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 31 through 40 of 176.00

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  Great SUV - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By gatormike - April 7 - 3:59 pm

  This has been a great SUV for my family. The vehicle handles well and has excellent pick up. It has been very reliable. I must say, on the negative side, that the overhead instrument panel display lights went out and the moonroof frame came out, however it did not affect the operation. Those are about the only problems we have had and we have had the vehicle for 4 years. I put a captains bed in the vehicle and I am amazed at the cargo capacity. I know the Explorers have a bad reputation for rolling so I am very careful but all in all I love the vehicle.

• 

  pretty happy - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By ronnieleg - March 27 - 10:00 am

  very trucklike, but if i wanted a wussy car-like truck, id have bought a pathfinder. V8 is great for towing heavy weight buy mileage is abysmal. thats the trade-off. cant have everything in life.

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  50/50 - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Twinklesparkle002 - March 1 - 2:57 pm

  Im 50/50 on the good and the bad, but I guess for the price, that it is good. I love how it takes corners, but I hate having to fight the locks while holding a baby. Car seats do not fit in the back seats unless you want your chair kicked or hugging the dash. But I love how it gets up and goes.

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  No problems here! - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By three-gals-n-gear - January 31 - 2:00 am

  Purchased new 1998- now has 60K miles on it...no maintenance issues- transmission is fine, everyone seems to complain about that one on Fords- very reliable- great creature comforts on Eddie Bauer model. Ford replaced 4 tires and spare for free, even though my particular tires werent involved in Firestone issues. Great customer service through the whole recall issue. Havent even replaced brakes yet! Plan to purchase another Ford after this one.

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  Love it - usual problems - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Chuck - January 5 - 8:37 am

  My EB has 130,000 on it now. Have had typical problems that would be found on any vehicle regardless of the make. Brakes, shocks, squeaks and rattles, etc. All of these things I consider normal for an older vehicle. Ball joints are a problem and very expensive because theyre part of the entire upper control arm assembly. Replacement is fairly easy for a backyard mechanic, but $200 labor for each side from a dealer wouldnt be out of the question. Gas mileage is better than my best friends V6 EB. I average 22 hwy and 17 city. Keep the vehicle well cared for and it will treat you well. Overall, Im very satisfied and would gladly buy another.

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  Very nice, but twitchy - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Wes - December 31 - 2:38 pm

  We purchased the Explorer in 2004, with only 62,000 miles. It was joy a drive, and very comfortable, but I wondered why so low mileage. Did not take long to figure it out. Its almost possessed in terms of twitchy issues. When its hot outside (which is 6 months a year in Vegas) the car will sometimes just not start, then wait 5 to 10 minutes and it will. The mechanic was baffled, but after researching it online, discovered its a vapor lock in the fuel pump or pressure sensor. $800 to replace it according to the dealer. In the winter the excluder seals whistle. According to Ford it is a noise not a defect, but would cost $1500 to make it go away. but when its not acting up its a blast to drive.

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  V-8 is overkill - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Steve - July 10 - 1:30 pm

  I bought this used 1998 with 100,000 miles on the odometer. At the same time I purchased a 2000 with the SOHC V6. The V8 increases towing capacity by about 500lbs, but the fuel economy is awful (8 city/12 hwy) compared to the V6 (17 city/22 hwy). This vehicle had its fair share of squeaks, rattles, and other unsettling noises, yet had a very compliant ride and willing performance. Im happy to report no troubles at all with this truck (excluding the poor fuel economy).

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  Comfortable, but costing in repairs/gas - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By rideforlife - April 28 - 6:09 am

  I love the design and comfort of driving this SUV. Ive used the 4wd fairly often. With recent gas price hikes, though, its become impractical and Im looking for something with much better fuel economy. Ive also had to make various repairs over the last year.

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  Excellant value - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Rick A. - February 18 - 2:00 am

  This suv has been dependable and faithful. Whatever the need, it gets the job done. Pulls boats, loads furniture, toats Christmas trees, carries 5 people. Never a moan or groan. No breakdowns, no extra expenses, just loyal. Very satisfied with this EXPLORER. AWD has been maintenance free. Excellant safety during inclimate weather.

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  its a truck after all... - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By ol_man_ed - December 22 - 4:31 pm

  i hear a lot of complaints about the gas mileage, just remember before you complain, that it is a truck after all. If you want gas mileage one should buy a Civic or some lil car like that. Rear wiper kinda stinks though, it only actually wipes about 20% of the back glass. Cant really say much bad stuff though, its fun to drive, and a SUV with a standard tranny (i love it). All in all its a good truck, just dont expect to go without spending some money on gas, like you would with a lil four banger.