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1997 Ford Explorer Owner Ratings & Reviews

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1997 Ford Explorer - Dependable, durable, and awesome

Jerry
Covington, Georgia
Overall
5.0
Value
4.0
Performance
4.0
Style
4.0
Comfort
5.0
Fuel Economy
4.0
Reliability
4.0
My 1997 Ford Explorer has made me feel I can go anywhere at anytime without worry of whether this vehicle will endure the challenge. I've had this truck for over 15 years. My Explorer is a beautiful red color—unique to all other reds I've seen a vehicle painted in. I haven't even had to do any major repairs to my Ford Explorer, up to three or four years after purchase. I didn't even purchase it brand new. Everyone that knows the time of year I bought the Ford Explorer and years afterwards, they always marvel at how good it still looks and runs on the road. I love the spacious hatch back. My husband has hauled all sorts of heavy, bulky items in it—from pallets to household items, such as washing machines. I would recommend a Ford Explorer to anyone and everyone looking for a good mid-si... (more)
Story
The best memory I have is hauling my family members around in my beautiful Ford Explorer. Especially when I first bought it, and drove it into my mom's front yard. Everyone who saw me get in and out would ask if I had rented it. A lot of people were too jealous to even believe it was really my truck.
Pros
Dependable, awesome color, and loyal under pressure and constant usage.

1997 Ford Explorer - Great every day vehicle

George
Lemon Grove, Florida
Overall
5.0
Value
5.0
Performance
4.0
Style
3.0
Comfort
4.0
Fuel Economy
2.0
Reliability
4.0
While my Ford Explorer has 260k miles on it, it still runs great, reliable on start up, plenty of room for two people or as a utility vehicle. With that being said, it is not the greatest on gas mileage, due to it being a larger vehicle.
Story
I have had to go off-roading a few times with this vehicle, which is great due to it being higher than other vehicles, allowing me to get where I need to either easier or safer than if I had tried in a car. A few times in my grandfather's pastures I have had to pull him out of mud using the 4wd to cause a mess and pull him out.
Pros
The top positive points about this vehicle is that it is sturdy and very reliable. At 260k miles, the engine still sounds great. I personally enjoy the amount of space it has inside it. It does have a second row of seats, even though it is a two-door model, which can be folded down if you need more room. This vehicle also has a reliable 4WD in it, which has been very useful due to living in a small country town.
Cons
The largest con for this vehicle is the fuel economy. While I drive it daily, I would like to be able to go more than three to four days without needing to put more gas into it. With that being said, the hassle of having to move the front seats for whoever is in the back seat to get in and out of the vehicle is more of an annoyance than anything else.