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 141 through 150 of 176.00
  • Well all get old someday . . . - 1998 Ford Explorer
    By -

    Well, I still love the dumb thing, and its all been fun and for the most reliable. I had a power steering hose problem when I got it, and after a few visits, the repair dealer in Torrington Connecticut finally remembered to order the damn part After that, ran great.But like Little Big Man, she kept losing parts. Rear door stopped unlocking drivers side. Reach in and around. No problemo. Then the climate control system crashed, and for $1000, ill keep manually controlling the temp. Then the front door lock started acting up around 100,000 miles so getting in and out is strictly dukes of hazard. Getting a new car, keeping this to trash.

  • Saved my life - 1998 Ford Explorer
    By -

    I was in a bad accident with my 98 explorer last night, I hit a patch of black ice, spun out, and then rolled several times. I climbed out and walked away from the accident with a small bump on my head, and a few bruises were the seatbelt had been. None of the windows broke, and the truck held its shape extremely well. Its a write off by the insurance company, but it still doesnt look that bad, and it kept me safe. Good work explorer!

  • Never Again.... - 1998 Ford Explorer
    By -

    I wouldnt recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a SUV. The ride is hard, the electronics are unpredictable and the gas mileage is something like 10 mpg highway AND city. Theres always some kind of moaning, groaning, scrapping or rubbing sound going on as you roll down the street.The Ford mechanics are clueless when it comes to repairing this thing so they have taken to lying about repairing items that they have not.

  • I like it at 98k - 1998 Ford Explorer
    By -

    I have had this Sport for a few months. Its quiet powerful handles well regardless of what anyone else says. Ive been driving full blown Nascar racecars so I know handling. Corners well for a short wheel-based truck. No fluid leaks at all, mileage 22 mpg on the road, a/c and heat will run you out. The rear wiper is almost useless unless you bend it towards the glass to get more contact. Overall I know this a GREAT value. If you dont need the four door dont get it. You still get a lot of truck and cargo area, not to metion lighter, so better mileage and cost less. Most of all DONT get the 4.0 SOHC if at all possible.

  • Great Truck - 1998 Ford Explorer
    By -

    We have had ours for a year w/ no problems. Only thing Ive had done is a front end alighment.

  • Great truck - 1998 Ford Explorer
    By -

    I bought my explorer used and have had no problems with it at all. I now have 80k and it id virtually perfect inside and out. There is no wear showing on the interior, the paint is still great, etc. It is still very tight, no squeaks or rattles and I love the ride. It is very comfortable, but rides and handles well. and is very easy to park and has a great turning radius.

  • Johnnys Review - 1998 Ford Explorer
    By -

    Check for recalls and make sure not to get one with Firestone tires. Overall its fun to drive on- and off-road.

  • Id buy another (but not a V8) - 1998 Ford Explorer
    By -

    My 98 Eddie Bauer is a great vehicle. It hauls all I need it to, has proven to be reliable and looks great. The features on this truck have spoiled me (power everything, auto headlights, steering wheel controls, push button entry, great stereo, etc.) The V8 is very strong whether youre hauling or playing with some kid in a Honda Civic. I recommend it to someone looking for a TRUCK based SUV!

  • Disgusted - 1998 Ford Explorer
    By -

    At 50000 miles I spent over $2500 in repairs. I continually have problems with the check engine light particularly in cold weather. In cold weather when the vehicle is first started it is necessary to keep the engine revved or it will die. The radio and clock display failed after I owned the vehicles for two years. Personally I have bought my last Ford vehicle.

  • Loved it at first............BUT - 1998 Ford Explorer
    By -

    When I first bought it, I really loved it. After a while, I wasnt so sure. With 3 children, it was very hard for them to enter and exit back seat. Not to mention the gas mileage stinks! I have recently looked into trading this vehicle and I must say that the trade in value of this SUV is very depressing. I will lose thousands of dollars. But it will be well worth it for me to get out of this thing! The ride is terrible. Feels like youre driving a truck! A/C doesnt work very well in extreme heat either. My overall rating of this vehicle is VERY POOR. Oh, I also forgot to mention that the rear window, where you open the back is leaking also.

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