In its second year of production, the 1992 Ford Explorer added just one option: 1992's buyers had the choice between automatic and five-speed manual transmission. That was the good news. The bad news was an engine redesign that resulted in a loss of horsepower; the '92 Explorer's 4.0 liter V-6 engine now delivered only 145 horsepower.
Trim choices were the same as the previous year, with Sport, XL, XLT, and Eddie Bauer trims available. Two-door and four-door models were offered, and buyers could select either four-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive.
The '92 Ford Explorer was marketed to people looking for a sport-utility vehicle with off-road capabilities. The size and heft of the new SUV were among its chief selling points. Fuel economy was not a priority, but the new engine did offer slightly better mileage than the previous year's; the 1992 Explorer got between 15 and 17 mpg city, and 19 and 22 mpg highway, depending on model.
Recalls were less of a problem for the 1992 Ford Explorer than for the previous year's models. You'll find a lot of these on the road even today, still praised by their owners for their rugged reliability.
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Vehicle has great acceleration, braking, handling, and ground clearance. Have had some minor repairs done (Water pump, Clutch, and Head Gaskets) but should be expected since vehicle has over 200,000 miles on it. Still has original interior with exception of divers seat (Replaced only do to seat back broke). Very reasonable cost of ownership. Very fun to drive on and off the road.Oct 30, 2011
by Kyle B
Oct 18, 2011
With the 5 speed manual transmission this truck is fun to drive. The perfomance of the 4.0 v6 is pretty good, it gets up and goes, but isnt amazing. Depending on driving habits I was able to get about 22 mpg. Easy to work on and parts are pretty cheap.Oct 18, 2011
by Brad M
Jun 22, 2011
handles like a boat, gets bad gas mileage, goes where i want to go and can haul lots of cargo 4WD works great! handles the snow well and the Heater works great in -45. She Aint pretty but is all around a good vehicleJun 22, 2011
User rating:
by Brian D
Oct 30, 2011
Vehicle has great acceleration, braking, handling, and ground clearance. Have had some minor repairs done (Water pump, Clutch, and Head Gaskets) but should be expected since vehicle has over 200,000 miles on it. Still has original interior with exception of divers seat (Replaced only do to seat back broke). Very reasonable cost of ownership. Very fun to drive on and off the road.Oct 30, 2011
by Kyle B
Oct 18, 2011
With the 5 speed manual transmission this truck is fun to drive. The perfomance of the 4.0 v6 is pretty good, it gets up and goes, but isnt amazing. Depending on driving habits I was able to get about 22 mpg. Easy to work on and parts are pretty cheap.Oct 18, 2011
by Brad M
Jun 22, 2011
handles like a boat, gets bad gas mileage, goes where i want to go and can haul lots of cargo 4WD works great! handles the snow well and the Heater works great in -45. She Aint pretty but is all around a good vehicleJun 22, 2011
by Cameron J
Jan 27, 2011
This SUV has lasted well past its sell-by date, but I have kept it for the reason to
restore it and make it an off-road brute thats ready to tackle the trail. You can give
the SUV quite a beating and expect it to start right back up the next day without
too much problem. The styling on this SUV screams take me off road so i can get
dirty. The car looks way better covered in mud and dirt than clean and fresh. You
can not have fun in this SUV if you keep it on the road at all times.Jan 27, 2011
by David S
Sep 02, 2010
I love this SUV. unfortunately It finally gave up the ghost at over 375,000 miles on it with no major work done on it other than a rebuilt transmission. It was always a blast to drive around town with my friends in tow. i would highly recommend this or any Ford truck to a friendSep 02, 2010
by Drupadsinh V
May 14, 2009
Mean Machine for long trips. Made it in no time from Wash DC to Orlando, overnight, fully loaded. Cost effective to maintain and operate. Loved the manual transmission! Very spacious. Super cold AC. Awesome turning radius. I would buy one again!May 14, 2009
by Tully C
Apr 02, 2008
Mine was on the ropes when I got it, but while it lasted, I loved the thing. It was great for trips with multiple people, rode surprisingly quietly considering its tires and drivetrain. Most of these will go 200,000 miles, which mine did. Apr 02, 2008
by Justin L
Mar 04, 2008
the one i had has 260,000 miles and is a daily driverMar 04, 2008
by Edward D
Jan 21, 2008
Full size SUV, second year Explorer was built was '92, meant by ford to replace the Bronco. While Explorers have a rust problem, mine has little to none because of a lifetime warranty that we got through Zebart. Because of the Explorer's rust problems, they no longer offer life though, only ten years. Excellent acceleration for its size, good handling, and excellent braking. Not a bad looking vehicle either. Can take LOADS of abuse, being the only major problem is weak/poorly designed transmission and rust problems glore. Still runs like a dream after 115,000 miles. V6 should not have been offered as an engine though, but thats just my thoughts.Jan 21, 2008
by Edward D
Jan 21, 2008
Full size SUV, second year Explorer was built was '92, meant by ford to replace the Bronco. While Explorers have a rust problem, mine has little to none because of a lifetime warranty that we got through Zebart. Because of the Explorer's rust problems, they no longer offer life though, only ten years. Excellent acceleration for its size, good handling, and excellent braking. Not a bad looking vehicle either. Can take LOADS of abuse, being the only major problem is tranny and rust. Still runs like a dream after 115,000 miles. V6 should not have been offered as an engine though, but thats Jan 21, 2008
by Joshua C
Jan 13, 2008
Good on dirt roads... didn't handle very well.Jan 13, 2008
by Tim M
Dec 22, 2007
I paid $800 for it in May of 2007, and it has lasted for more than eight months, so it's been worth all I paid for it.Dec 22, 2007
by Anonymous
May 31, 2007
It has been dependable, I'm having some top end noiseMay 31, 2007
by Anonymous
May 15, 2007
It is a good stout truck and has been dependableMay 15, 2007
i have a 1992 ford explorer and when you press brake pedal and release the pedal the rear brake drag after the car sits for a few hours the rear brakes do seem to bleed down and release untill the pedal is pushed again what may be the problem ?
The chime works fine but please help me turn it off. It used to come on if the key was ajar in the ignition, but mysteriously quit having that issue and now only comes on when I turn the lights on. I'd like to find its location and disable it.
Is there a way to know if it is bad? I replaced my multi-v belt and it keeps on slipping off. I notice that the fan pully (harmonic balancer) is lose. Is there a way to tighten it?