1991 Ford Explorer Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The 1991 Ford Explorer was launched with great fanfare as the company's first entry into the then-new sport utility vehicle market. The Explorer took its name from a 1980s trimline of the popular Ford F-150 pickup; presumably, Ford hoped to capitalize with the F-150's popularity with the off-road set.
The Explorer's trim offerings shared names with those of the F-150 as well: the Explorer was offered in Sport, XL, XLT, and Eddie Bauer trims, with two-door and four-door setups and optional four-wheel drive. Under the hood, the Explorer boasted a 4.0 liter, 155-horsepower V-6 engine.
Alas, the first year of the Ford Explorer was cursed with some quality issues: although most of the 1991 Explorers have held up well through the year, a number of them came off the line with flaws in the transmission and/or chassis. Gas mileage is not the '91 Explorer's great selling point, either, with its 15 mpg city, 17 mpg highway.
If you need the size and durability, though, the roomy Ford Explorer may be the vehicle for you. One of the first SUVs to be broadly marketed in the US, the Explorer has a loyal following of devoted owners.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1991 Ford Explorer
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Anonymous
Dec 11, 2014
I actually have a had a couple of these Explorers like this and they are tanks I turned one into a monster 4x4 and thats all I did with it. This one however is the Eddie Bauer which has everything including moonroof and everything still works which is very surprising for a vehicle that is 24 years old. Im not really impressed with the powertrain I dont like the automatic tranny with the 4.0 it kills your power to the wheels. But overall a great truck would recommend to anyone.Dec 11, 2014
by Anonymous
Dec 18, 2012
good suv for mudding and hunting with friends, good off road truck, i like the 4.0 it has good power iv raced my friend and he has a f150 with a 5.0 and beat him its a good truck with good power for any thing.Dec 18, 2012
by Anonymous
Jul 21, 2011
it was a early ford (fix or repair daily) SUV. the front rad arms kept wearing too soon, esp the dr side. dont get leather unless your a showoff. ziebart it ASAP.
original owner. with my attention to detail it graduated from FixOrRepairDaily, to FavoirteOnRaceDay. if you have one and got any questions holler
i miss the heck out of it. if i could get my hands on one know, i wouldnt let it go.Jul 21, 2011
User rating:
by Anonymous
Dec 11, 2014
I actually have a had a couple of these Explorers like this and they are tanks I turned one into a monster 4x4 and thats all I did with it. This one however is the Eddie Bauer which has everything including moonroof and everything still works which is very surprising for a vehicle that is 24 years old. Im not really impressed with the powertrain I dont like the automatic tranny with the 4.0 it kills your power to the wheels. But overall a great truck would recommend to anyone.Dec 11, 2014
by Anonymous
Dec 18, 2012
good suv for mudding and hunting with friends, good off road truck, i like the 4.0 it has good power iv raced my friend and he has a f150 with a 5.0 and beat him its a good truck with good power for any thing.Dec 18, 2012
by Anonymous
Jul 21, 2011
it was a early ford (fix or repair daily) SUV. the front rad arms kept wearing too soon, esp the dr side. dont get leather unless your a showoff. ziebart it ASAP.
original owner. with my attention to detail it graduated from FixOrRepairDaily, to FavoirteOnRaceDay. if you have one and got any questions holler
i miss the heck out of it. if i could get my hands on one know, i wouldnt let it go.Jul 21, 2011
by Kenith N
Apr 18, 2011
I love my truck its a 1991 so its old as hell it has 200+ thousand miles on it and iv never had a day where she wont start. I take it offroading all the time i tear my way through the woods with that explorer and its bone stock. The 4.0 v6 is totally factory and the suspention has not been messed with (yet)Apr 18, 2011
by Bill P
Dec 02, 2010
Gas mileage is not the best but it s a tuff 4x4 as a stock vechicle, and better with a few mods and some bigger mud terrain tires! The truck is being built from the ground up, first all the suspension rubbers and bushing have been replaced, slight 1.5" suspension lift, and a 3" body lift, 30"x9.5"x15" Hurrcules Trail Digger MTs. Cold air intake, Power& fuel chipped, and fuel ioniozing magnet.Dec 02, 2010
by Elgene T
Sep 05, 2010
got it from my brother. it runs well, the 4wd don't work and the AC needs an upgrade. otherwise its not bad. It gets me to where I need to go and can carry a fair amount of people and stuff.Sep 05, 2010
by Mike H
Aug 07, 2010
great truck built great strong running 4.0 v6. with stock tires this thing flew eveyone is surprised how quick it is and have done over 110 in it. this thing is a blast off road and has more potential with a lift and lockers and is a big off road following with these babies. it was the best 200 bucks i have ever spent Aug 07, 2010
by Joe N
Aug 04, 2010
it is a great all around car good gas mileage performance is great 0-60 in 5.2 just cost wise regular maintenance oil changes etc car is fun to drive and to go off roading in love my car yeahAug 04, 2010
by Joe R
Jul 23, 2010
this one has no bracks cut the peddel off.... gos like hell in the mud ... handling it drives in mud .. in side is mud covered out side is mud covered....cost me 400 dollers win i bought it family ride win i got it ... now it is nothing but a mudride playes in mud and gos like hellJul 23, 2010
by Jonathan B
Jul 07, 2010
The last words about my first truck. It's taken on earthquakes, Arizona summer
heat, Arkansas winter cold, CASH FOR CLUNKERS! and many many miles across
states. He's given up 2 trannys' but hasn't given up his 4.0 heart and soul yet. It's
odometer rolled 4 times already giving us the big number 400,000 miles. But as time
does go on, we all know that he's running on his last legs... running on only 3
cylinders at times, exploded ac, failing transmission, and the aging engine.
Obviously I can't say the least he was a great car.Jul 07, 2010
by Colin W
Jan 25, 2010
Lots of space
Decent mileage for a damn near 20 year old truck
A bit slow, but that's compared to brand new cars
Sorta ugly, but that's compared to new cars- and is subject to opinion. SOme people like the utilitarian look...
Is an unstoppable force of nature
Can't beat the priceJan 25, 2010
by Arnold S
Dec 18, 2009
most reliable piece of machinery i have ever owned ... it was able to withstand anything i threw at it .... not too bad for cost ... less than 10 grand total i got a good truck.. 1991 ford explorer best you could buy Dec 18, 2009
by Jesse L
Nov 11, 2009
i do like my ford explorer i went four wheeling in it the front end little crapy, but u can do a lots of fun stuff to put on the ford. It ride pretty good,thats about all of my car.Nov 11, 2009
by Dylan S
Sep 28, 2009
It was a fine automobile. My grandfather bought it brand new in 1990, he gave it to me when I graduated in 2001. In February of this year, I bought myself a new car and gave the old Explorer to my dad, and am happy to report to this day it is still running strong.Sep 28, 2009
by Ben H
Aug 06, 2009
The Shifter feels cheasy and the interior lights can not be turned off when the doors are open. Solid drive train 4.0L V6 manual transfer case and a locking rear differential dressed up with a chrome cover. Supprisingly quick vehicle for a V6 SUV.Aug 06, 2009
by Rj S
Apr 14, 2009
its got good acceleration, handles all right, brakes need some work, needs paint job and few new interior panals, good gas mileage somewhere around 16 mpg.it will peel tires if u stomp on the gas, digs nice holes off road.its a ford so its easy maintence and very reliableApr 14, 2009
by Andrew S
Mar 08, 2009
It is a little gut less with the 33x12.50R15 having only a 4.0 liter ford, but as soon as the chevy 350 is dropped into it i should have no problems turning the tires. IN hte picture it has 4 inches of suspension lift but recently I have add 3 inches on body. Right now im in the process of putting two 12 inch kicker with a 1800 watt kenwood amp, with a custom box.Mar 08, 2009
by Anonymous
Dec 02, 2008
I bought this car in 1997 with just under 70,000 miles on it. I planned for it to be a 5-6 year run before buying another. After 9 years, this is still a great car. I consider replacing it every year, but it's low cost of operation and very few repairs (and minor ones at that) have been excellent. Now, with over 215,000 miles, it runs almost as well as it did at 70,000. Dec 02, 2008
by Daniel N
Nov 21, 2008
truck runs great , needs alot of cosmetic work , but i only paid 500 for it and am getting the parts cheap , it is gonna be my dedicated mud truck , 6 inch suspension lift and 33's , carr industries light bar , kc hilites , custom snorkel and custom exhaust , my favorite feature is the 5 speed transmissionNov 21, 2008
by Kodi B
Jul 19, 2008
the peformance is great it gets me were im going
i have no troubles with it
the truck handles great
the car is red
the car is fun as hell to drive gotta get it dirty someday
its gonna be fun mudding with that truck it gets 23miles per gallonJul 19, 2008
by Brandi W
Jul 02, 2008
Performance – acceleration-great, braking-great, handling-great
Build Quality – has needed some repairs
Appearance – both interior and exterior styling-great
Cost of Ownership – gas mileage-good, maintenance-good
Fun Factor –this car is fun to drive Jul 02, 2008
by Anonymous
Jun 18, 2008
I bought the 1991 Ford Explore as my first vehicle. Only paid under $1,000 for it and it runs like a dream. I was lucky to find it with less than 16,000 miles on it. Being parked for 6 years it had a few dents and needed a paint job. So far I have had no complaints. I have had no engine issues or even transmission issues.Jun 18, 2008
by LaDusta C
Jun 09, 2008
it is awesome Jun 09, 2008
by Alex B
Apr 02, 2008
We got this used with a blown head gasket. After numerous engine and cooling system repairs, we got it on the road and it's been running decent ever since. It gets horrible fuel mileage, but acceleration and braking are good for an SUV, its luxury features are nice, and it hasn't broken down in ages.Apr 02, 2008
by Garry K
Mar 03, 2008
its ok as far as ford suvs goes Mar 03, 2008
by Samantha B
Jan 10, 2008
Handles great, 4WD is a must Jan 10, 2008
by Anonymous
Sep 17, 2007
very comfortable to sit in !!
seems to have a decent amount of horse power!!
but doesnt have enough horsepower for the SIZE of the engine.
easy handling.
wanna drive it everywhere all time
gas is pretty average now that gas prices are sky high
I get aprox 500 km in city on a tank of gas.
easy to see around vehical.
spacious.
comfortably fits 4 people.
Sep 17, 2007
by Anonymous
Jun 23, 2007
I've gone through several vehicles in my 35 years and the only vehicle that has proved to be reliable is my 1991 Ford Explorer XLT 4x4. No matter how abused or wrecked...it always manages to get me home. I LOVE THIS VEHICLE!!!Jun 23, 2007
What users have asked
1991 Ford Explorer model t transmission
So I bought this car and brought it home next day it was bone dry on transmission oil like the last guy. I re filled and changed the parts you told him too then all of a sudden my transmission feels like it slips. Basically when going through the gears it like one two three then high rev with no power then slam into last gear. Any one have any ideas to try.
16 views
Violent engine shake and really rough idle
Okay when i start up my 91 ford explorer the whole engine and pretty everything under the hood violently shakes and jumps and the idle is really boggy and when i push in the gas it just stalls and dies. Its not the fuel pump I checked for noise when turn the key and I checked all the fuses and relays. I would post a video bit I don't think u can on this website.... Can so.embody please help me?
972 views
Engine swap
What diesel engine will fit in my 91 Ford explorer, which currently has the 4.0 v6? Wanting to diesel swap.
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Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 1991 Ford Explorer?Compare this car
1991 Ford Explorer Pricing
Original MSRP
$14,926 to $22,041Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: rear-only
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: captains chairs
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: vinyl
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: rear-only
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: captains chairs
Seats
Front seat type: split-bench · Upholstery: vinyl
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: JBL · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: rear-only
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Exterior Features
Paint: two-tone
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Seats
Front seat type: split-bench · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Audio System
Premium Brand: JBL · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: rear-only
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Paint: two-tone
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: captains chairs
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: vinyl
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: rear-only
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: captains chairs
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: vinyl
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: JBL · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: rear-only
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: captains chairs
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: vinyl
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: rear-only
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Paint: two-tone
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: captains chairs
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: JBL · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: rear-only
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Exterior Features
Paint: two-tone
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: captains chairs · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: JBL · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: rear-only
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Exterior Features
Paint: two-tone
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: JBL · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: rear-only
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Exterior Features
Paint: two-tone
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: captains chairs · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: JBL · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: rear-only
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Exterior Features
Paint: two-tone
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: captains chairs · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: JBL · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: rear-only
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Exterior Features
Paint: two-tone
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: captains chairs · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent