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 31 through 40 of 100.00

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  Ford Explorer XLT 4WD - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By 1997 Ford Explorer - May 29 - 7:35 pm

  I love my 97 Explorer, but it has been giving me problems lately. Bought it from my parents they put 96K miles on in it 7 years. Around 97K, a month or so after I got it, the tensioner went had to spend 4K to replace the engine. The car failed emissions test, had to pay $200 for a new part plus service. Recently the fuses have been blowing. Fuel economy stinks since I replaced the engine- <15 city. Love my car but may replace with more fuel efficient/reliable car once I can afford another. Positives are: great towing, lots of space, comfortable, safe.

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  Very versatile and comfortable - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By wdbarrett - February 1 - 12:36 am

  We bought our Explorer used from a dealer and have not had any problems. We currently have 72,000 miles on it and just love it. We upgraded the stereo with one that can play MP3s plus a 10-disc CD changer. The installer wired it incorrectly. The subwoofer is on the front channel, the middle speakers on the rear channel, and the front speakers on the center channel.

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  Maybe I Got Lucky - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By rufus1959 - January 29 - 1:46 am

  Powerful 4.0 SOHC engine, lots of options, nice styling, and comfortable. Needs better shocks and it has front end alignment problems. I got the timing chain tensioner and intake manifold gasket recall problem fixed at 50,000 miles. It has 101,000 miles on it now and the only problems Ive had were two thermostats replaced, front end alignment, and a battery. It could use some new shocks though. Overall it has been a pleasure to own. Ive had other Fords and I have experienced numerous problems with them. Maybe I got lucky with this Explorer. Resale value is terrible, but thats the norm with a Ford.

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  After 7 Years 149K Miles Still OK - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By dilbert2 - October 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck new in 12/97. Engine had to be replaced at 103K. It was covered by warranty. Handle to recline driver seat bent and eventually broke off. Cost $600 to fix. Wow! AC will hold a charge for a season. I live in cold weather (upstate NY) and dont bother. Great in snow. Great towing vehicle. I hauled easily 3000 pounds in the vehicle with no problem. (32 bags of cement). I have a 7 foot snowplow and it handles it well...even though I have a 6 cylinder engine. For the abuse that I gave this truck it is great. I can still hit 95MPH on the NY State Thruway with it, get 17 MPG, haul 3000 pounds in it, or tow 5000 pounds. Not bad.

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  Its an old friend - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Sgt - June 28 - 2:00 am

  Bought this vehicle used, and I have put over 60000 miles on this old friend. It has been a costly vehicle, cost 400.oo for third brake light, used even!!! Likes to eat brakes and really loves gas, but has been a great vehicle to drive, has never let me down in the snow! You cant make this vehicle slide in the snow. overall, I love it.

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  Review of Ford - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By ftaggart - June 14 - 2:00 am

  I have enjoyed my Explorer, so much I plan to buy another one this yr. The problems I have had were all minor & easily corrected. The ONLY issue I had that I could never fix was in cold, wet wheather, the auto off feature for the head lamps would engage & the only way to correct it was to unhook the battery. Ford repair could never fix it, fortunatly it only happened maybe 3 or 4 times a year.

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  my mule - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By bugguy - April 24 - 2:00 am

  overall it is a great suv, not as fancy as some of the other over-priced want to impress everyone trash on the market. Has been with us since new never had any real problems with it, except the annual trip to Flordia makes your rear feel like you sat on a peice of plywood, the seats are really uncomfortable on long trips (front & rear). Replaced exhast with Borla S.S., induction also, strongly recommend synthetic oils

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  engine and tranny - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By clbofaz - March 27 - 2:00 am

  Overall good vehicle but blew the timing chain at 70000 mi, had to replace with a 2000 model engine for 1000$, plus install. Runs great now (100000mi) except the tranny is starting to slip, especialy when taking off.Changing the oil is a pain due to its location and best left to thoes with the exspensive "special" tools. Nearly useless roof rack (, Had to have the o2 sensor replaced at 65000mi. Verry crummy spare tire lowering cable (frayed with the tire on it!). Gas mileage is decent for an suv and is rathar constant in both the city and highway(16/21).

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  1997 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By bcbeachman - March 3 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle has been reliable and a pleasure to own. No real problems until after 50k miles, including of course the Firestone tire debacle which I think was blown out of proportion. Only major problems have been a leak in the air plenum o-ring, replaced lower ball joints and idle air control module going bad at 60k miles. Otherwise, garaged, change oil every 3k miles, and follow the manual for all other routine maintenance. 4.0 SOHC engine runs great, gas mileage good for an SUV, no abnormal wear on exterior or interior. Solid ride, great on the highway. Would definitely recommend any low mileage Explorer to this point.

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  MY SECONDED EXPLORER - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By GEORGE - March 3 - 2:00 am

  This is my second explorer, but we now have a 2002 new and i would not own any other car. my 1993 had 220,000 on it and ran great. This one has 219,986 miles and I still drive it on the road. My wife drives the 2002 and we love it.