1994 Ford Explorer Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

3.83/5 Average
82 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

New wheels and a power equipment group for the Eddie Bauer model are the only changes to this year's Explorer.

Pros:
Cons:

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 82.00
  • Reliable, and trustworthy 200K mile workhorse... - 1994 Ford Explorer
    By -

    I bought mine with 186k miles, 5 speed stick shift and everything worked great on her, and it kept on going for the 14 months i owned her, i live in Las Vegas where most cars can overheat, she never did (except for the time in which a 21 year old hose broke, replaced the hose and refilled the antifreeze, good as ever). Only malfunction it had was a alternator gone bad, and it took me 3 belts to figure it out... my bad... We arrived in the US and owned absolutely nothing, except for her, so she pretty much hauled us and all of our belongings from our first apartment to the next one, she never left us hanging not even when the belts were broken because of the alternators pulley getting stuck (bad bearings i was told). Parts were always available at any local auto shop, and they were also cheap, which is great too... We changed the oil every 3k miles, and i changed the spark plugs a couple of times, i also did the front brakes when i got her. Only problem was the famous ford power steering leak, and a couple of noises here and there. It did pass the smog check when i had to register for the first time, and guess what, it did it again the next year without any hiccups, i saw my neighbors having to spend money on their newer flashier cars, and i did nothing to her, she passed without any effort, and the last tune up had been like 15k miles before. A really comfortable ride, even for our family of four, of which 3 are taller than 6, a bit tight on the backseats but could easily go from Las Vegas to L.A. without having to stop and stretch the legs. The best part is that i sold her for a profit of a 50%, so i can say im a happy customer, and needless to say im getting another ford, im sure ill continue to be a happy customer for the years to come. Glad to keep up buying american instead of imports.

  • WORTH IT! - 1994 Ford Explorer
    By -

    Bought it 3 years ago at an auction for $200 with a badly rebuilt engine. They the put the head gaskets in upside down. Replaced all the rings and the bearings on a fresh block and all new gaskets. Most of the outer engine parts where original. Since then weve replaced water pump, alternator, battery, plugs,plug wires,clutch fan,ball joints,tires,radius arm bushings,door panel,MAF,Fuel filter,and clutch. Much of this was because I wanted it to perform at its best.Would have did just fine without it. The gas mileage on the 5speed manual 4.0V6 is 18/20 City /22/26 Highway. But for 200 bucks this was a deal. Makes it from Phoenix to Denver no problem. Reliable and fun! Great on gas and roomy!

  • A Solid, Reliable Truck. 1994 Ford Explorer Sport, 2 DR, Auto - 1994 Ford Explorer
    By -

    I bought my 1994 Ford Explorer Sport in May, 1994 and it has been pretty reliable over the years. Id have to say its weakest point has been its tranny, which required rebuilds in Jan 00, Dec 02 and another one now, as I write this. This is with the trailer towing package with the auxiliary tranny cooler, though I never towed anything with the truck. There have been other parts that have been changed over the years, but not at a faster rate than one would expect. I have to admit though, If I didnt have GEICOs mechanical breakdown coverage, I probably wouldnt have this truck still. Im grandfathered in under the old plan that was offerred in NY with unlimited time and mileage (I pay the 1st $250 of any major repair). They will total the vehicle if the repair is over 75% of appraised value, which is around $2000 for my truck. All the talk of the repairs aside, this truck has been my companion for 17 years and I consider it a part of me. Weve explored all over this country together and Im determined to see its 250K mile "birthday" in the next couple of years, when I can tell people its driven the distance to the moon (and not at the closest point in its orbit). At $223,500 now. I would also like to see my 14 y/o learn to drive in this truck when he turns 17.

  • Great truck - 1994 Ford Explorer
    By -

    I have had it for over a year. It has over 250,000 miles on it. Changed radius arm bushing and oil changes thats about it goes. Everywhere wouldnt give it up for the world.

  • Worth It! - 1994 Ford Explorer
    By -

    I bought this truck in 2005 after originally wanting an Expedition, but I absolutely love it. I am still driving it but am looking for something new. It got me through college several states from home and a huge move for a new job even more states away from home. It has been very dependable, however it is just getting old and many small annoying things are starting to go wrong with it. For spending most of its life in Midwest winters it has surprisingly little rust on the body and still looks great. I regret having to get rid of it but it has served its purpose very well and is an extremely comfortable ride. I definitely want to stick with another vehicle about the size of this.

  • Costly - 1994 Ford Explorer
    By -

    Started off great then one by one things started to fall apart. Trans has gone out twice and that was the last straw. Brakes are costly to maintain since it is 4WD and the interior door panels are poor quality. Air and heat keep going strong. Not very economical as far as gas is concerned--never got over 14 mpg. I would never buy one new, Id go with something else entirely.

  • Love my truck - 1994 Ford Explorer
    By -

    Purchased my truck with 186000 miles. It now has 262000 miles on it. Ive had to replace the computer, rad.,blower motor, frost plug and window clips. It now needs a transmission. I still love my truck. It has been a very reliable truck. It has been used by all members of my family. I am sad to finally give up my truck. If I could I would replace the tranmisson. Thumbs up to 1994 Ford Explorers.

  • Great Truck - 1994 Ford Explorer
    By -

    I bought this truck with around 230,000 miles on it wondering what i was getting myself into. This truck is great. Great in the snow, always starts, great sound system, lots of cargo room, feels like Im sitting on a lazy boy driving around, it is so smooth. The car has also aged gracefully. I had to make a few minor repairs but that is to expected with such an old vehicle. The gas milage is not great but you cant control gas prices. I love the truck overall and it is still going strong after 300,000. Im going to hold on to this truck as long as I can. The front seats have so much room so much better than riding in a 2010 sardin can.

  • So Far So Good - 1994 Ford Explorer
    By -

    Bought this as a winter vehicle. Wasnt looking for an Explorer but the price was good ($2,400) for what I got. 119K miles, ZERO rust (rare for Northeast Pennsylvania), and no fluid leaks. The underside is unexpectedly clean. So far I had to put in an AC comp. clutch, steering bushings, EGR sensor and front rotors. I also replaced the horrible stock speakers. Ive heard horror stories about the tranny (main concern before buying) so I bought an extended warranty. Mine is OK except when its cold reverse takes a second or 2. Going to change the fluid. It has push button 4WD but manual hubs... replaced before I bought. Thats another common problem, so Ive heard. Overall, Im happy with it.

  • 1994 Ford Explorer - 1994 Ford Explorer
    By -

    I bought this truck right after high school and it has been very reliable. The only problems ive had are the ball joints which ive done twice along with the right radius arm bushing that like to get hard,fall apart and make a really annoying squeaking noise due to it being so close to the catalytic converter. I suggest if replacing Napa makes a high heat style bushing i put 2 regular bushings in 50000 miles before finally replacing it the last time with the high heat and have not had a problem in 80000 miles since. I have had no major problems with this truck it now has 245000 and it still runs good on or off road

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