Confidence required in my Ford Explorer

I'm new to this forum, I have just discovered the site after looking for results from my search on Ford Explorers. The purpose for my writing is that I want some confidence re instilled into me regarding my car. I own a 1998 Ford Explorer limited and have done for 5 years now. my problem is that it appears to be suffering from either bad luck or is what I don't want to believe, but a lemon. It had the automatic transmission re-built just over 2 years ago, (partly covered by warranty), then I had to have it re-built again (this time at my expence) in January this year, and also an additional solonoid replaced (further expence) in July this year.
I have just had the air-conditioner switch and heater controls replaced in the last month, (very costly as the entire dash etc had to be removed and replaced).
To top off my dilemma, my fan belt tensioner broke a main bolt and had to be replaced. Apart from these problems there have been four more minor ones that I havn't worried about greatly as they were only $100 to $400 each time and only had the car away from me for a day or so.
The first gear box re-build was (6 weeks without car and $6800). The second gearbox rebuild was (just over 1 week without car and $2700). The air-conditioner problem was (2 weeks without car and $2000). The belt tensioner was (3 days without car and $650).
Does anyone mechanicaly minded feel that this is the end of my bad luck and that I should have better luck with my car from now on. This is a serious request as both myself and my wife like the car and would like to know that we can have some happy motoring ahead of us for a while. I was hoping to keep this car for a few years at least and would appreciate any help or suggestions.
Thankyou in advance.