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1996 Ford Explorer User Reviews

1996 Ford Explorer Review Ratings

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Average Ratings from 27 reviews

  • Performance:3.6 out of 5 stars3.6 out of 5 stars3.6 out of 5 stars3.6 out of 5 stars3.6 out of 5 stars 3.6 / 5
  • Appearance:3.7 out of 5 stars3.7 out of 5 stars3.7 out of 5 stars3.7 out of 5 stars3.7 out of 5 stars 3.7 / 5
  • Build Quality:4.4 out of 5 stars4.4 out of 5 stars4.4 out of 5 stars4.4 out of 5 stars4.4 out of 5 stars 4.4 / 5
  • Overall:4.1 out of 5 stars4.1 out of 5 stars4.1 out of 5 stars4.1 out of 5 stars4.1 out of 5 stars 4.1 / 5

Review Highlights Click to filter reviews below

PROS
"power" 6 reviews
"ride" 5 reviews
"comfortable car" 4 reviews
"shape" 3 reviews
"reliable car" 3 reviews
CONS
"fuel economy" 10 reviews
"ride" 2 reviews
"power" 2 reviews

User Reviews

Displaying 1 - 10 of 27 reviews 123 Next
Doug writes:
1996 Ford Explorer 4 Dr XLT 4WD SUV Review
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Performance:
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Pros

Off road capabilities

Cons

Gas cost

55

1996 Ford Explorer — This truck is a real beast! The 4wd is amazing! The only downside is the cost of gas. The maintinance cost is minimal. This is the most solidly built car I have ever owned. If you want a good on/off road vehicle, this is it! Especially off road!!! Buy one today!

3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Matt writes:
1996 Ford Explorer 4 Dr XLT 4WD SUV Review
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Pros

It's fun, the space comes in handy, looks sporty

Cons

16-18 mpg, insurance will rape you because they call it an "suv" and not a light truck.

75

My Little Get-around — Fairly proportionate front/rear weight ratio, comfy enough to sleep in if I wanted or needed to. It accelerates and brakes fine for something that weighs about 2.5 tons. If I had more places to go I would have lots of fun driving it. I would like to put a lift kit on it someday.

Primary Use: Commuting to work

2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Ryan writes:
1996 Ford Explorer 4 Dr XLT 4WD SUV Review
Back Seats:
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Handling:
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Pros

The after market stereo is awesome

Cons

nothing

35

Amazing Car — I have the entire stereo system redone with chest pounding bass from Ficaraudio and Rockford Fosgate. The car has never had any major problems. The paint still looks brand new, and the engine has still been doing me well. Anything that has gone wrong with this car has been an easy self fix. Absolutely love this car, will hate to see it go.

Primary Use: Commuting to work

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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misfitt58 writes:
1996 Ford Explorer 4 Dr Eddie Bauer AWD SUV Review
Appearance:
Performance:
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Pros

to many to list

Cons

dont get to drive it enough

misfitt58
30

Love It ,will Buy Anouther If I Get The Chance — I love my explorer it is our 2d one the 1st was a 91 this one is a 96 Eddie Bauer and it dose everything but talk, I really like driving it when I get to, traded my truck for it and my wife says it hers, so I got stuck with the 86 bmw ,, ya I got her car and she got my truck, it really will get up and go, has v8 awd in show great traction, starts everytime nomatter how cold, sound system is fantastic, handles great, a very comfortable ride, has am/fm/cas/cd/w six pack/ black w/ gold w/ tan int in very good cond for a 14 yr old, all I did when we got it was put some allweather tires on it and check all fluids, we are very happy with it and best of all we olny paid a total of $900 for it

Primary Use: Family transportation

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Joshua writes:
1996 Ford Explorer 2 Dr Sport SUV Review
Appearance:
Performance:
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Overall:

Pros

Roomy, comfortable,

Cons

Chipping paint, high miles

45

Ford Explorer Sport — I'm pretty satisfied with my Explorer, I'm not by any stretch of the imagination an expert, but I like it. It gets about 21 MPG, handles well, and is roomy without being bulky. I give it about an 8 out of 10. Not as fun to drive as a small car, but better than a large SUV.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Carl writes:
1996 Ford Explorer 4 Dr XLT 4WD SUV Review
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Pros

good size (not too big, nor too small). reliable.

Cons

safety scare some years back hurt resale value. Not fuel efficient.

45

Good Vehicle. Reliable. — Owned for a couple of years. No major problems.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Shannon writes:
1996 Ford Explorer 4 Dr XL SUV Review
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Pros

reliable for the most part

Cons

ugly, awful on gas

25

Doable — The explorer makes for a good first car, but a lot of mechanical problems resulting in putting more money into the car than it's worth. Wish it was a little more fun to drive though, I like a little torque in my cars.

Primary Use: Commuting to work

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Carri writes:
1996 Ford Explorer 2 Dr XL SUV Review
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Pros

dependable

Cons

n/a

20

I Love This Vehicle...i Would Own Another — THE PERFORMANCE HAS BEEN GREAT AND DEPENDABLE.Its body and interior is in great shape. I recently put new O2 sensor in, oil change, fuel filter, and changed spark plugs. I have enjoyed this vehicle and hate to see it go.

Primary Use: Family transportation

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David writes:
1996 Ford Explorer 4 Dr XLT SUV Review
Appearance:
Performance:
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Overall:

Pros

very little repairs

Cons

gas milage

25

It Works — great vehical, bad gas milage. xlt with air, power windows and doors cruise control that dont work and a 6 disc cd player. power seats and it goes and goes. I have 230,000 miles on it and still going strong.

Primary Use: Commuting to work

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Colton writes:
1996 Ford Explorer 4 Dr XLT 4WD SUV Review
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Pros

It's pretty dependable

Cons

it's squeaky.

35

Best Car I Own — good memories in this car, perfect balance of power and fuel efficiency. i'd like to lift it a bit, something like four inches. i don't really like some of its looks but all in all i think she's a keeper.

Primary Use: Sport/fun (spirited driving, track racing, off-roading, etc.)

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Displaying 1 - 10 of 27 reviews 123 Next
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Similar Cars Compared to a 1996 Ford Explorer

1996 Ford Explorer 1997 Ford Expedition 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
1996 Ford Explorer 4 Dr Eddie Bauer SUV picture, exterior
1997 Ford Expedition 4 Dr XLT 4WD SUV picture, exterior
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD, view of the jeep with the new wranglers, exterior
Cost $2,921 Average Instant Market Value $4,461 Average Instant Market Value $3,574 Average Instant Market Value
Gas Mileage (highway) 21 18 20
Horsepower 160 215 185
Crash Test Rating 4 4 3
Front Leg Room (inches) 42.4 40.9 40.9

Reviews From Other Years

2012 Ford Explorer Reviews

First Ford, So Far So Good. By codemannwo

I've only had the SUV for 24 hours, so only time will tell. I will keep posting updates with my impression of this vehicle as I drive and use more of it's expansive features. Just wondering if I nee... Read More

Read all 2012 Ford Explorer reviews

2011 Ford Explorer Reviews

Super Fun, Sporty Suv With The Looks To Boot! By gacowgirl79

So far this is my most favorite SUV I have ever owned. I have owned an explorer before but it was nothing compared to this one! With this one, I am just looking for a reason to get behind the wheel ... Read More

Ford Explor By BradMathiowetz

Great car overall, recommend. The MPG could be a little better, but it doesn't lack at all in the power category, we topped it out at 120 MPH which is astonishing for a car of this size, great buy for... Read More

Read all 2011 Ford Explorer reviews

2010 Ford Explorer Reviews

Lots Of Toys On The Limited Awd By goldy

Accelerator responsiveness with the 6 speed transmission and the v8 is lousy. The 6 speed wants to be in 2nd when starting and shifts very quickly to 6th even when going only 30mph.6 speed is only goo... Read More

Best Mid-sized Suv Out! By Billy

This is my 2nt Ford Explorer and definitely not my last! This vehicle is built Ford tough and is fun to drive. Comfortably seats 7 and the 3rd row seat is very roomy for a mid-sized SUV. I wish I wa... Read More

Read all 2010 Ford Explorer reviews

2009 Ford Explorer Reviews

This Is My 5th Explorer, Need To Down Size To Escape For Parking Situation By jsteve555

I have no complaints regarding car. I am selling it because of my parking limitations and I dont need a car with a tow package...I am planning to stay with Ford and go to an Escape size SUV, The car h... Read More

Good By Carlos

cost efective, space, confort, space, cargo area, tree rows, good gas millage,good apparence interior and exterior, exellent suspension,good braking, i lke separet controls for the a/c, it need a outl... Read More

Read all 3 2009 Ford Explorer reviews

2008 Ford Explorer Reviews

Good Show..!! By IRoq

Good Show..!! I Haven't Made A Repair Yet. Its Fun, & Has Pretty Good Pick Up. I Have A 4WD V6 & I Love Him.. MPG's Are Bad, But That's The Sacrifice You Make With A Big SUV. Visibility Is Great.... Read More

Great Family Car! By Explorer39

Overall, a very good SUV. Great power/performance, very good towing capacity/capability, lots of interior room, nice styling. It's great SUV because it has everything I need. The V6 is just enough for... Read More

Read all 9 2008 Ford Explorer reviews
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