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 81 through 90 of 176.00

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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.

• 

  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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  on the road off the road Im going to get there - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By sheri owens - December 21 - 8:36 pm

  Tinted windows, tilt wheel, Elec code door lock, Cargo storage on top,Bucket seats. New radiator,water pump,idle pully,Alternater,thermostst housing,Septine belt and no body damage.

• 

  Constant repair needed - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By silverbax - November 20 - 8:30 am

  Bought a 98 Ford, had a good vehicle history. Every time there was a little rattle or squeak, Id take it in to try and maintain it. Bad thing: about 3-4 times a year something major happens. Fuel injector sticks and cant be fixed. A/C went out, antifreeze line ruptured, check engine comes on for no reason, and yesterday dash lights blinked out a couple of times. Sometimes parts just fall off - literally. Have to have it aligned about every six months. Spent over $3000 per year in repairs, and it still needs more work. Like the design, but I wont buy another one.

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  One of the Greatest trucks - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Daveh - August 31 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the greatest trucks Ive owned or driven. All of my friends also agree with me. It drives great, and the interior is second to none. Its no BMW, but it is one of the best built American cars today. Once again, Ford out does GM.

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  Very lousy record of Ford Explorer - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By wasiala - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Have had numerous repetitive problems including A/C, heater, Heater core and other leaks. Never gets fixed right without numerous visits. In garage at least once per month. Pinion and diff bearings, front seals, hood shocks, noise in front wheel area for several years, speed control, rear wiper, radio, horn relay, on and on. Will never buy a Ford product again.

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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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  Okay, but no more Fords - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By FA91 - June 2 - 8:15 pm

  As a family who buys new cars and drives them into the ground, I should not complain about the Explorer. I bought this car new in 1998 for about $20,600. At the time this was a very good deal. It was the base model with 5 speed and no roof rack, rear wiper or rear defrost. Good service with no work done until about 80K. It then started eating brakes like candy. Intake manifold went at 90K, and cost $600 to fix at a reasonably priced mechanic. Replaced a front axle hub for $300. Shouldnt be complaining at 107K, but no resale value and my two other vehicles are at 110K 92 Dodge Pickup and 195K - 91 Chrysler. Both still going strong. No more Fords, bought an Xterra.

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  bought a headache - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By bought a headach - May 24 - 1:20 am

  Always wanted an Explorer until I got one. Where do I start -- every little curve you make it sounds like the front end is gonna fall out. The CD player works when it wants to other times it says CD error. The radio stations change themselves. The door, after the drivers side has been opened, keeps unlocking itself. Rides like a horse & buggy. Some times all the windows will roll down. Had to replace driver side door handle two times. Driver side seat latch broke so you have to sit the same way every time you drive. I’m 5, my husband is 62. He was driving when it broke so very rough drive for me.

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  Another Lemon - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By J - May 12 - 9:22 pm

  Replaced ball joints at 25,000 miles and again at 90,000. Radio stopped displaying at 60,000. Problems too numerous to mention. Gas mileage started at around 17 city is now down to 10-12 city and 15 hwy, and thats driving like a granny. Put more work into this truck before 90,000 than any other vehicle Ive owned. Trading it off soon, good riddance!