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 An integrated child safety seat is optional, and the Expedition model has been replaced by a Premium trim package for the Sport.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 1 through 10 of 134.00

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  WHAT I EXPECT FROM AN EXPLORER - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Kevin B - December 16 - 9:24 pm

  I have owned a lot of Ford Explorers over the years from a 76 Ford Explorer Truck to a Camper Special to even owning a 92 Ford Explorer SUV with all them having accept for the camper special having V6 or inline 6 cylinder engines, but my latest is the AWD V8 which is a work of art to me. This truck in dependable and reliable. Of course I know it is not used to go rock climbing and is for normal to mid off road use, unlike most try to think it should be. In my opinion this SUV is what it should do an average to above average SUV

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  Guess I Got One Of The Good Ones - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By greenmamba - April 10 - 7:23 pm

  Bought mine with 135K back in 01. It now has over 300K and has been the perfect vehicle. Still looks fantastic, interior has a small 1 1/2 inch tear on the driver seats side. Has never left us walking. Same transmission, water pump, rear end. The only big things replaced are a/c and radiator. Both done by me and all maintenance also.

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  Amazingly Tough!!! - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By glenniz - March 10 - 10:32 pm

  Bought this 1996 XLT as a first car for my daughter to learn how to drive and then I was going to sell it. Well guess what....Im going to do some maintenance on it and keep it for myself. The 5.0L motor is amazing and the transmission shifts like it was new (this vehicle has 185,000 miles on it). It still gets 18 mpg in the city and about 23 mpg on the Hwy. and has absolutely NO oil leaks!!! Im Impressed!!!!!

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  Driving on SNOW STORMS - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By udarab88 - December 13 - 5:54 pm

  This is not a good SUV to drive on heavy snow high ways. Specially 4x4. I spinned twice and hit on the edge of the highway safety guards. I was driving 30mph on a 70mph road. Please use 2 wheel drive on high ways when its really bad on roads.

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  Still Working - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By slinsk - November 9 - 2:15 pm

  Bought my 4.0L, 4dr, 4wd, auto XLT as a new loss leader from the Sunday newspaper auto section in 1996 for $23k. Had to replace a blown head gasket twice. First time was my fault because thermostat was bad and temp gage wasnt working so engine overheated & blew the head gasket. 2nd time was just from age & I was able to save a few thousand by doing the labor myself (~$700 in parts & machine shop work on the valves/heads). Now has 157k on it. Transmission is starting to slip but I understand thats normal wear & tear with this many miles. Other than that, just had the usual, tires, alternator, brakes stuff. The truck has been a workhorse.

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  1996 1 owner Ford Explorer 4wd 4 dr - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By drbobe - November 20 - 4:58 pm

  When I purchased the 96 Explorer it was my 2nd one. I had a 91 2dr 4wd and sold it to my Dad. My 96 was fine till 55,000 miles when the odometer broke. It was already out of warranty and cost $1000 to fix due to it being one of a cluster . I had to repair the a/c twice costing $1000 each time. I replaced the radiator at $800. Ive replaced the transfer case at $3500 and the Transmission at $2000. This vehicle is only used to go to and from work and school 5-10 miles away. Recently, my daughter was driving it on I-95 coing home from college and the engine failed costing me $400 to tow it home 71 miles. It appears it is only worth $2000 when running.

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  Cant complain one bit - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By roller_k - May 21 - 2:21 pm

  I bought my 96 in 98 with 14000 miles on it. 12 years and 160,000 miles later and it never had a breakdown. The transmission never gave me problems. Only problem after many years was the link to the auto transmission and the back door lock had problems that I never took it in for. I did most of the scheduled maintenance myself and Im no real mechanic. Great vehicle from Ford.

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  Sure footed ride - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Anonymous - December 7 - 2:00 am

  92,000 miles on 5.0 L and it still looks and runs almost like new. Terrible gas mileage(16)and some engine noise. Ive pulled a 16 ft box trailer all over, it has plenty of power and suspension, just doesnt have the long wheel base for stability.Love the short turning radius, tight suspension, and awd traction. No significant repairs other than the heater controls are shot, cant turn it off - damper? On the second set of brake pads and have just recently started noticing rotor warp on original set. Still uses zero oil between changes. On the second set of tires. Original muffler and suspension!! No rust. This vehicle has been babied, but it is still runs and looks great at 14.

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  1996 2 dr 4x4 explorer sport - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By steve - November 18 - 2:00 am

  I have 200,100 miles on my SUV. I purchased my 1996 with 108,000 miles for $3200.00. I have put 92,000 miles on it. I have had to replace upper ball joints, tires and routine oil changes, battery, alternator. Other than that I got more than my moneys worth still running strong. I purchased 70,000 tires thinking they would outlive the truck. Now I need new tires.

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  Very Dependable SUV - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Starsky64 - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Purchased my Explorer XLT used 7 years ago with 69k miles. It now has over 125k miles and still going strong. Very comfortable interior with durable cloth seats. I have never had any major maintenance issues with this truck. The only items that needed replacement were the two front upper control arm/ball joint assemblies. The body is still relatively rust-free considering it is now 14 years old. Very well made vehicle.