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 An integrated child safety seat is optional, and the Expedition model has been replaced by a Premium trim package for the Sport.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 11 through 20 of 134.00

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  Great SUV - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Michael J - July 24 - 11:12 am

  I bought my Explorer XLT with 59k miles on it and 3 years old. It is now 14 years old with 280k miles on it. The only major repair I have had was replacing the AC 2 years ago. I think it was about 1000 to replace it. I am searching for something else now because I am worried it might be on its last leg. Who knows, it may last another 100k miles Definitely recommend an Explorer!

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  A disappointment - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By EdC - June 4 - 10:19 pm

  This SUV was the first vehicle I got to drive as soon as I received my license. Once I did receive it, I got to see all the problems that accompanied it. In 8 years, we had to replace the transmission 3 times. There was an incredible amount of body roll at speeds above 55 mph (that made it feel dangerous on the highway), and the suspension had a horrendous squeak whenever the wheels drove over anything. Gas mileage was terrible with the weak V6. However, regardless of all its faults, I got very close to this car and was sad to finally see it go when we discarded it through the Cash for Clunkers program.

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  1996 Ford Explorer XLT 5.0L V8 - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By HeZ777 - March 5 - 7:42 pm

  Ive owned this car since October 1997, buying it with about 11,000 miles. It now has over 203,000 miles and still running strong. The 302 V8 is a strong and efficient runner, with a strong and durable transmission. Pre-Ethanol highway economy 22 MPG. Post-Ethanol highway economy 18 MPG. Very practical car, tows 5500 lb loads with ease, plenty of ramp torque, and horsepower to run up hills with ease. Recurring issues: this car eats up upper/lower ball joints, water pumps, radiators. Subwoofer not a standard size. On the plus side: 190,000 miles on a fuel pump, 170,000 miles on the air conditioning system. Engine, tranny, fuel system, computer top notch reliable on this car.

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  "til the wheels fall off" - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By MacDaddy - December 18 - 11:41 pm

  Bought new. XLT w/Leather, moonroof, JBL, etc. Routine maint w/oil changes every 3.5K mi. V-8 is powerful enough, but times have changed. Still can drive 100 MPH all day & stays cool. New CD changer. Wore out armrest & had it re-covered, then the coolant leaked out the very same day, but temp gauge never went up. Suspension is a little rocky when empty.Cost to repair etc., is about the present wholesale value (174K mi), so put in a crate motor for $5K rather than buy a new SUV. Beats a car payment. Sunroof rattle on bumpy roads that I fix with matchbook. Great stereo & acoustics, comfy (Im 65"), AC blows ice cubes,tows 2 jetskis so effortlessly, you barely notice them. Keepin it!

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  96 Explorer V8 AWD - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Matt Ross - December 1 - 10:40 am

  The 96 Explorer has been an excellent vehicle. Besides a few maintenance issues which were covered under the extended warranty which I highly recommend purchasing, the vehicle has been excellent for me and my family. It is extremely flexible to your needs and is a great vehicle.

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  Great daily driver... - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By 6spdGTO - August 23 - 11:45 am

  I have owned my Explorer for a year and a half now, with no major problems. I bought it to take my GTO off the road. It needed some work at the time of purchase: Front wheel bearings, a starter, thermostat, IAC motor, brakes and BF Goodrich All- Terrain tires. Recently, the transmission began acting up, but it is most likely an issue with a shift solenoid and separator plate gasket which is common in these models. Should be an easy fix. Due to its short wheelbase, it also offroads great and is fun to drive in the snow or snotty mud. Over all, a great truck. After I drive the wheels off of this one, I will certainly buy another.

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  Going the distance with it - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Dweeze - August 21 - 4:39 pm

  Bought this SUV new, out of necessity, in 2005 when my 1987 Bronco II died on the highway Xmas night with 140K miles. Nearly 14 years and 164K miles later, I have never once regretted that decision. The original engine is still as powerful and the original transmission is still as smooth as the day I drove it off the lot. It is showing signs of age, however, as some of the interior hardware is beginning to fail and the rust is creeping up underneath the rocker panels. Despite the extremely tempting offer to ditch this SUV in the "cash for clunkers" program, I am sticking with my Explorer until the bitter end. The scrap metal heap would not be a fitting end for such a reliable vehicle.

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  terrific - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By G Hanson - May 22 - 10:00 am

  VERY reliable and good fuel to milage ratio. I am very happy with my purchase.

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  Great car - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By pleased owner - May 22 - 10:00 am

  Great reliability and very low maintainance. I have had virtually no problems with my car and it still runs smooth.

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  Never let me down - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Ted Sz - May 12 - 1:24 pm

  I bought my Explorer XLT 4WD new 13 years ago. Ive maintained it myself for 151,000 miles. Ive changed the AT fluid and filter every 30,000 miles and have had no transmission issues. It does chatter when dropping out of OD, but only when another transmission fluid change is due. Ive always used Mobil One ATF. I recently did a lot of work on it because, although its worth less than $2K on the books, it runs like new. I replaced the upper and lower ball joints last fall. I also found an A/C leak and fixed it myself. My brother the HVAC pro pressure tested, evacuated and charged it. Blows ice cold again! Heater blend door is a common failure, $9 part and about eight hours labor!