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 11 through 20 of 176.00

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  wow - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By THEMAN - December 7 - 9:15 am

  I bought a 98 explore sport with 98,000 miles so i know it would have some wear and tear but not like this. The jirst month i had it the trans went then the U joiints. I got them fixed then the rear went and to top it off i only was getting 16 miles to the gallon

• 

  98 2dr sport 5 speed 2WD - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By hawc - November 6 - 1:41 am

  Purchased from a family member two years ago. Ive had to replace ABS speed sensor and both 02 sensors (FYI: if your ABS light is on in your Explorer then its about a 90% chance you just need a very inexpensive speed sensor which can be replaced in under fifteen minutes). The car has otherwise been reliable. Ride quality and handling are decent. Performance is lacking in the OHV 4.0 liter especially from a standing start. Its a lot of heft to get rolling afterall. Once your up to speed, performance is actually quite decent.

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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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  on the road off the road Im going to get there - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By sheri owens - December 21 - 8:36 pm

  Tinted windows, tilt wheel, Elec code door lock, Cargo storage on top,Bucket seats. New radiator,water pump,idle pully,Alternater,thermostst housing,Septine belt and no body damage.

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  Okay, but no more Fords - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By FA91 - June 2 - 8:15 pm

  As a family who buys new cars and drives them into the ground, I should not complain about the Explorer. I bought this car new in 1998 for about $20,600. At the time this was a very good deal. It was the base model with 5 speed and no roof rack, rear wiper or rear defrost. Good service with no work done until about 80K. It then started eating brakes like candy. Intake manifold went at 90K, and cost $600 to fix at a reasonably priced mechanic. Replaced a front axle hub for $300. Shouldnt be complaining at 107K, but no resale value and my two other vehicles are at 110K 92 Dodge Pickup and 195K - 91 Chrysler. Both still going strong. No more Fords, bought an Xterra.

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  Another Lemon - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By J - May 12 - 9:22 pm

  Replaced ball joints at 25,000 miles and again at 90,000. Radio stopped displaying at 60,000. Problems too numerous to mention. Gas mileage started at around 17 city is now down to 10-12 city and 15 hwy, and thats driving like a granny. Put more work into this truck before 90,000 than any other vehicle Ive owned. Trading it off soon, good riddance!

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  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.

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  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.

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  Watch Out For The SOHC V-6 - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Cibs - April 21 - 8:23 pm

  Bought my Explorer used with 70k miles on it and thought what a great deal I got until I found out that FORD has had problems with the SOHC V-6. It seems so much that FORD upped the warranty to 6 years and 72k miles and unfortunately I am just over the miles and years for the warranty. The problems are with the intake gasket and the cam chain tensioners so look out if your Explorer is a 1997 to 1999 with the 4.0L SOHC V-6. Love this truck for everything else.