Ford Explorer draw backs please

I thought the Ford Explorer was a rebadged Nissan Patrol, so just search for issues posted under Patrol. Start with astronomical fuel economy this appears to be the main issue unless its been thrashed and poorly maintained, then it will suffer like any thrash and poorly maintained 4WD.

This ought to start something!!

Russell

At 80 k my mate had to replace all the disc rotors and pads on his (bought 2nd hand), everything was worn completely out, cost him a fortune.

In laws have had a heap of work done to theirs (bought new), mainly warranty and recall work. Suspension in the arse end sagged terribly, springs had to be replaced after about 50 k and they rarley tow or carry anything with it.

Neither vehicle is/was used off road.

Puppy dog cars....play dead and roll over!

Suspension on the earlier models was not changed from the US specs....and those Firestone tyres....

4WD Monthly did a review a couple of monrhs back on the explorer as a used buy, you may be able to pick up a copy (anyone see it and remember which month?). Seemed to come down to a 'a good example is a decent buy as long as you don't plan on doing any real off road work'.

As a tow vehicle , they go OK . . . if you don't mind their ordinary fuel economy.

Typical Yanky Truck.

The go like crap, they handle like crap . . . I'm not an Explorer fan.

Having said that though, the new ones (after 2002) are quite different beasts again.

Poor off road ability. Ground clearance not good.

The Ford Explorer or Exploder as it often called has had a long and sorry history.
1st they fitted Firestone tyres that blew out at speed causing deaths which resulted in hundred million dollar payouts in the US.
Next consumer groups in the US tested the vehicle and found the brakes ,suspension and overall safety standards less than ideal noting that other similar vehicles were in the same boat.
The explorer started its life as a 2wd courier type ute and then a front diff was added.Then more seats and a luxuriuos interior was added.
The consumer groups claimed Ford were making huge profits out of old technology being sold as family transport without bothering to upgrade it safety features.
I got this info from a documentory about them on the ABC or SBS some time back.
The pitfalls will be ever decreasing resale value and a less than capable 4wd.The 98s are probably the worst .
A friend bought one and went on the defensive saying what a fantastic car it was before I had even asked him and 12 months later it was gone and a Prado had taken its place

They are deffinatlly NOT a patrol, that was the maverick. The explorer is some kind of yank rebadge, when I had my 1.6L Petrol Daihatsu Feroza (similar to a suzuki vitara) he took them both through a little patch of sand accross from his workshop when test driving (it was quite a boggy track). He said my Little beast kicked it's ass, it went through without a hesitation, he thought the explorer was going to dig itself to the axles... Said the suspension on them was bleep , and the big ol' yanky motor was gutless.

Everyone has their opinion. The Explorer has nothing to do with Courier. Courier is based on a mazda product. Explorers in Aus do not have the same tyres as fitted in the US. Pre/post 2002 are very different cars. For serious 4wd they are limited as they are not full blown 4WD capable. Ground clearance less than Patrol/Cruiser etc. Some issues with deep water, as standard drivetrain breathers are not adequate. Having said that; for the vast majority of 4wd owners the capability of the car is better than what they are prepared to do with them. I have taken Explorers places that surprised other tough 4wd owners. You need to look at fitting the car to your intended purpose. I would not do the Canning Stock Route in an Explorer, but for an occassional 4wd outing like most do, they are not a bad car. My thought is; if you are asking this question, you may not need a full blown 4WD. I have had about 6 Explorers and have done a round Aus trip in one. Send me a not if you would like to know more.

Howsey,

I had an Explorer XLT new from 1999 to 2001. This one was the second release and had the self levelling rear end. As a first time fourby for me it was OK having been through some intersting "steps" near Baal Bone Colliery out Lithgow way as well as some work through the Victorian High country.

It actually performed better than its reputation would indicate. Although it was a bit heavy on the fuel in low range(it had auto transmission) it equipped itself reasonably well. However.........when I looked at increasing the suspension(poor ground clearance) not many people were interested. I tried to get a bullbar with winch mount and was unsuccessful as noone would supply one for an airbag vehicle.

In summary for minor excursions off road and city work - no problem - although I got rid of mine after 2 years. Anything more and you need a better truck.