Overview & Reviews

The 1997 Ford Explorer receives a few appreciated improvements this year. A new SOHC V6 engine is now available, providing nearly as much power as the 5.0-liter V8. Also new is a five-speed automatic transmission, the first ever offered by an American auto manufacturer, which is standard on V6 models equipped with automatic.

• Great cargo space, multiple engine options, and attractive exterior styling make this the best selling SUV on the market. The fact that the Explorer has dual airbags sure helps too.

• The base V-6 engine is a asthmatic when trying to pass at freeway speeds. The Explorer feels top-heavy in tight corners.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 100.00

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  1997 Ford Explorer Sport 4WD - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By luckylady - May 19 - 1:05 pm

  Ive had this vehicle for 11 years, bought it brand new and I havent had any major problems with it. It still looks and runs great. Its a timeless design, I believe. It never looks out of style. But the gas mileage is horrible, but what do you expect, its a 4WD SUV. I have had a lot of fun and Im not ashamed to drive it even after 11 years. It still looks brand new, especially after its washed and waxed. Ill be sad to let it go because its been the best car I ever owned.

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  Great value for the price - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Jeff - April 22 - 8:56 am

  Im amazed at other reviewers complaining because they bought a used vehicle and it had maintenance problems. If the hood wont stay up, replace the supports for $20. After a decade or so they might have worn out. Overall, other than the radio, this is a well designed vehicle which when properly maintained will last and last. The V6 has almost as much horsepower as the V8, but gets almost the same milage as well, so you might as well get the V8 and its increased towing capability. Mileage will depend on how you drive it, Im getting 20 MPG combined, and I know of one man whos getting 30 MPG (mostly highway).

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  The Green Beasty - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By grimby802 - October 10 - 2:44 pm

  Why I love my beat up old Ford. With 115,000 miles (and counting) she still runs like a dream. I have replaced a few things here and there (but I have with every older car I have owned) Hint for people with gas mileage problems: change the oil, clean fuel injectors, replace air filter, keep tires inflated properly, and change your fuel filter. I still get 19 miles to the gallon or higher (pretty good for an old SUV). Oh and dont drive a aggressively (makes a huge difference). 10 years down lots more to go.

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  Sporty and Fun! - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By AngelOU - August 23 - 7:46 pm

  My parents ordered this Explorer from the factory, custom-made for them. It has performed well after being shipped around the world, including surviving a typhoon. Regular maintenance is a must, and you will have to fix things as they break. We replaced the CD player with an MP3 player after the 6 disc changer went out. A few minor repairs along the way, but nothing more than a few hundred dollars a year. Its now my college car, and Im enjoying it! The gas mileage is less than desirable, but its normal for an SUV. The paint looks excellent with regular washings and waxings. The plastic covering on the drivers side seat has broken from regular use, though. Speakers stink.

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  Best vehicle I ever owned... - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By ziegfeld - March 28 - 6:15 pm

  Nearly trouble free Best vehicle I ever owned. 205,000 miles and still going strong.

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  132,000 miles and counting - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By jlppimb - April 8 - 1:57 pm

  I bought the SUV new in 97. Have taken it off road a couple times and the truck was awesome. With higher mileage some things have started to wear out as is expected. The fuel mileage stinks, but what do you expect, its not a compact car so get used to it. Mileage can be increased by adding a new air filter and changing the computer chip if you want. I will hate the day I have to get rid of the truck but I know its coming soon.

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  Wonderfully Designed, Fair reliability - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Neill - August 27 - 11:40 am

  I truly enjoy this vehicle. It gets me to my critical job when the city is on snow emergency, with ease. The Auto 4x4 is great, as is the layout of the entire car. Rear heating is also an added plus. As far as comfort and design, this car is a winner. When it comes to reliability however, this car has issues. My tranny had to be rebuilt at 98k miles, suspension system is falling apart despite replacing shocks at 112k, also numerous little rattles/alarming noises from the engine have had to be administered to. Overall, I enjoy the car.

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  Fun! - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Scott - August 17 - 7:01 pm

  My Explorer was a lot of fun, I had to sell because of MPG - horrible - 10 to 12 MPG with 5.0 V8 on a good day. All the extras were enjoyable too. The paint started coming off in a few places and the stereo started shorting out at the same time. Overall, I put 168,000 miles on it and only had small repairs along the way.

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  American built and I love it - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Jeff - June 29 - 3:32 pm

  Well pleased with the speed and response of the V8. Looks great after 8 years. Fuel economy is poor, however these things are big and built for fun and work not fuel economy.

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  Solid performer - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Frankie - June 21 - 4:46 pm

  Ive owned my Explorer since buying it new off the lot in mid-97. Looking back on it, this car turned out much better than expected. It drives smoothly and relatively quietly. Unless you plan to race through the twisties or zigzag through traffic, it handles quite comfortably. On the downhill side of the depreciation curve, it sure is economical to operate. Just replace the usual wear and tear items - tires, brakes, filters, doodads - and save money for other toys. Cant beat it.