explorer transmission swap
will a transmission from a 2005 ford explorer fit in a 1996 ford explorer
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1996 Ford Explorer Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The 1996 Ford Explorer model year brought the engine up to the standard set by the previous year's exterior redesign. An optional new 4.9 liter V-8 engine put out 210 horsepower, which brought the SUV well into the high-performance class; buyers could also choose the older 4.0 liter V6, 160-horsepower engine.
Trims available included the two-door Sport model, the two-door and four-door XL and XLT models, the four-door Eddie Bauer, and the four-door Limited edition. All trims, except the Limited, were available in a choice of four-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive.
The '96 Ford Explorer continued to appeal to families looking for a roomy, comfortable sport-utility vehicle. Cargo space was a big selling point: the 1996 Explorer provided 42.6 cubic feet with its rear seats up, and a whopping 81 cubic feet with rear seats folded down.
Once again, the '96 Explorer was the sales champion for its market niche, with more than 300,000 vehicles shipped. Drivers love their Explorers' durability and space a lot more than they love their gas mileage; the new engine offered even less fuel efficiency than before, yielding just 14 mpg city, 18 mpg highway, while the old engine continued to provide 15-18 mpg city, 20-23 mpg highway, depending on model.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1996 Ford Explorer
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Christifor V
Mar 08, 2015
Through the mountains & far away...my Explorer has never failed me. I ultimately feel safe & can depend on it everyday. I can't say that I've ever owned a better vehicle. The mileage isn't the best, but all the good outweighs that.Mar 08, 2015
by Anonymous
Nov 29, 2014
This vehicle was an ok vehicle. It ran great and drove smooth. It was a decent looking and clean vehicle. It was really roomy and comfortable to drive. There was a lot of storage space. Overall it was a good vehicle to have.Nov 29, 2014
by Ryan C
Mar 24, 2013
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.Mar 24, 2013
User rating:
by Christifor V
Mar 08, 2015
Through the mountains & far away...my Explorer has never failed me. I ultimately feel safe & can depend on it everyday. I can't say that I've ever owned a better vehicle. The mileage isn't the best, but all the good outweighs that.Mar 08, 2015
by Anonymous
Nov 29, 2014
This vehicle was an ok vehicle. It ran great and drove smooth. It was a decent looking and clean vehicle. It was really roomy and comfortable to drive. There was a lot of storage space. Overall it was a good vehicle to have.Nov 29, 2014
by Ryan C
Mar 24, 2013
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.Mar 24, 2013
by Shannon C
Feb 06, 2012
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.Feb 06, 2012
by Carri N
May 14, 2011
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.May 14, 2011
by Matt H
May 07, 2011
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.May 07, 2011
by David L
Apr 16, 2011
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.Apr 16, 2011
by Anonymous
Apr 12, 2011
The one thing i like about my baby is she don't talk back lol naw she is strong...The previous owner had her for the entire 15yrs no major problems.. The vehicle has over 170,000miles an still pushing the speed limits if you knnow what I mean..The EX has so many potentials 'OL BLU' what I call her is under contruction right now she should be 80% by summer timeApr 12, 2011
by Jimmy R
Jan 20, 2011
it is so cool!!!!!nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n nnnnnnnnnn n n n n n n n n n n n n nJan 20, 2011
by Colton S
Aug 28, 2010
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.Aug 28, 2010
by Lawrence F
Aug 03, 2010
i owned that truck for over 2years and it was great i took it offroading and through mud puddles jumped it and haauled alot of stuff. this truck was fun to drive i just wish i didnt have to trade it in for my saturnAug 03, 2010
by Travis C
Jun 19, 2010
Stay as far away from an Explorer as you possibly can. Way underpowered and has a tendancy to wheel hop when carrying a load. 4x4 is horrible and the engine blew just before 90 k. Seats were very uncomfortable, and the A/C (with a full chrage) blew luke warm air.Jun 19, 2010
by Colton S
Apr 13, 2010
Build Quality: bald rear tires
Car Comparisons: cheapApr 13, 2010
by Robert G
Apr 09, 2010
5.0L power in this little explorer she has some real get up and go love the all wheel drive needs to be a standard though but when the lil gil goes she goes good for a stock suv love itApr 09, 2010
by Mel C
Feb 18, 2010
i loooooooove my explorer so compy its like driving your own lounge around lol and it has power everything.
Bad thing as much as i love her she loves petrol just as much but she's worth it.
And it fits all my five children the kids in the back back row arent quite as comfy but it does the jobFeb 18, 2010
by David R
Feb 10, 2010
Great acceleration for an suv. Also its really comfortable and it is in the best shape of any vehicle i've ever owned. Only downside is with the 4.0 motor it does tend to be a little bit of a gas hog...Feb 10, 2010
by Anonymous
Jan 19, 2010
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 itJan 19, 2010
by Peter V
Jan 17, 2010
Do not let it go past 175 thousand miles.....things will break apart worse then a Yugoslavian space shuttle. Had this thing over a year and a half, and, the trans is slipping, have a myster intake leak and sensors are failing.Jan 17, 2010
by Thomas R
Nov 18, 2009
It got 170 thousand miles on it. What more can i say. I've had it for over 4 years and havnt had any major problems with it. I have the money for a new car but i see no reason.Nov 18, 2009
by Jennifer R
Oct 24, 2009
that suv drove over every type of snow lol even in reverse, i just loved it cause it was my dads who passed away and he loved it soooo much it meant the world to me, i drove it very proud and was heartbroken when i traded her but she wasnt gonna pass inpection and i had nowhere to store her .... powerful ride ugly on the outside accelerated great, brakes were magnificent for an older vehicle, handled well, very sturdy build, all around ugly looks lol, mpg sucked, just needed oil pretty much, well this car had an alignment problem from the get go but if i pulled on the sterring wheel just left of center i was able to compensate.Oct 24, 2009
by Glutious M
Sep 05, 2009
this is my baby ive had it for two years now and the performance is exellent it hasnt given me any problems the build is great whoever had it before me kept it in good shape inside and out. Bout to get a expedition for christmas.Sep 05, 2009
by Ricardo V
Aug 07, 2009
A great SUV...have it for a long time now, mostly cargo. Has given great service, only a few broken items. A/C failed a couple of years ago , easy fix. P/W motors have failed twice.
Regular oil changes has kept it in the clear .
Aug 07, 2009
by Jose G
Jul 24, 2009
exelente vehiculo buen rendimiento y soporta mucho trabajo, el motor es de alto kilometraje, comodo y de buen manejo, tal vez un poco pesado pero se subsana con el servicio que da, de facil manejo, me gustaria en cuatro cilindros para ver el comportamientoJul 24, 2009
by Rafa L
Sep 15, 2008
My car is tough, dependable, safe and has taken care
of me and my family for 12 years. Since the day it was
purchase we have been happy with it. Only one
problem. The steering wheel is falling apart. But hey!!
that is not bad after 12 years of constant used.Sep 15, 2008
by Greg N
Sep 07, 2008
I enjoy my Explorer. It has helped me and my wife move 4 different times. the gas mielage is horrible but thats to be expected. The V6 Engine has plenty of power for this car to take it off road. This car is a bit boring to drive on the road (Bad cornering and sloppy acceleration) But it is way fun to take off road. It has supprised me many times on what it can handel.Sep 07, 2008
by Joshua M
Jul 23, 2008
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.Jul 23, 2008
by Owen B
Jul 22, 2008
great truck. its 12 years old and still runs great. the manual transmition gets great fuel economy. things are startin to break, but what can you expect of a 12 year old truck with seventy thousand miles on it that has been used as much as this one. i inherited it from my dad when he got a new car so it didnt coast a penny. it has great acceleration and towing capacity and performs well on the highway.Jul 22, 2008
by Julie M
May 31, 2008
Needs work but has a very big potentialMay 31, 2008
by Sean F
Apr 21, 2008
Comfortable, but the suspension is crap, the 4WD doesn't work on angles due to the vacuum lines cupping out. Apr 21, 2008
by Daniel W
Apr 15, 2008
not the best mpg for what it is (4.0 V6)Apr 15, 2008
by Ed Q
Apr 05, 2008
Obviously, the car in the pictures is not mine. Mine has a lot more wear on it. Has over 214,000 miles. Back hatch doesn't open, only has one wiper and gets about 10 miles to the gallon. But it's never not started and always runs strong. I'll be testing it out on my road trip in May.Apr 05, 2008
by Josh B
Mar 08, 2008
Awesome SUV, decked out inside and out, like having the highest quality SUV on the market, minus the gps. Fully loaded with gadgets, stock JBL audio system, Fast, sounds great, best suspension ever, most comfortable ride.Mar 08, 2008
by David J
Feb 26, 2008
So, yeah, slushbox, heavy, poor gas milage, and currently in need of tons of work, but she pulled the first 180k miles really easily and painlessly, and hopefully will give me 120k more without too much trouble.Feb 26, 2008
by Ryan S
Feb 20, 2008
best ford i have ever owend, or that has been in my familyFeb 20, 2008
by Scott D
Dec 29, 2007
Overall it is an awesome truck, although have fun trying to find one. It is a very rare factory 2WD 5.0 with a posi-trac rear. You dont even realise its a 5000lb vehicle, it will leave a 10ft strip of rubber and those imports drivers crying. Dec 29, 2007
by Chase G
Dec 26, 2007
I bought this truck with 84k miles on it. Great shape! Its an XLT but comes with every option the Eddie Bauer pkg. has except the sunroof. The seats are very comfortable, and it has very tight and surprisingly nimble steering for an older/used vehicle. Short and tight turning radius! Acceleration is not all that impressive but given a good stretch of highway, i've seen 106mph on the highway. I've owned it for 4 years now, it has a 147k miles now. Never had one ounce of trouble with it. For personal gratification though, i put new Continental Sportiva AT tires all round 31 x 10.5 x 15. Rough country shocks up front and air shocks in the rear for load leveling when pulling 4 place snowmobile trailer. Changed spark plugs at 100k just because. Never broke down or had the check engine light come on. Truly impressed for an almost 12 yr. old SUV. I love it.Dec 26, 2007
by Yvonne O
Dec 16, 2007
It was great on long distance trips, the 4X4 was pretty good, it wasn't bad on performance.Dec 16, 2007
What users have asked
1996 Ford Explorer XLT tail lights and side lights wont turn on manually
Yes, my tail lights, dashboard, and signal (side lights) wont turn on when I turn the light switch on inside of the car. The only lights that turn when you turn the inside switch on is the front head lights. The signal lights flash when you pull the signal arm down and the brake lights work when you press the brake pedal whether the light switch is fully turned on/off. Now my Explorer has a automatice feature that you can turn so that all outside lights turn on when it gets dark. When I turn this feature on inside of the car all the outside lights work and the dashboard lights up. So that tells me that the fuses must be ok. So the problem should be the light switch. So I replaced the switch, but the problem persists. Is their a relay under the hood or fuse that I'm not seeing, because all lights work when you put the lights on automatic turn on mode. Funny thing when we had a cold spell for a week all the lights from the switch worked, then when it warmed back up, they went out again. What do you check as the culprit for this problem. The first problems I was having with the switch was just the side lights wouldn't turn on an you had to jiggle the switch a little to turn them on then only the full lights on option worked, and now just the front head lights work from the switch. Any advice what could be the problem or what to check
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Why doesn’t my 1996 4.0:Explorer not start after driving?
1996 4.0 Ford Explorer starts and runs fine, after regardless of miles driven and turned off it shows symptoms of a dead battery and will not start. Engine will not turn over, there will be no radio or lights. Let it sit for about 5 minutes and it starts as if nothing happened
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Why is my truck leaking fluid
My 1996 Ford explore 4.0 is leaking fluid from underneath the battery area
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1996 FORD EXPLOYER NO AIR BLOWING OUT OF VENT COMPRESSOR WORKS FINE. COULD THIS BE A FUSE OR SWITCH?
1996 FORD EXPLOYER COMPRESSOR WORKS FINE BUT NO AIR COMING OUT. COULD THIS BE A BAD SWITCH OR FUSE?
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Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 1996 Ford Explorer?Compare this car
1996 Ford Explorer Pricing
Original MSRP
$20,070 to $35,250Price 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
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
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: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: captains chairs
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
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
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: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: captains chairs
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
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
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
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
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: 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: captains chairs · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
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
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: rear
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: captains chairs · 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 · 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
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
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: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: rear
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
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: 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
Suspension
Air Suspension: rear · Leveling: self leveling suspension
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: heated
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Suspension
Air Suspension: rear · Leveling: self leveling suspension
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent