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 An integrated child safety seat is optional, and the Expedition model has been replaced by a Premium trim package for the Sport.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 31 through 40 of 134.00

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  A Pretty Good SUV - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Wildbill - February 18 - 11:23 pm

  I bought the Explorer used. At first I had to replace the head gaskets due to oil and antifreeze leaks. That took about $1000 which really bumed me out on it. Since then it has been a good vehicle.

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  WOW - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By allenone973 - October 20 - 2:00 am

  I never in a million years thought i would be writing a glowing review of a Ford but here I am! My V8 currently has 189000 on the clock and it has been almost completely trouble free for over 60K miles. Regular tranny service and oil changes, upper and lower ball joints, an idler pulley, brake pads, one rotor, fuel pump (may not have even been bad) and a new set of Continental tires. I have read the 6cyl is crap but the V8 has a great engine/tranny setup. gas mileage is HORRIBLE, i average 14MPG. Avoid the 6, get the 8, you will pass everything but gas stations! Ride is good on smooth roads but if there are bumps in the road you will know it.

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  Great Vehicle - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By rit - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Always has run strong-- 80000 miles and nothing but tires, brakes and regular maitenance.

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  96 XLT V8 after 8 years & 120,000 miles - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Clockmaker - June 27 - 2:00 am

  This has been an extremely reliable vehicle. Its never been out of service. Most miles are highway at or above speed limits, but quite a few are off-road in Colorado mountains. The ride is not very good on-highway and is jarring off-road. AWD is faultless. Overall MPG about 16-17, OK considering CO winter fuel. Interior and exterior design were state-of-the-art when bought,are still OK but dated.Interior still makes sense. I rate performance high because it has always done what I asked- towed trailers, off-roaded, passed in tight situations, stopped well in emergency situations. I still havent added a quart of oil between changes. Result: my next SUV will be an Explorer.

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  124K...and still smiling... - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By isabel - May 8 - 2:00 am

  Seven years ago, found my Eddie Bauer with 10K, loved the drive, the computer/systems check, the moonroof & cockpit style interior, Picked up the girls from practice and took it for a test drive. A thumbs up from the back seat - cushy leather, stereo controls, a/c vents, cup holders and plenty of cargo space for bags. Consumer Reports it a good rating, price was right...so we made the deal...seven years later I still smile everytime I get behind the wheel. Its been an extremely reliable and cost efficient vehicle and we still love it. Good design never goes out of style!

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  Reliable and powerful - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By cssharkey - April 1 - 2:00 am

  Bought this 96 Explorer used in 98. Only problem with it was a sticky gas pedal ($80 fix) and "Check Engine" light refused to go off until fixed by dealer. Other than that, for the past six years its been just regular maintenance. My V8s got plenty of power - but not having 4x4 has hurt me a few times. Its a bit too light in the back in the snow/ice. But for decent conditions, this cars done been whats been asked of it.

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  I will buy another one in few years - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By nickzmm - February 27 - 2:00 am

  Bought vehicle with 23k miles, now has 143k. Other than front hub failure at 64k ($400) and premature front brake/rotor wear out (my fault for not taking to Ford dealer)($700 total) car has been very reliable. Changed fluids, etc. at recommended intervals at Jiffy Lube. Has not used a drop of oil. Tuned up at 80k. Runs great and expect to keep for another couple of years. V6 engine has enough power for my use and not too bad on milage (15.92 m/g over the last 1100 miles).

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  Unparalleled reliability - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By molllibbburg - January 13 - 2:00 am

  Traded SUV with in-laws in 7/03, so I know the history. After 130,000 miles, it just had its first repair (excluding maintenance) - a water pump. V8 runs great and starts every time. Drove from Miami to Chicago in July and then to S. Carolina in December. Would buy another (with V8 only). Mileage is acceptable and some interior components are cheap and deteriorate from sun rays.

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  Great Car - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Trifecta Show - December 10 - 2:00 am

  I love the explorer. Only bad thing is the terrible as mileage(mine is a 5 liter V8 and I get about 13 miles/gallon on average. Oherwise great car.

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  love my explorer - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By hunypooh777 - November 7 - 2:00 am

  i got it with 96,000 on it and it looked and drove like new. now has 108,000 have only changed o2 sensor, oil and trans fluid. oh yea the front end squeaked like crazy when i got it and the dealer replaced front shocks and grease fittings. havent had any real problems...has been pretty reliable. was comfy when we went from nj to fl and back.