad. Needs 4 shocks and brakes at 38,000. Got sucked into the SUV craze I guess, very few people actually need these vehicles. Driving 4600 lbs of detroit steel to drive work and get groceries is insane, you really cant hual any more than you can in a cars trunk and back seat.

• 

  Start your Repair Fund Now - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Wulf - July 27 - 6:41 pm

  Weve had nothing but problems with this car. The electrical systems fail constantly. Weve had problems with the lights, the brakes, the turn signals, the power doors, the transmission, and the gauges.

• 

  Good results - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Clay Prentiss - June 19 - 10:00 am

  I have owned an explorer for two years after buying it used. It has been a great vechile with good power, functional, roomy and no repair costs. I maintain the vechile with regular oil changes and the performance has been much better than my friends with Jeeps and Jimmy/Blazers.