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 41 through 50 of 100.00

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  V8 (5.0 LITRE) KICKS BUT!! - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Big Eddy Sochable - February 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my V8 Explorer AWD XLT for over 6 years and driven it on the beach and in Snow storms. Its traction in all terrian is excellent (which gives the driver some nice peace of mind). I had 1992 V6 Explorer before this one and the V6 didint cut it (too underpowered). The 92 I had got totalled when I got t-boned by a teenager in a Volvo in 1997. The truck rolled onto its roof and the only injury I suffered was a dislocated shoulder. Thats whay I went out and bought my 97 Explorer. GOOD, DEPENDABLE SUV!!

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  my explorer gets more love than any girl - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By AYA chu CO - December 15 - 2:00 am

  i had moved to buffalo, ny, so i traded in my 93 infiniti for this truck. i had to replace the intake gaskets literally a few miles before the warranty was up, so i was lucky with that. i have had no other problems whatsoever with the truck, the cd changer i installed skips a lot, but that might be my fault. the sohc engine is awesome, i have raced and beat many accords and camrys, as well as triton v8 f150s, and other explorers.

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  Good and fast - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Gumkat - December 6 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun SUV. I have the v8 option which makes it really fast when I need it to be. I average 15mpg which is better than the brand new Explorer with a V6. I did have to rebuild the front end and the rear differential, which is funny because this is an All wheel drive model. I use it for everything.

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  Its cool BUT - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By cshel24 - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I really loved my 97 XLT Explorer, however it wasnt too kind to me, I drove it a year or so, and it was great, then the problems started. As previously stated by somebody else, tensioner problems, believe that stuff. The tensioner broke on mime Then the transmission problems began it was going to be around $2000 to fix that problem. So I traded it off. I miss it a lot, Id love to have another. Mine had 107000 miles when the problems began. and oh yea, the check engine light burned for a long time... no problems, when the check engine light quit burning, thats when the problems began.`

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  97 explorer sport - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By VooDooU7 - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because of the job I had. I traded a jeep wrangler for this explorer. The explorer is not as much fun as the jeep it is a lot more functional. it is more comfortable and reliable as well. the only complaint I have is with the dealership. I no longer live in that area so that is no longer a problem for me.

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  1997 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By scooty - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Alot of options for the money.The 4.0 SOHC motor has plenty of horsepower.Beware of the timing chain tensioner problems and intake manifold gasket problem,though.Recall on these will fix it,but warranty runs out 7 yr/84000 miles.I have had no major problems with this vehicle.Only problems so far were two thermostats and front end alignment.It could use some shocks.All in all Im satisfied with this SUV.

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  Beware: Check Engine Light - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By oaiman - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Up until recently, I enjoyed my Explorer very much. At about 68,000 miles the check engine light started coming on and Ford didnt help much finding the REAL cause. I was given estimates as high as $2300.00 to fix exhaust problems that, after much investigation, turned out to be simply that my gas cap wasnt tightened properly after I left the service station.

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  Reliability - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By JAM - August 5 - 2:00 am

  This truck has performed remarkably well - especially in poor weather conditions (snow, sleet, rain). The vehicle is both responsive and surprisingly powerful and manueverable for its size.

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  Ford Explorer, the rough and tough one - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By fordexstar - July 28 - 2:00 am

  This is my first new car (and first ever SUV) and it has been fantastic. I put 40,000 miles in 2 years. The reason I got the SUV is that I wanted a big car that I can have fun driving. My overal experience has been very positive. In the beginning I had some trouble with the spark plugs dying one after the other. Then came the firestone fiasco. But other than that the car has been very reliable. It is close to 100,000 miles now and touch wood it has not started showing any signs of age.

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  Tough Little Explorer - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By llibst - June 25 - 2:00 am

  Six years and almost 90,000 miles this 97 Explorer Sport has been on of the most bullet proof vehicles our family has ever owned. Even survived a roll over collision in west Texas snow. No major mechanical problems, the single overhead cam engine just keeps running, no problems with a/c, electrical, sound system. Tires even seem to last longer than other SUVs weve owned