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 An integrated child safety seat is optional, and the Expedition model has been replaced by a Premium trim package for the Sport.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 61 through 70 of 134.00

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  PROBLEMS - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Cameron EX - February 9 - 12:50 pm

  What can go wrong on my Explorer has. I have had 3 transmissions. The inside is falling apart and the foil aluminum is coming off of my bumper and the thing is noisy.

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  Love This Truck - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Gypsy - February 3 - 11:49 pm

  I went from a little import sports car to what seemed a "big" vehicle. I came to love it like no other vehicle I have ever owned. On snow and ice it handles beautifully. For an SUV it gets great gas mileage. I personally dont like 4 door SUVs because they seem too long and ugly so the Sport model was right up my alley. It looks cool, rides great, and is just plain fun to drive.

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  Very reliable & comfortable 4X4 - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By jia1 - December 30 - 10:00 am

  This is my first American car, it is supurisingly reliable, exceeded my expectations. During three years of ownership, I had only two repairs, Heater control valve and idle air control valve went bad, both were easy fixes. The rest of running cost were just gas, maintenance and insurance. I am very happy with it will continue to buy American.

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  Exploder.. I mean explorer - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Olivia Alyse - December 9 - 2:54 pm

  Personally, I dont care much for the car. Ive spent nearly 2000$ in repairs for it! To begin with, Im a very very cautious driver- Ive never caused any wrecks, but Ive been rear ended. And the car held up well in the collison- but a few times, when turning slowly even or taking a curve, the car nearly flips over and tilts. Other times, it stalls out and the car speedometer is wrong. When compared to other drivers going 40 the explorer seems slower. It also takes forever to accelerate. And its a gas guzzler. It also has a very very very bumpy ride. I swear I could feel a pebble in grass! Not the best car in the world- especially for someone on a budget!

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  96 Explorer 174k and still running great - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By mdmadv@hotmail.com - November 25 - 12:33 pm

  Purchased used off a lease w/ 17k miles. Has had strict maintenance program, synthetic oil every 4k, transmission service every 20k, flush coolant system annually. Normal driving 16-17, highway 20-21 mpg. Original transmission overdrive just failed after 174k. In shop now. Will repair and give to my son. I would buy another Explorer or Escape If you service the vehicle it has a better chance of lasting.

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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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  Love my Explorer - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By GregTT - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Bought my Explorer new in late 95 and its been very reliable ever since. Just basic maintenance, brakes, tires. O2 sensor replaced a while back but that was pretty cheap. 86000 miles now and still going strong.

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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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  My ford sucks - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Fordsucks - May 19 - 10:00 am

  I have had nothing but trouble with my "exploder". Thats its new nickname. I have it in the shop again for a new transmission. Second time in 2 years. Not only have I been fixing transmissions I think every other mechanical part has been replaced as well.