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 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 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
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
114 views
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
