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 151 through 160 of 176.00
  • Just Lovin It ! - 1998 Ford Explorer
    By -

    I purchased this vehicle in June 2003 with 94000 miles and an extended warranty contract. I have put 9,000 miles on it since. Other than a rattly suspension (replaced shocks), it has been great.

  • THE BEAR - 1998 Ford Explorer
    By -

    I love this SUV...its got the WORKS!! on it and it handles/drives great on the open road with goodies like rear air with radio/cd controls and plug-in for a player...overhead console and weather/directional indicators...child proof locks. Cools/Heats great with either control you want to set like rear/below/around/under/circle. Lock your keys inside??? No problem with a Keyless entry --- punch in your code...as car automatically locks also. Selling only because Im a widow and have bills/taxes to pay and seeking a smaller engine car for getting about. I will guarantee that youll love/enjoy this SUV.

  • Will Buy Another - 1998 Ford Explorer
    By -

    Driving experience and dependability has been very good. No serious mechanical problems. One irritant has been that the check engine light stays on and dealer or others cannot figure out what is cause. Sometimes it stays off for months then comes back on for no apparant reason. Use it in my Real Estate business and love the spacious interior.

  • Tried and true - 1998 Ford Explorer
    By -

    My 1998 Ford Explorer has been one of the most reliable vehicles Ive ever owned. Ive averaged 19.8 MPG consistently in combined city / highway driving. At 127,000 miles it still has the original spark plugs and wires,I changed the serpentine belt at 110,000 miles even though it didnt need it and the battery at 97000. I replaced the brakes one time. After over 5 years on the road it passed its first smog check! The clear coat paint is as good as new (garage kept and detailed every 6 mos.) Towed a car trailer and car one time at freeway speeds and over the grapevine here in California, total trip time 4.5 hours not a single problem. Tough truck!

  • very good auto - 1998 Ford Explorer
    By -

    Have driven this auto 70,000 miles with little or no problems. I recommend this vehicle to anyone. Chuck

  • Surprising Power - 1998 Ford Explorer
    By -

    Excellent Power out of the V6. Simple mods add a lot too. Pretty poor gas mileage but overall a great car.

  • Devoted Explorer owner - 1998 Ford Explorer
    By -

    This is my third Explorer and we love it! I have owned a 1992 and 1996 XLT with the V6 and have only had a few minor problems in ten years. This is my first V8 and I really like the extra torque. Anyone who buys a V8 should know the gas mileage will not be spectacular, I am pleased with the mileage I have gotten. The Explorer has a feeling of quality and safety that I will come back to again and again.

  • My 1998 Explorer Made it to 268,000 Miles - 1998 Ford Explorer
    By -

    I bought My 1998 Eddie Bauer Edition Ford Explorer used back in 2001 at about 58,000 miles overall I have loved my car, but then it was my first car :) .It stood up to 16 years of constantly hauling heavy DJ equipment and speakers to all my DJ gigs and performances over the years, even constant driving up and down the mountains of Colorado. Over its long life It has had a few problems like the Multifunction switch going out twice (controls your Cruise control, turn signals and wipers etc) however I did have to rebuild my engine at about 170,000 miles after constantly driving up into the high altitude mountains of Denver Colorado while hailung DJ equipment. I did start running in to an issue with car alarm system in the last 2 years randomly going off, I believe due to a malfunctioning door so had to stop locking my doors when I didnt have anything of value in the car. Finally at 268,000 miles this week my Transmission Reverse just went out so its probably time to let the car go as a repair will cost between 1800 and 3800 depending on who does it and if they also decide to do the front differential which has issues now as well. Still drives forward perfectly so I guess I just gotta be a forward thinking person LOL and never go back. The car has been pretty reliable overall and has lasted me years its kind of sad that its time to part ways but it has served me well over the years and the cargo space has been great for all my DJ equipment. Personally I kind of want to buy a newer model Ford Explorer, but I have a wife that really doesnt want me to buy another one :( LOL so the debate goes on as we research reliable SUV cars... (which is how I came to find this in the first place) LOL - [HTML removed]

  • I like - 1998 Ford Explorer
    By -

    I like this SUV. It drives really well and is a good all around vehicle to use.

  • Love it!!! - 1998 Ford Explorer
    By -

    Bought my 1998 Ford Explorer Sport used in 2001. Within a week, the stereo acted up, but the dealer replaced it with an excellent sounding stereo. Much better than the factory installed unit. Summer of 02, the thermostat needed replacing. Other than that, its dependable, and never a problem. Built very tough.Great gas mileage too, city 20MPH, highway 27MPH..6 cyl.

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