1997 Ford Explorer Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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New options on the 1997 Ford Explorer offered buyers of America's most popular SUV more choices under the hood. In addition to the 4.9 liter, 210-horsepower V-8 engine introduced in 1996, the '97 Explorer also came off the line with an optional single overhead cam 4.0 liter V-6 which delivered 205 horsepower.
Agility was also a selling point for the '97 Ford Explorer: real all-wheel drive was available for the first time on the Eddie Bauer and Limited trims. In addition to those higher-end trim selections, the 1997 Explorer was offered in Sport, XL, and XLT trims, with a choice of two-door and four-door body styles.
Fuel efficiency wasn't bad by sport-utility vehicle standards: 14 to 18 mpg city, 17 to 23 mpg highway, depending on model, engine, and bodystyle, were the EPA's estimates. The Ford Explorer continued to outsell other vehicles in its class because of its affordability, durability, and superior cargo capacity.
Some drivers love this workhorse for toting the family around; others like to take the four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive versions on off-road adventures. Either way, the 1997 Ford Explorer has lasting appeal.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1997 Ford Explorer
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Randy K
Feb 04, 2012
Crappy gas mileage with the V-8, has full time 4WD. B.F. Goodrich All Terrain Radial T/A's on it, darned expensive tire, nearly $200 each. Finish wearing off aluminum alloy rims, not impressed. Has moonroof, has leaked, headliner all stained. No rust. Only 85,000 (supposedly) miles. Very rusty undercarriage (New York car)Added a leaf in each rear spring, saggy butt. Welded a crack in the catalytic converter shut, dumb thing has 4 catalytic converters at $200 each, and two mufflers. Over $1000 exhaust system on a $3500 truck. Leather interior nice, has the AM/FM/Casette/6 CD changer radio, crappy AM reception. Wish it had posi-trac like the last one I had.Feb 04, 2012
by Anonymous
Jun 09, 2011
It handles well for an SUV and is well powered.
High marks for reliability and fuel economy. The
exterior is nothing special and the interior is
sparse. Off road the car is enjoyable but boring
on road. Ride quality is nice but not excellent.Jun 09, 2011
by Anonymous
Mar 14, 2011
Repairs-invested some money into it, but it's good to go and has been very reliable!
It's a fun, comfortable, safe, spacious car to drive! I need to downsize to a small car soon and will defiantly miss it, don't want to sell it!Mar 14, 2011
User rating:
by Randy K
Feb 04, 2012
Crappy gas mileage with the V-8, has full time 4WD. B.F. Goodrich All Terrain Radial T/A's on it, darned expensive tire, nearly $200 each. Finish wearing off aluminum alloy rims, not impressed. Has moonroof, has leaked, headliner all stained. No rust. Only 85,000 (supposedly) miles. Very rusty undercarriage (New York car)Added a leaf in each rear spring, saggy butt. Welded a crack in the catalytic converter shut, dumb thing has 4 catalytic converters at $200 each, and two mufflers. Over $1000 exhaust system on a $3500 truck. Leather interior nice, has the AM/FM/Casette/6 CD changer radio, crappy AM reception. Wish it had posi-trac like the last one I had.Feb 04, 2012
by Anonymous
Jun 09, 2011
It handles well for an SUV and is well powered.
High marks for reliability and fuel economy. The
exterior is nothing special and the interior is
sparse. Off road the car is enjoyable but boring
on road. Ride quality is nice but not excellent.Jun 09, 2011
by Anonymous
Mar 14, 2011
Repairs-invested some money into it, but it's good to go and has been very reliable!
It's a fun, comfortable, safe, spacious car to drive! I need to downsize to a small car soon and will defiantly miss it, don't want to sell it!Mar 14, 2011
by Blade D
Feb 07, 2011
I love this truck cause she has 225,500 miles on her and she still keeps on trucking. The truck has some minor problems her and there but not as many as the newer ones. The really cool thing about this truck is that it has a 6 disc changer.Feb 07, 2011
by Jordan P
Sep 03, 2010
When I first bought this back in 2006, I purchased it with the
intention of it being a short-lived solution for how I could get around
until the end of high school. It turned out to be a love affair;
throughout the years I have grown to love this Explorer so much that I
dread the day where I must get rid of it. Sporting the legendary 5.0
liter V8, my Explorer, while not especially fast, does exhibit the typical
torque grunt of an eight cylinder engine. The build quality I have
found is not typical of what most people think of when they think
Explorer; it has held up superbly over the years, even during my
abusive teen phase. The best thing about it? Its great to drive. The
steering is light and uncommunicative, the brakes suck, the drivetrain
is coarse and jittery. But I don't care. I love driving my Explorer.Sep 03, 2010
by Anonymous
Aug 26, 2010
Performance- Stock V6 is kinda ho' hum on acceleration, but then again a SUV is not a racing car. I am eventually gonna do a superchip, cold air intake, and exhaust to get another 20hp or so.
Build Quality- The used 97 I got is pretty damn good overall. I need to do a couple minor things for the interior, but those I can find at the junk yard pretty cheap. As far as squeaks and rattles, just the normal on suspension, road noise is OK, but not really loud, and handling is pretty good for regular driving. I haven't done any off roading on it yet.
Appearance- I would say the interior of the used 97 I got is a 9 out of 10. There are a couple of little things I need to do, but for a car that is over 10 years old it's very clean.
Cost of Ownership- When I bought the car I knew I would have to put some money on top of what I paid for it. So far nothing unusual. It needed new brakes, Rea Sway Bar work, and some new lower ball joins. I have to point out that this rig has 122K on it, so over all not bad. Just normal wear and needing to replace a few things. Main thing is the eninge and transmission is still in tip top shape, running and idling like new.
Cost of Ownership- I just got it, but I can allready say that gas milleage isn't that great. Maybe 14-15 city, around 20 hwy. Then again it's an SUV and a heavy rig to boot. So I didn't buy the rig expecting to get 20-30 mpg.
Fun Factor- Car is awesome to drive. It handles well for city driving as long as you don't treat it like a wannabe race car, and I can't wait to see how it does with a bit of off roading when I stiffin up the suspension, and chasi next year. Aug 26, 2010
by Keith P
Mar 09, 2010
I like this truck alot. Its got great handling in the snow and it has been very dependible. Its alittle bit of a gas sucker though. Over all dependiblity is great. It hasnt had alot of things go wrong with it for being 13 years old.Mar 09, 2010
by Anonymous
Jun 17, 2009
dont waste time on aftermarket parts, 4.0's are a allaround bad motor (design and reliability), like the braking, handling is tippy but sticks to the road for its weight, I do like the appearance (inside and out)! Gas mileage in the 4.0 is about the same weather pulling or not(stay out of od in hilly places) if you do intend on pulling invest in a trans temp gauge. Fun factor i do enjoy it but i can pull a wrench.Jun 17, 2009
by David M
Aug 24, 2008
I like how my car keeps working year after year and getting me from place to place, when I need it to. I do NOT like the gas mileage. It is a gas guzzler, but I can NOT afford a new car. It is fun to top out in. It goes 108 MPH.Aug 24, 2008
by Joel S
Jun 25, 2008
i think it's a nice vehicle overall. but due to a high profile and narrow stance, it does like to lean on fast turns. it has a decent-sized 4.0 v6 which is pretty good on acceleration for a truck but requires quite a push going up steep hills. the interior has well placed switches and a good display of gauges. Jun 25, 2008
by Jordan C
Apr 27, 2008
I've had the pleasure of driving this vehicle for the past 2 years, and while it doesn't accelerate very fast or set new speed records, it handles quite well and carries a whole lot of stuff. A lot of people hate the Explorer, and I can't see why. It's a great car for the money, and very reliable.Apr 27, 2008
by Rob H
Apr 25, 2008
Not pretty, not fast, but oh so handy. We used this car asa hauler, a hotel and a people carrier.Apr 25, 2008
by Joe G
Mar 31, 2008
Not a problem with it other than seat degradation.Mar 31, 2008
by Sara J
Mar 25, 2008
It may have had it's problems, but I swear this was the funnest vehicle to pull a 360 on a wet road in. Mine had the fog lights and everything, so when it was real bright outside with the moon, we'd turn all the lights off. Gawd, I miss this one. Mar 25, 2008
by Billy A
Mar 10, 2008
IT WAS GOOD ON THE SNOW, other than that, used a ton of gas, was noisy and unreliableMar 10, 2008
by Robert R
Mar 04, 2008
I love this car, I got it for removing my tongue ring and it has been the work horse of the
family. It is the most reliable car I've ever owned and it gets me through winter every year.
Slowly things are starting to go wrong but nothing that will ever need to be fixed like my
cruise control for instance. All in all I love this truck.Mar 04, 2008
by Tyler S
Feb 26, 2008
Super to drive, comfortable, fun. But got really expensive really fast at about 75,000 miles. Feb 26, 2008
by B. Onder K
Feb 14, 2008
over all it was a nice and a powerful suv.Feb 14, 2008
by Taylor B
Jan 30, 2008
Looked really good but had some frame problemsJan 30, 2008
by Tyler W
Jan 08, 2008
mine has been very reliable, i beat on it a bit, and it holds up well.Jan 08, 2008
by Anonymous
Jan 07, 2008
I'm a tall guy and I fit in this truck better than any other suv of similar size, seats are comfy, easy to drive, simple gauge cluster, and I can see just about every where, no big blind spots.Jan 07, 2008
by Andrew G
Jan 06, 2008
It is 10 years old, but It still looks and runs great! Has a power glass sliding sun/moon roof, running boards, pioneer CD AM/FM radio, Ipod hook-up, power everything, remote start ( Coming soon), AWD, two-tone paint that are Ohio state colors!
The outside has only minor sratches and is better shape than some cars that are only half the age of it. It has been in the family for seven years. Has had no major mechanical issues, just the usaull yune ups and replacements. The paint still shines and interior is roomy and has no stains or rips in the seats.Jan 06, 2008
by Kindra R
Dec 27, 2007
Decent mpgs, nice interior/exterior but seriously top heavy and is bad on dirt roads.Dec 27, 2007
by Indy L
Dec 23, 2007
Enjoyed owning this truck. AWD rocks.Dec 23, 2007
by Indy L
Dec 23, 2007
Enjoyed owning this truck. AWD rocks.Dec 23, 2007
What users have asked
14 views
Ac rewiring under dashboard
So my husband was trying to install a deck and accidentally cut one of the wrong wires I need to know what wire to wire or where all the wires that I replaced the motor and the fan under the hood and still when you turn it on nothing no fan blows out or anyting
23 views
My 97 Ford Explorer has a loss of power and left me stranded
I lost complete power nothing to the dash no power nothing but my radio blinks on and off occasionally with the opposition I test the fuses at the fuse block inside the cab and I have power then it ABS off bright and then it gets dull what's going on Southside fuses under the hood have
11 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 1997 Ford Explorer?Compare this car
1997 Ford Explorer Pricing
Original MSRP
$20,610 to $35,530Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: captains chairs
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: vinyl
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Premium Brand: JBL · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Rear Seats
Type: captains chairs
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: vinyl
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: captains chairs
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: vinyl
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: captains chairs
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: vinyl
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: JBL · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Rear Seats
Type: captains chairs
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: vinyl
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: captains chairs
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: vinyl
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: JBL · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Exterior Features
Paint: two-tone
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: JBL · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Exterior Features
Paint: two-tone
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: split-bench · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: JBL · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Exterior Features
Paint: two-tone
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: split-bench · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Premium Brand: JBL · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Exterior Features
Paint: two-tone
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheels: chrome
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Premium Brand: JBL · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Exterior Features
Paint: two-tone
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: chrome
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Premium Brand: JBL · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Exterior Features
Paint: two-tone
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: chrome
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Premium Brand: JBL · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Premium Brand: JBL · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Premium Brand: JBL · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
