1998 Ford Explorer Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

3.76/5 Average
176 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The 1998 Ford Explorer gets a restyled tailgate.

Pros:
  • 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.
Cons:
  • Abysmal gas mileage. Handling is sloppy in corners.

User Reviews:

Showing 121 through 130 of 176.00
  • Like it but not sure Ill buy another - 1998 Ford Explorer
    By -

    I teh SUV used with 58,000 miles on it. I had to replace the breaks and rotars at 65K, replace the original battery at 75K and at 80K I needed new ball joints. The stereo system is junk. The CD player shorted out 5 months after I bought it and there is a loose connection some where in the wire running to the rear speakers which causes them work about 25% of the time. I have driven it about 400 mile from Boston to Rochester, NY about 10 times now (3 times with a full cargo bed) and and very pleased with the truck. Im just worried to see what is going to go wrong in another 10,000 miles.

  • Love that power - 1998 Ford Explorer
    By -

    AWD, V8, 3.73 limited slip differential. Only 16 MPG, but it takes off like a sports car! Leak from the front differential had to be repaired twice (at no cost to me). I replaced a bad plug wire a couple weeks later. Front half-shaft seals squeal for the first couple miles in cold weather, and need to be replaced. Bent rear wiper arm. This sums all its troubles for the 2-1/2 years and 27,000 miles of my ownership. A recent ear-ended accident resulted in just a slightly dented and misadjusted bumper. Yes, it lost almost half of its trade- in value since I bought it, but who cares - its not for sale anytime soon.

  • This is my last Ford.. - 1998 Ford Explorer
    By -

    I dont know where to start.With 68K miles engine died (chain tensioner failed),paint is allready chipped and faded,running boards are all rusty,hood lootch broke off recently, drivers seat frame and seat latch broken too,rear differential makes horrible hissing sound,front bearings and ball joints failed also,radio LED is blinking all the time,one of the control panel lights died,check engine light coming on and off constantly,had to replace lower and upper intake gaskets and idle motor(engine wouldnt start in cold weather,faulty headlights switch,terrible gas mileage and the list goes on and on...This is my lesson, last Ford EVER.

  • 98 xlt review (SOHC - 6cyl) - 1998 Ford Explorer
    By -

    I bought the car new. ItÂ’s a good reliable vehicle, especially considering the features and 4 wheel drive components. The car handles well in high winds, up hills, and fully loaded. The cargo compartment is spacious, enough for 4 people for a week of camping. The Explorer, for me, is the right size for most all situations, easy to handle, and well built enough for off-road use. Easily handles the worst weather.

  • One Diehard SUV - 1998 Ford Explorer
    By -

    I have had this SUV for 26 months and love it! Plenty of power out of the engine and the 4x4 has gotten me (into and) out of many muddy situations. Drives like a car and sits like a truck. I spend a lot of time in this toy and the seats are holding up quite nicely.

  • Never Again - 1998 Ford Explorer
    By -

    After having many problems with a 97 Explorer, we decided to trade it in and try again. We have had a host of problems from rear wiper motor malfunction (2x), rattle that the dealership still cant find, and a host of electrical problems from dash board lights that go on and off, check engine light that stays on, O/D off light that comes on at any time and the radio/cd lights that have not worked for almost 2 yrs. Dealership and service has been horrible and useless and drove me off the road when they did not fix my brakes properly and they did not work on Interstate 85 in Norht Atlanta, not the place to not have brakes. My Dad was a Chevy man and now I know why.

  • Worst vehicle Ive ever owned - 1998 Ford Explorer
    By -

    Required new engine with only 66,000 miles, and replaced head gasket for $1200 just one month prior -- big waste. Cost to repair more than value of vehicle! By the way I changed the oil every 5000 miles. Dont buy a Ford!

  • Ford Explorer - 1998 Ford Explorer
    By -

    Never had a mechanical problem Now have 105000 mi.

  • Way to go Explorer - 1998 Ford Explorer
    By -

    After an accident, I needed a cheap car fast. This six year old Explorer with 90,000 + miles has become our #1 vehicle. The six cyl. gives me over 23 MPG. Go figure. Great for hauling kids to college. Ride is stiff, but you cant have it all. My first Ford in 25 years, but it wont be the last.

  • its okay - 1998 Ford Explorer
    By -

    I bought my explorer about a year ago when it had 94,000 miles. Now it has 104,000. It makes noises when you drive. I was told to replace the shocks so I did. It help somewhat but mad the misstake and put rancho shocks on. Supper rough ride!! I bought leather seats for it and realy like them. Engine seems like a good one except when below 25 degrees, then makes funny noises when started. I would recomend, but trading in, in the next week for a pick-up.

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