2005 Ford Explorer - My own little 4x4 short bus
Overall, it has been a decent vehicle. I've owned it since it had 16,000 miles on it, and it now has over 120,000. Unfortunately, the transmission went out at only 67,000 mi. After just a few clicks on Google, I found out that was a common occurrence in that particular model/year. I was able to get the transmission rebuilt for less that $2,000. Beyond that, there haven't really been any issues. I have had oil changes & regular maintenance at the manufactures suggested mileage, or close to it. It has been on the beach at vehicle access points in several locations in NC. I've been mudding in it at least 3 times a year. We go camping in it, and it hauls everything I've shoved in it, from groceries to dirt, mulch and wood for a campfire. It has been a sturdy beast that is finally beginning... (more)
Overall, it has been a decent vehicle. I've owned it since it had 16,000 miles on it, and it now has over 120,000. Unfortunately, the transmission went out at only 67,000 mi. After just a few clicks on Google, I found out that was a common occurrence in that particular model/year. I was able to get the transmission rebuilt for less that $2,000. Beyond that, there haven't really been any issues. I have had oil changes & regular maintenance at the manufactures suggested mileage, or close to it. It has been on the beach at vehicle access points in several locations in NC. I've been mudding in it at least 3 times a year. We go camping in it, and it hauls everything I've shoved in it, from groceries to dirt, mulch and wood for a campfire. It has been a sturdy beast that is finally beginning to show her age. The plastic pins that hold the molding along the bottom, beneath the doors, have dry rotted and the molding flops around as I'm driving. The driver seat is dry rotting and loosing all its filling onto the carpet. The power seat went out about two years ago. The power door lock/unlock went out (on the drivers side only) about a year ago. Previous to that, the light underneath of the drivers side mirror went out after a drunk driver hit me, it flickered on and off a few times after I had the body work done and the mirror replaced, but it's zapped out for sure now. Though, I'm sure that is not the fault of Ford. I have not had to do any major and barely any minor mechanical work to it beyond the normal tires and brakes. It has been a good girl. She's starting to hesitate on cold mornings when I start her up, but I am almost positive that with a tad bit of tuning and babying, she'll go another 100,000 miles. The engine is still on fleek and she still has desire to break speed limits and climb mud mounds. Excluding the transmission, it's the best vehicle I've ever owned. I've not even bothered lusting for any newer models. I've been completely content since 2006!
Went to NC with my mom, brother & my kids. They all have 4X4s. They talk me into going down the road from where we were staying to a beach access, somewhere near Duck. I don't know exactly where. I'd never even had my 4X4 engaged at this point, as I'd only had the vehicle for about a year & was still scared of hurting it. Long story short, spent the day on the beach, time to leave & they roll ... (more)
Went to NC with my mom, brother & my kids. They all have 4X4s. They talk me into going down the road from where we were staying to a beach access, somewhere near Duck. I don't know exactly where. I'd never even had my 4X4 engaged at this point, as I'd only had the vehicle for about a year & was still scared of hurting it. Long story short, spent the day on the beach, time to leave & they roll out. I had no idea how to drive in sand. I'd managed to get out there with no problem, but I got stuck in the dunes on the way out. I didn't even know how to engage the 4x4 to get out. I called them to ask for help. Neither answered. I called my ex to ask him how to engage it, he pretty much laughed and mocked me. I had to dig out the damn owners manual and read until I figured out how to cut my own 4x4 on, on my own vehicle. Finally got out of there though. That was my 1st off-road type of adventure in my Explorer & I've had it through mud, rivers, sand & up mountains every since!
Fun. Bumpy ride reminds me of horseback riding as a young girl. Tons of space for a mid-size SUV (I have 3rd-row seating). Twin size air mattress fits in the back with two rows of seats down. Long life. Powerful engine. 4x4. Safe. Reliable.
Fun. Bumpy ride reminds me of horseback riding as a young girl. Tons of space for a mid-size SUV (I have 3rd-row seating). Twin size air mattress fits in the back with two rows of seats down. Long life. Powerful engine. 4x4. Safe. Reliable.
Ford rattles (standard Ford feature). Transmission problems are common in this model year. Too low to the ground. Vehicle doesn't take big enough tires. Terrible gas mileage.
Ford rattles (standard Ford feature). Transmission problems are common in this model year. Too low to the ground. Vehicle doesn't take big enough tires. Terrible gas mileage.
2002 Ford Explorer - Mixed feelings
The Explorer, overall, is a pretty mediocre vehicle. It does have quite a bit of seating, and even for a tall person like me, it seats very comfortably. I really enjoy driving it around, because even though it is an older vehicle, it still has the looks of a newer one. I wish that the gas mileage were better however.
The Explorer, overall, is a pretty mediocre vehicle. It does have quite a bit of seating, and even for a tall person like me, it seats very comfortably. I really enjoy driving it around, because even though it is an older vehicle, it still has the looks of a newer one. I wish that the gas mileage were better however.
I really enjoyed driving the Explorer on the beach at Corolla beach in the outer banks.
I really enjoyed driving the Explorer on the beach at Corolla beach in the outer banks.
I really enjoy the auto 4x4 in the car. It's nice because you never have to put in in four-wheel drive when the weather gets bad because it will do it for you. I also really like the space both in the seats and in the trunk. It also has a larger engine, so it can pull trailers, motorcycles or anything you really need it to.
I really enjoy the auto 4x4 in the car. It's nice because you never have to put in in four-wheel drive when the weather gets bad because it will do it for you. I also really like the space both in the seats and in the trunk. It also has a larger engine, so it can pull trailers, motorcycles or anything you really need it to.
I would have to say the biggest con about the Explorer would have to be the transmission. Everyone I've ever talked to that owns one or used to has had to replace it. They seem to go out around 100,000 miles, and they are not cheap or convenient to replace. The next biggest thing would be the gas mileage. I consistently get around 16mpg, which is not very good for a vehicle of its size or engine. It's also not terrible but unless you have a family or a necessity for a vehicle of that size. I would invest in something else.
I would have to say the biggest con about the Explorer would have to be the transmission. Everyone I've ever talked to that owns one or used to has had to replace it. They seem to go out around 100,000 miles, and they are not cheap or convenient to replace. The next biggest thing would be the gas mileage. I consistently get around 16mpg, which is not very good for a vehicle of its size or engine. It's also not terrible but unless you have a family or a necessity for a vehicle of that size. I would invest in something else.
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