Overview & Reviews

For the 1996 Ford Explorer, the long-awaited V8 AWD versions are available in XLT, Eddie Bauer or Limited Edition flavors. An integrated child safety seat is optional, and the Expedition model has been replaced by a Premium trim package for the Sport.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 134.00

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  Love my Explorer - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By hiyall - March 5 - 5:38 pm

  Bought my Explorer new and have loved it for almost 11 years. It has performed like a champ on LA roads and in mountain and snow conditions. Recently, had to have radiator replaced 3x. It seems the new replacement Ford radiators are no good. They have each still been under warranty but the last one was only one day from being out of warranty. Sadly, I now plan to replace my Explorer because I dont want to chance having to replace the radiator again on my dime. This truck has really hauled everything for me and rides especially well when the back is loaded. If you are thinking of a 96 Explorer I say go for it. Mine still performs well & looks great inside and out.

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  Great Car - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Mike - August 18 - 11:30 am

  We just passed 195,000 miles on this car and it still runs great. It has served my family well. The only problem weve encountered is a squeaking noise in the suspension that we cannot get rid of. Its a "cosmetic" problem as it doesnt affect the ride or handling. The body is great, not a sign of rust on the car that spent its first five years out in the elements of the northeast 24/7 (no garage).

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  Drivin this 1 til bottom falls out! - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By LoveMySUV - March 11 - 11:56 am

  Original owner, love this vehicle. I will cry the day I have to get rid of it. Ive had NO issues, repairs, etc. other than regular maintenance or the occasional cracked radiator hose or seal deterioration (at 10 years old, this is expected). In attempts to improve gas mileage, I added K&N air filter, open cat-back exhaust with 2" pipe, and performance spark plugs, boosting from Std 160 HP to about 180. The occasional tow of 750-1000 lbs. and the random off-road experiences make this a fun ride. It turns 180 on a dime, Ive seen no other car make turns like this one. Ive never managed to get the EPA fuel rating, and this, to be honest is the only problem I have, with 14/17 mpg city/hwy.

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  Common yet reliable - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Lukas - January 16 - 2:42 pm

  My first truck. Big, bulky, gas consuming auto yet I can finally fit all along with my family. Mechanically sound and solid, I love the 5-speed manual transmission with hydraulic clutch - no problems there, good pick up yet sluggish if you do not know how to handle it. Clean and powerful engine. Explorer is extremely popular truck around and I was afraid Ford builds quantity and not quality - I guess I was wrong, absolutely no mechanical problems. The gas prices are the main concern as this truck likes to consume. I get better mileage with manual transmission but fill up costs me a bundle

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  A Better Explorer - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Jim Myers - December 30 - 8:48 pm

  After owning 4 Explorers over the years and living with their poor cornering, I was amazed at driving an All-Wheel-Drive version. No more slowing down in a turn cause you felt the "its gonna tip over!" feeling. What a difference! It felt, and still does, like a big sports car. Very safe and secure feeling. Very well built. My ONLY complaint is the fuel economy! Typically 12-14mpg and 11 if all city. I dont lead foot (remember the Shell Answer Man commercials?). Ill never sell this one as in its extended life it will carry big things till the wheels fall off. I still love it.

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  good deal - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By mary cabral - December 28 - 11:34 pm

  Have had this car for nine years. Has had very very few repairs on it. I did replace the battery three times and I replaced the tires once. It has 28,000 miles and still looks pretty new and the motor is in excellent condition. I drive this car on long trips and it has never stopped on me for any reason. I did treat it well, with oil changes every 3 to 4 thousand miles. I strongly recommend it. I had ever had a Ford before because I like foreign cars but this Explorer proved me wrong!

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  174 k and still like it - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By WL - April 19 - 6:02 am

  Bought it used for cheap off a Toyota dealership lot, with 100k already on it. Had to be talked into buying it by the salesman, and have never regretted it. Drove a 6 cylinder prior to the 8 cylinder. Grandma wont get on the freeway with the pathetically weak 6 cylinder. but the 8 cylinder hauls! Bad gas mileage, hard ride (as expected from an SUV?). Lots of features, the 3.73 rear-end (read:traction) even got me around on Texas "black ice" as good or better than the 4WDs were doing. Tows a 3500 pound boat ok too. Tranny rebuilt at 120k for $1600. Overall, could be a little more reliable I guess. Buy one cheap and replace the parts when they go bad. A good deal for the money. Havent been stranded yet.

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  Will buy another - in a Few years. - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Matt F - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Bought new in 1996. I was initially skeptical about buying a Ford after having owned Acuras and VWs and reading reviews on line. You have to treat these reviews the same way you would a movie critic panning your favorite movie. Almost 6 years later and close to 80,000 miles, I still enjoy this SUV. Besides the routine oil changes, brake replacement and Firestone tire changes, I had to replace the thermostat. $100.00 repair. While under warranty, the 02 sensor was replaced. Thats it. The leather interior has held up well, even with two golden retrievers riding in the back. The V6 and transmission have performed well in the hilly San Francisco terrain.

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  an ok suv - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By kevin5150 - March 31 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle workred pretty well overall for me. My biggest complaint was with the handling. It just never felt very solid. I had the 4.0 V6 with a 5 speed manual worked ok but down on low end power (needed lower gearing). only major thing that went wrong was that the clutch master cylinder went out but that was after 90,000+ miles. All other repairs were just standard maintainance. overall not too bad.

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  Will drive this one till it dies... - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By LUVmySUV - March 25 - 12:59 pm

  I bought this new in 1996. Fabulous vehicle all-around, no issues, never been in the shop for any mechanical reason. I especially love the tight turning radius. It will do a 360 on a dime. My only complaint is the poor 14/17 mpg. Ive never seen the 18/21 it was rated by Ford.