If you think about it there are more of these around from the 90s then there are competitor suvs thats why they seem more rusty. My Dads 2000 daily driven in Mn salty roads was super clean but he also took care of it and got it washed once a week in the winter time.
I'd say there is more Grand Cherokees given the sales ratio, there really isn't that many of these considering they sold 400,000 a year in the 90s compared to Jeeps 250,000 average. I see more Jeeps.
They rust because of the road salt in the Midwest and upper East Coast and the salt air in the Southeast and other humid climates where cars rust from the top down. But yes, as long as you maintain it and any car well (which most people don’t), it’ll go forever.
@@cybrhunk333 The Jeeps we're part of cash from clunkers also... The Grand Cherokee was on the top 10 list with the Explorer and the Cherokee was like #13...they killed all of them, not just explorers ..
Love this Explorer, one of the last cars built like tanks. Old school long-lasting and dependable V8, column shift, tough, and super confortable. Despite the terrible fuel economy (which I don't really care) it's awesome.
I love my 98, great in bad weather, low end power is there, and i set cruise at 70 on the interstate and i got 19.5 mpg! For a full time AWD v8 is impressive. City mpg is 13.5 or so but highway its not bad.
David S best cheap winter truck ever. I once had it stuffed ( inside and roof rack ) with three step ladders, three workers, tool belts, sawzalls chop saw table saw and ten boards of sheer rock on the roof with a tarp ( it was snowing ) best truck ever
My parents had a 1997 Mercury Mountaineer. V8 with AWD. It was a monster in snow and extremely sure footed. One of the best vehicles I've ever driven in snow. The V8 was quick, it would pass everything but a gas station. 12 city and 17 highway.
I have 97 5.0 awd explorer that i converted to rear wheel drive and I put Carbureted 351w in it. Now it gets maybe 8mpg lol. But it's quick off the line
I've got a 98 Explorer awd V8 Eddie bauer. It's crazy to think that thing was close to 40k when brand new I paid 300$ 4 years ago I love it so much its never let me down within the last year I've put 30k miles on it and still drive it everyday she's alittle rough here and there but with 280k miles what do you expect? She still runs like clock work and drives me 600 miles or so a week! Long live the explorers! Absolute tanks.
I have the same Eddie Bauer with awd and the option 4x4 which here in Canada plows through the snow. I have only 156.00 kilms, not miles on it , converted it is approx. 96.000 miles . There is not a spot of rust on her. Its white with all the extras and I have it undercoated every year and comes spring it gets a real cleaning underneath. Everywhere I go guys ask me if I want to sell it and its a no. I love the thing.
Cars were absolutely expensive back then even when adjusting for inflation, but everything else back then (Food, Gas, Education, Rent/Mortgage, etc…) was NOT as expensive compared to today- so people had the extra money to throw at them:
I inherited a 1995 V6 XLT, green on tan, from my grandparents when they passed and I still drive it weekly! It was my daily driver up until about two years ago and it still runs and rides great with about 205k. The seats are also way comfier than any modern SUV I've driven. They're like leather armchairs lol
If only they knew that just 15 years later, there would be a front wheel drive crossover that doesn’t look anything like Explorers of the past. I’m sure the disappointment would start to show then...
+David Taylor It wasn't Firestone, it was Ford. They intentionally reduced the psi and recommended a low psi to compensate the trucks handling. Ford scapegoated Firestone.
That would be the most logical reason why the Explorer had these problems and the Ranger didn't. Same chassis, same tires, different buyer profile and expectations so different tire pressure recommendation.
The Ranger didn't use this SLA front suspension until the 1998 model year and sadly never got the V8.Ford suggested and teased multiple times but never made them. Fortunately they produced these V8 Explorers which work as a handy "kit" to make your own V8 Ranger...
Well it's also because they made so many of them. It's why every country except first world powers still use T-34's, they're so old but so cheap and reliable that they can quell any third world revolution.
I owned two of these. A 1996 Eddie Bauer 4.0 V6 and a 2000 Limited 5.0 V8. Two of the best SUV's I've ever owned. Virtually problem free. The JBL audio system in my Bauer edition was amazing. Miss that so much.
I own a 1997 with 5.0 and 4x4. I will fight to the death if someone tries to take it from me!! I have owned many other vehicles but this one is the best to this day. 200k on the odometer and ac is colder than any vehicle I've been in.
@@alextran8188 for sure, but would love to have a brand new 98 as opposed to a 21. Although the new ones great on gas, aren't going to last with the little engine + turbo
Just got a 98 2dr Explorer Sport 4x4 other day. So far so good to use as a work, winter, commuter till I can save enough to repair my good car. It's not perfect not really rusty either but still pretty solid and runs with cold AC and CD player. It's a light blue with 121k 4sp auto and 4.0 v6 got it for under $2 grand.
Mine runs like new, since I put in a new radiator. The guy that sold it to me didn't want to put in the radiator. He included the radiator in the cost of $500, for me to buy it. No rust either.
I was present at one of the Firestone explorer rollovers. Not pretty. I I have this image in my head of people getting pulled out of it while the wind shield wipers were still going.
The "Rollovers" were largely due to Driver error after a tire failure. I'm sure that you could roll one without a tire failure if you drive like a complete moron (Sincere apologies to any ACTUAL MORONS, as opposed to the Willful stupidity demonstrated by others)
One thing they never mentioned and was a big problem was that all roll overs were on the highway, and I'm sure all were well above the posted speed limit. Our 95 brought home my son and daughter. I now have an 01 V-8 LTD with 177k. A combined mileage of approx 300k and they never rolled over!
1996 is the year I was born. A 302 Windsor is a great engine. I have a 96 F150 with the same engine with 202,800 miles on it and it runs runs like a champ and still going strong.
Thank you for posting these! When you get things up and running, I'd love to see any Volvo 240s and 1982-1988 BMW 5-series tests. Some more full episodes would be great too, as those are fun!
I've had my '97.5 V8 XLT RWD for almost 8 years now, it has 210k miles. I love it! Gonna upgrade to a 2001 V8 AWD Limited, if I can find one worth buying or maintaining. I do all my own repairs and maintanence on it, even the horrible to remove EGR Valve, that thing was a bastard.
I just bought one of these 1996 V8 Explorers, an AWD model, for $500 with 140,000 on it. after driving a 4.0 (OHV)powered Ranger for a decade, the V8 is Disturbingly easy to get used to.I must say that the reviewer is WRONG on one point, the "GT40" Heads and intake were not "mustang parts" Ford had already stopped making Windsor powered Mustangs when the GT40 heard were first made, Because Ford had switched the Mustang to the 4.6 OHC "Modular" engine...
INCORRECT!!! The Intake on an Explorer DOES NOT face LEFT they face RIGHT, but there is nothing to prevent you from bolting the upper intake on the opposite way.. but the Explorer is not a "Towncar engine" it is actually beyond the engines they had previously put into mustangs and has markedly superior cylinder heads to ANY previous incarnation of the 5.0 engine.
No, Ford did not use the "Towncar" engine in the Explorer, NOR is it a "Right facing" upper intake, Mine has a left facing intake as does every one of the 75 to 100 5.0 Explorers I've personally examined. The Explorer 5.0 engines come (as built by Ford) with either GT40 Cylinder heads (1996 and approx. the first half of 1997 production) or GT40P heads (Mid-97 on) These are easily identified one way or the other, GT40 heads used Tubular steel "Headers", while GT40Pheads are fitted with Cast Iron Manifolds.
The heads were first used on 93-95 Mustang Cobra's and 93-95 F-150 Lightnings.... The intake is a cheaper cast version of the GT40 intake, very similar to the 93 Cobra intake.... I own a February 97 built Explorer that has Gt40p heads, 96 style intake that had the internal EGR passage but used an external setup same as all other gt40p headed Explorers. Also came with tubular exhaust manifold, not the cast version. A lot of little random differences in the early years models. The 96 Explorer v8 I also have used f3ze gt40 heads with 5/8 head bolt holes vs the typical "hecho en Mexico" gt40 heads with 1/2" head bolt holes...
I was thinking the same thing. Everyone's talking shit about the 210hp rating, but most SUV's of this era took 10 seconds or more to go from 0-60. The Explorer V8 was a hot rod for its time, even most sedans weren't that quick to 60mph back then.
Part of the reason they are "quick" is that they are geared "short", typically 3.73 axles, compared to typical mustangs which typically have 3.08 or 2.73 gears. with the 3.73 axle ratio of an Explorer a Mustang would be accelerate like a Surface to Air Missile in the rare event the tires found traction, otherwise the tires would disappear in an enormous could of smoke. The Explorer actually accelerates because it is All Wheel Drive, though I've managed to get all four spinning on snow layered over ice... The only thing I don't like is the auto trans, but that's mostly Me, I just don't like automatics...
Allan DeGroot My 96 4.0 OHV has 4.10 gears, feels quick even with 160HP. Some lesser trims came with longer gear rations up to 3.08. It can barely burn rubber though, maybe because of its age.
Would you happen to have a review on the 2002.5-2005 Vw GTI VR6? It had the updated 24v vr6 with more power as opposed to the previous 12v. The updated engines in the jetta and gti after 2002.5 really fixed the complaints of the early mk4's of being underpowered. Thanks!
An I bought mine a few years for $500. With work done on it it will be a nice 400hp street sleeper. It's nice to remmber them when they were new and nice
*My dad had a 2000 ford explore XLT 5.0 AWD had more than 215hp it was a specal motor he said it had gt40 cylinders so had alot of horsepower than a normal one it died from a water pump being seized in the egine my mom sold it for $800 RIP big blue :(*
My nana had one of these ‘03 with the 4wd That thing was amazing got us through a lot of snow days and trips down 95 to Virginia From PA great SUV too bad my nana had an accident in it and it was sort of thirsty
"I bet they wish they'd stop trying" I'm willing to bet they wish they'd start now. The Explorer is just a former shell of what it once was. It's too civilized now. No more v8 options. not even a 3.5 twin turbo option.. just either a fwd 4cyl turbo or a V6 n/a.. The inventor of the explorer will roll in his grave when he gets there..
No shit...8.2 second 0-60 for a car like this is very impressive! See, Detroit can knock it out of the park when they want to...if they weren't so goddamn greedy the imports wouldn't be able to hold a candle to them...sadly this is not the case
This 5.0 in the explorers were much more throatier than the versions in the pickups. They came with a GT40 upper and lower intake manifold and stainless steel tubular headers. They were punchy and fun to drive but man alive they got horrible gas mileage. The 4.6 engine that came in the next generation Explorers were not only more powerful but also got much better gas mileage.
20 years later a 2.0 L4 makes as much HP! MOTORWEEK, have you ever considered doing some special or specials where you compare stats from way back cars to cars today?
Yep, plus the fact a 4 cylinder which that much power usually has to work much harder to tow and maintain high speed cruising. Generally not always. A V8 that makes the same power is nowhere near as stressed and is more than capable of dealing with the workload and also probably uses slightly less petrol in normal driving if driven in a gentle manner than the same 4 cylinder whilst either towing or cruising at high speed as I say it's not working as hard, and that also leads to a longer overall lifespan of the engine as these big V8's usually don't have forced induction (turbocharging I believe) or lots of fancy variable valve technology or electronics to break due to heat or stress. Just saying generally a bigger V8 in the long haul would've been a more economical proposition if you did alot of long distance driving than a smaller 4. Of course these days things are abit different with new technology but these older cars can still be useful and I agree with the other guy I'm not a fan of scrapping something if it's still usable. Now here in Britain smaller cars and engines make more sense but I can see why American automakers kept making these so-called dinosaurs.
I'm looking forward to see the 1991-1994 Ford Escort review. My mother used to had a 1995 Escort LX w/Sport Appearance Package in December 1995 when I was a one year old. Man, I absolutely missed that car and had great memories throughout my childhood! #ChildhoodMemoriesRemembered
Yeah, took Ford long enough. By 2002, the 4.6L was already 12 years old, since the first 4.6L SOHC 2V V8 rolled out in the 1991 Lincoln Towncar. And, with 205 hp, not only was it outdated for the time, it was also under-powered. The Jeep Grand Cherokee came with a 235hp 4.7L V8, and had a 265hp 4.7L H.O. V8 option, while the Chevy Trailblazer came with a 270hp 4.2L I-6. Had the 4.6L SOHC in a 2002 Grand Marquis, and although reliable engine, it was pretty slow.
didn't actually plan on making the 5.0 or the 5.0 AWD Explorers, but were actually kinda forced to, after they switched the Mustang to the 4.6 2V engine, they announced the end of Windsor engine production and the UAW had a royal fit... and forced ford to continue 5.0 engine production for another 5years... the explorer was basically the only place they could put them, as the engine would simply not meet emission standards in any car, but as the Explorer is a "truck".... But on point of your question a 4.6 is a physically larger (WIDER) engine and will not fit in the 1995-01 Explorer engine bay along with necessary things like the Steering shaft, the HVAC housing or the brake master cylinder...or for that matter the exhaust manifolds needed on the engine....
I have a 2000 with the 4.0l V6 OHV. Strong engine, but I hate the fact I had the 5R55E trans in this truck. Stupid thing turned to glass at 120,000 miles. Nevertheless, I love the fact I have the old school Cologne engine in mine. Now if I could only find an old Ranger with the same engine and a Mazda 5-speed...
I’m not too sure the rollovers were solely the fault of Firestone. I’ve been doing more research and the whole thing seems rather shady. Look it up again. As an adult, and engineering student, I’m kind of having some doubts.
These things are everywhere still! they rust like hell but they don't die. Classic
If you think about it there are more of these around from the 90s then there are competitor suvs thats why they seem more rusty. My Dads 2000 daily driven in Mn salty roads was super clean but he also took care of it and got it washed once a week in the winter time.
I'd say there is more Grand Cherokees given the sales ratio, there really isn't that many of these considering they sold 400,000 a year in the 90s compared to Jeeps 250,000 average. I see more Jeeps.
They rust because of the road salt in the Midwest and upper East Coast and the salt air in the Southeast and other humid climates where cars rust from the top down. But yes, as long as you maintain it and any car well (which most people don’t), it’ll go forever.
@@erikhoeffner You see fewer Ford Explorers of this era due to the infamous "Cash for Clunkers' program that destroyed many of them.
@@cybrhunk333 The Jeeps we're part of cash from clunkers also...
The Grand Cherokee was on the top 10 list with the Explorer and the Cherokee was like #13...they killed all of them, not just explorers ..
I bought my 95 limited edition with V6 4x4 last year with only 78,000 miles on it. Looks like brand new inside and out!!
This has been by far my favorite explorer generation.
Yes, the second generation Explorers were the best. Almost as big as the current Expeditions, lol. My 1996 has almost 300,00 Miles on it!
The second generation and first generation is my favorites of Ford Explorer
most of them are still on the road today
@@NFSMAN50 um no they arent, not even close!!!
NFSMAN50 just bought one this summer. Love it so far
These reviews are so efficient. Cover ground in 3:55 that Demuro takes lumbering 30 minutes lol.
Right!
i mean, to be fair demuro is a LOT more in depth
This review is good if this was a purchase while DeMuro gives you the knowledge of cars while giving a review
My landlord still has this generation Explorer. 20 years later and it's still kicking.
Love this Explorer, one of the last cars built like tanks. Old school long-lasting and dependable V8, column shift, tough, and super confortable. Despite the terrible fuel economy (which I don't really care) it's awesome.
My dad has a 1999 model he got rear ended hella bad the suspension is broken the bumper is coming off but it's still running fine
*ticking
I love my 98, great in bad weather, low end power is there, and i set cruise at 70 on the interstate and i got 19.5 mpg! For a full time AWD v8 is impressive. City mpg is 13.5 or so but highway its not bad.
GrandPrix GTguy i have a 98 as well, ia yours beige by any chance haha
Ford sold a shit ton of these.. They were everywhere in the 90's
The money people pay to repair those are beyond me. I turn wrenches at a local garage...and just today did full ball joints and alignment..
No they aren't. I own one and am giving it to my daughter. I see multiples on the road every single day.
People aren't going to junk solid trucks for simple repairs.
David S best cheap winter truck ever. I once had it stuffed ( inside and roof rack ) with three step ladders, three workers, tool belts, sawzalls chop saw table saw and ten boards of sheer rock on the roof with a tarp ( it was snowing ) best truck ever
They still are, I see like 4 or 5 every day, including me
My parents had a 1997 Mercury Mountaineer. V8 with AWD. It was a monster in snow and extremely sure footed. One of the best vehicles I've ever driven in snow. The V8 was quick, it would pass everything but a gas station. 12 city and 17 highway.
So was my 1996 before the transmission died... Driving in the snow was hilarious, because the Vehicle makes you feel invincible!
I have 97 5.0 awd explorer that i converted to rear wheel drive and I put Carbureted 351w in it. Now it gets maybe 8mpg lol. But it's quick off the line
Mercury making SUV's... Man its a completely different world today. Sounds like ancient history.
Love my '97 5.0 AWD. Have had it for 6 years now? and never had such a reliable car. Has 164000 miles now, engine runs like new.
Whats the gas mileage like? No problems with the AWD?
I've got a 98 Explorer awd V8 Eddie bauer. It's crazy to think that thing was close to 40k when brand new I paid 300$ 4 years ago I love it so much its never let me down within the last year I've put 30k miles on it and still drive it everyday she's alittle rough here and there but with 280k miles what do you expect? She still runs like clock work and drives me 600 miles or so a week! Long live the explorers! Absolute tanks.
I have the same Eddie Bauer with awd and the option 4x4 which here in Canada plows through the snow. I have only 156.00 kilms, not miles on it , converted it is approx. 96.000 miles . There is not a spot of rust on her. Its white with all the extras and I have it undercoated every year and comes spring it gets a real cleaning underneath. Everywhere I go guys ask me if I want to sell it and its a no. I love the thing.
Cars were absolutely expensive back then even when adjusting for inflation, but everything else back then (Food, Gas, Education, Rent/Mortgage, etc…) was NOT as expensive compared to today- so people had the extra money to throw at them:
I inherited a 1995 V6 XLT, green on tan, from my grandparents when they passed and I still drive it weekly! It was my daily driver up until about two years ago and it still runs and rides great with about 205k. The seats are also way comfier than any modern SUV I've driven. They're like leather armchairs lol
Please get a new converter! These are gold. I look forward to many more.
column shift! I kind of miss them.
A few vehicle's still have them. Lower trim level F-Series pickups still have column shifters, as do Silverado's and Rams.
Nathan McDonald Same with some Cadillac escalades
If only they knew that just 15 years later, there would be a front wheel drive crossover that doesn’t look anything like Explorers of the past. I’m sure the disappointment would start to show then...
The new "Explorers" are sickening... They squished them down in the back, etc...
Still see these everyday on the street lol. Its crazy they dont die.
Jurassic Park made these sale like hotcakes
They had the previous gen in Jurassic park. I thinking was the same body different face and rear. Still a classic car and movie.
The ones in the movie was the first generation ones.
Tim Swinson oh these were seeking like hot cakes even before Jurassic Park.
I remember changing out the tires on those exploders. lol
The Firestone's claimed my great uncle. Old guy traded his Grand Marquis in because it "made him look old" to get an Explorer.
+David Taylor It wasn't Firestone, it was Ford. They intentionally reduced the psi and recommended a low psi to compensate the trucks handling. Ford scapegoated Firestone.
That would be the most logical reason why the Explorer had these problems and the Ranger didn't. Same chassis, same tires, different buyer profile and expectations so different tire pressure recommendation.
The Ranger didn't use this SLA front suspension until the 1998 model year and sadly never got the V8.Ford suggested and teased multiple times but never made them. Fortunately they produced these V8 Explorers which work as a handy "kit" to make your own V8 Ranger...
this is why i swapped those ugly 225 tires for some 31's
I'm always waiting to see more of these. Keep up the good work
This is by far the best explorer I have driven for being on a truck frame. I will never get rid of mine even though it has over 180k on it.
Good, solid long lasting trucks. Theres a reason why many of these are still on the road today
Mr Anderson Same thing with the 92-96 Ford F-Serries trucks.
i have a 2000 explorer limited 5.0 v8 and still runs like new
Well it's also because they made so many of them. It's why every country except first world powers still use T-34's, they're so old but so cheap and reliable that they can quell any third world revolution.
True but the Two door versions are rare to see the on road, I Don't even remember the last time I saw a Two door Explorer on the road. LoL 😁.
@@steveespinola7652 i see the 2 doors every so often here in my area
I owned two of these. A 1996 Eddie Bauer 4.0 V6 and a 2000 Limited 5.0 V8. Two of the best SUV's I've ever owned. Virtually problem free. The JBL audio system in my Bauer edition was amazing. Miss that so much.
I still have the 96 EB, drive almost every day. I replaced the JBL withj a 7" android touch screen. May put the JBL back soon.
I heard the old tape converter broke because the desk it was on suffered a blowout and flipped over...
you win the internet today. 😂
I got a 97 XLT V6 OHV 4WD, still runs great. Take care of them and they will last.
'99 Mountaineerr V-8, AWD, with 1/4 million miles here. All original , runs like new
Gt40p 5.0 with 306k miles uses almost no oil in 5k miles. Engine 100% untouched. No gaskets nothing but a t-stat change.
I own a 1997 with 5.0 and 4x4. I will fight to the death if someone tries to take it from me!! I have owned many other vehicles but this one is the best to this day. 200k on the odometer and ac is colder than any vehicle I've been in.
$35k for an awd v8 Xlt 23 years ago. WOW! Although I would take this Gen over the 02+ turds
Keep in mind 35k back in 96 is 60k in todays money (2021).. that price isn't too far off from a modern day explorer.
@@alextran8188 for sure, but would love to have a brand new 98 as opposed to a 21. Although the new ones great on gas, aren't going to last with the little engine + turbo
Just got a 98 2dr Explorer Sport 4x4 other day. So far so good to use as a work, winter, commuter till I can save enough to repair my good car. It's not perfect not really rusty either but still pretty solid and runs with cold AC and CD player. It's a light blue with 121k 4sp auto and 4.0 v6 got it for under $2 grand.
Urs is a 5 speed automatic
Get a new converter and upload all of them!!
Mine runs like new, since I put in a new radiator. The guy that sold it to me didn't want to put in the radiator. He included the radiator in the cost of $500, for me to buy it. No rust either.
I still see a lot of those second generation Ford Explorers on the roads today.
I was present at one of the Firestone explorer rollovers. Not pretty. I I have this image in my head of people getting pulled out of it while the wind shield wipers were still going.
Love my 98 5.0 mountaineer.
The rollover Explorer! Some say it was Firestone's fault, other day Ford.
It was primarily 2 door Explorer Sports coupled with 26 PSI tire recommendations.
The "Rollovers" were largely due to Driver error after a tire failure. I'm sure that you could roll one without a tire failure if you drive like a complete moron (Sincere apologies to any ACTUAL MORONS, as opposed to the Willful stupidity demonstrated by others)
One thing they never mentioned and was a big problem was that all roll overs were on the highway, and I'm sure all were well above the posted speed limit. Our 95 brought home my son and daughter. I now have an 01 V-8 LTD with 177k. A combined mileage of approx 300k and they never rolled over!
dodgeguyz It's scary to go through a corner while going over 30 mph. I feel like I will flip! Haha.
The ONLY reason the Explorers rolled over were the defective FIRESTONE tires... Period!
I have a 96 explorer 4x4 5 speed manual shift. 250k. Starts right up and runs strong. Won't get rid of it.
1996 is the year I was born. A 302 Windsor is a great engine. I have a 96 F150 with the same engine with 202,800 miles on it and it runs runs like a champ and still going strong.
I miss my 97 Explorer V8 AWD XLT. Full time AWD gas guzzler, but it was smoooth. It had over 200k miles, still ran great when I sold it.
I like to append "Roll over" and "Rolling over" to what is said in this review. Who could forget how magical it was :P
Damn FIRESTONE Tires!
These are classics and the best this is what an explorer should be!!
Where is the first gen (1997 - 2003) Ford Expedition review?!
97-02, 03' (& Navigator)was the new bigger model with IRS. The new F150 a year later.
Thank you for posting these! When you get things up and running, I'd love to see any Volvo 240s and 1982-1988 BMW 5-series tests. Some more full episodes would be great too, as those are fun!
@MotorWeek: I want to see a Retro Review of the rare Saleen Explorer XP8.
These Explorer in this generation is very popular for the Mid 1990s at all time
This '96 explorer has a higher towing capacity than the ones today.
These we my favorite explorers. I also really liked the rugged look of the first generation explorers which look a lot like the bronco 2’s
I've had my '97.5 V8 XLT RWD for almost 8 years now, it has 210k miles. I love it! Gonna upgrade to a 2001 V8 AWD Limited, if I can find one worth buying or maintaining. I do all my own repairs and maintanence on it, even the horrible to remove EGR Valve, that thing was a bastard.
these explorers are still awesome if you can find a nice one
I just bought one of these 1996 V8 Explorers, an AWD model, for $500 with 140,000 on it. after driving a 4.0 (OHV)powered Ranger for a decade, the V8 is Disturbingly easy to get used to.I must say that the reviewer is WRONG on one point, the "GT40" Heads and intake were not "mustang parts" Ford had already stopped making Windsor powered Mustangs when the GT40 heard were first made, Because Ford had switched the Mustang to the 4.6 OHC "Modular" engine...
INCORRECT!!! The Intake on an Explorer DOES NOT face LEFT they face RIGHT, but there is nothing to prevent you from bolting the upper intake on the opposite way.. but the Explorer is not a "Towncar engine" it is actually beyond the engines they had previously put into mustangs and has markedly superior cylinder heads to ANY previous incarnation of the 5.0 engine.
No, Ford did not use the "Towncar" engine in the Explorer, NOR is it a "Right facing" upper intake, Mine has a left facing intake as does every one of the 75 to 100 5.0 Explorers I've personally examined. The Explorer 5.0 engines come (as built by Ford) with either GT40 Cylinder heads (1996 and approx. the first half of 1997 production) or GT40P heads (Mid-97 on) These are easily identified one way or the other, GT40 heads used Tubular steel "Headers", while GT40Pheads are fitted with Cast Iron Manifolds.
The heads were first used on 93-95 Mustang Cobra's and 93-95 F-150 Lightnings.... The intake is a cheaper cast version of the GT40 intake, very similar to the 93 Cobra intake.... I own a February 97 built Explorer that has Gt40p heads, 96 style intake that had the internal EGR passage but used an external setup same as all other gt40p headed Explorers. Also came with tubular exhaust manifold, not the cast version. A lot of little random differences in the early years models. The 96 Explorer v8 I also have used f3ze gt40 heads with 5/8 head bolt holes vs the typical "hecho en Mexico" gt40 heads with 1/2" head bolt holes...
Easy to mock the 210 bhp, but 8.2 seconds 0-60 is NOT slow, especially for an SUV and even more so in that era!
I was thinking the same thing. Everyone's talking shit about the 210hp rating, but most SUV's of this era took 10 seconds or more to go from 0-60. The Explorer V8 was a hot rod for its time, even most sedans weren't that quick to 60mph back then.
Part of the reason they are "quick" is that they are geared "short", typically 3.73 axles, compared to typical mustangs which typically have 3.08 or 2.73 gears. with the 3.73 axle ratio of an Explorer a Mustang would be accelerate like a Surface to Air Missile in the rare event the tires found traction, otherwise the tires would disappear in an enormous could of smoke. The Explorer actually accelerates because it is All Wheel Drive, though I've managed to get all four spinning on snow layered over ice... The only thing I don't like is the auto trans, but that's mostly Me, I just don't like automatics...
Allan DeGroot My 96 4.0 OHV has 4.10 gears, feels quick even with 160HP. Some lesser trims came with longer gear rations up to 3.08. It can barely burn rubber though, maybe because of its age.
Better hope those aren't Firestone lol
Yeah. I am a GM guy. My 97 Mountaineer is badass. It has the Mustang 5.0 V8.
Would you happen to have a review on the 2002.5-2005 Vw GTI VR6? It had the updated 24v vr6 with more power as opposed to the previous 12v. The updated engines in the jetta and gti after 2002.5 really fixed the complaints of the early mk4's of being underpowered. Thanks!
An I bought mine a few years for $500. With work done on it it will be a nice 400hp street sleeper. It's nice to remmber them when they were new and nice
Just bought a 1996 4x4 V6 absolutely mint 68,000 miles for $6000 garaged sense day one California car.
Just got a 99 5.0 Eddie Bauer today love it 😍
ganymedeIV4 yea there very floppy gonna buy some new metal reinforced door handles from 1a auto .con soon
They must have sold 10's of millions of them since I would see these bloody SUV's everywhere.
I don't think any vehicle represents the 90's US culture better than an Explorer.
I love my 96 Ford explore and it has 133,000 miles the only bad thing I can say it’s a gas hog
I want to get one of these SO bad for a winter beater.
I'm praying that the retro reviews get posted until MW finds a better converter! Looking forward to many more.
3rd gen 4runner please!
Seriously! 2003 redesign, 2006 mid-cycle refresh, something! LOL
I had I think a 2000 with AWD in Germany. It was wonderful in ice and snow on hills, curves, and straights. I never had a problem with it.
Please get a new tape converter. The retro reviews are just my favorite! :)
*My dad had a 2000 ford explore XLT 5.0 AWD had more than 215hp it was a specal motor he said it had gt40 cylinders so had alot of horsepower than a normal one it died from a water pump being seized in the egine my mom sold it for $800 RIP big blue :(*
nice video~ wondering if you guys have a video of the 1996-2000 Chrysler Caravan?
My nana had one of these ‘03 with the 4wd
That thing was amazing got us through a lot of snow days and trips down 95 to Virginia From PA great SUV too bad my nana had an accident in it and it was sort of thirsty
Just watched the MotorWeek review of the 2010 Ford SVT Raptor. Surprisingly, the 96 Ford Explorer is faster!
Start a go fund me for a new converter ! lol
"I bet they wish they'd stop trying" I'm willing to bet they wish they'd start now. The Explorer is just a former shell of what it once was. It's too civilized now. No more v8 options. not even a 3.5 twin turbo option.. just either a fwd 4cyl turbo or a V6 n/a.. The inventor of the explorer will roll in his grave when he gets there..
Yep! Compare the size and looks of this beautiful 2nd generation to the new ones... Yucch!
Actually the TT 3.5 was an option...
Firestone tires exploding like crazy
TheAKBUDDHA1 It was Ford. They should've made it two inches wider and many lives would've been saved.
For whatever reason I thought V8 Explorers back then were AWD only.
kinda rare to see a 2wd one. most people who went for the v8 also got the awd
I'm told they made the 5.0 Explorer as a 2dr "sport", but In 20 years of looking I've never seen one...
@@AllanDeGroot there was NEVER a 5.0 put into a 2 door sport.
*The* 1990s family wagon.
Did you guys ever do a review of the Ford Tempo? I own a '92 and it's very difficult to find any information on them.
No shit...8.2 second 0-60 for a car like this is very impressive! See, Detroit can knock it out of the park when they want to...if they weren't so goddamn greedy the imports wouldn't be able to hold a candle to them...sadly this is not the case
This 5.0 in the explorers were much more throatier than the versions in the pickups. They came with a GT40 upper and lower intake manifold and stainless steel tubular headers. They were punchy and fun to drive but man alive they got horrible gas mileage. The 4.6 engine that came in the next generation Explorers were not only more powerful but also got much better gas mileage.
20 years later a 2.0 L4 makes as much HP! MOTORWEEK, have you ever considered doing some special or specials where you compare stats from way back cars to cars today?
But no such normally aspirated 4 banger makes anywhere close to the torque figure here.
I'd like to see a 2.0 4 banger tow 6700LB's
Yep, plus the fact a 4 cylinder which that much power usually has to work much harder to tow and maintain high speed cruising. Generally not always. A V8 that makes the same power is nowhere near as stressed and is more than capable of dealing with the workload and also probably uses slightly less petrol in normal driving if driven in a gentle manner than the same 4 cylinder whilst either towing or cruising at high speed as I say it's not working as hard, and that also leads to a longer overall lifespan of the engine as these big V8's usually don't have forced induction (turbocharging I believe) or lots of fancy variable valve technology or electronics to break due to heat or stress.
Just saying generally a bigger V8 in the long haul would've been a more economical proposition if you did alot of long distance driving than a smaller 4. Of course these days things are abit different with new technology but these older cars can still be useful and I agree with the other guy I'm not a fan of scrapping something if it's still usable.
Now here in Britain smaller cars and engines make more sense but I can see why American automakers kept making these so-called dinosaurs.
People don't understand the difference between HP and Torque
Jack Torse
Torque pulls trailers, HP sells cars
I Wish they'd make an Explore like this today
Motor week do you have the review for 1994 ford escort lx two doors? My first car back in 1997!!
I'm looking forward to see the 1991-1994 Ford Escort review. My mother used to had a 1995 Escort LX w/Sport Appearance Package in December 1995 when I was a one year old. Man, I absolutely missed that car and had great memories throughout my childhood! #ChildhoodMemoriesRemembered
Just bought a 96 Explorer for $1,000 with 130K miles in 2024. Front end kinda wobbly, to be expected I guess with the age.
I always wondered why a 5.0 wasn't offered in a top trim Ranger.
Cause the 5.0 was in the f150 and the ranger was supposed to be an affordable compact truck.
I always liked how John Davis says “Ford” at 0:30 and 0:31!
F O R D
More and more Ford toughness!
how do I send you a new tape converter?
To contact MotorWeek by mail:
MotorWeek
11767 Owings Mills Blvd
Owings Mills, MD 21117
please do it.
Ah yes, the days of when the EPA had a heart and allowed automakers to stick V8s in anything.
Did you ever review the 96-99 Chevy Monte Carlo? I used to have a 99 Z34 and would love to see a review. 3800 was the best engine!
How things were simple before the touch screen and Bluetooth came out on suvs
the heads n intake are versions of the 93 cobra mustangs
Interesting, look at around 3:18 and check the axle tramp and definite drift sideways. Did these have coil springs or leaf springs in the rear?
I have a 1995 it has leaf springs coil springs up front
My favorite generation
My friend had one when we were teens
I love Ford Explorer V8 5.0, 210 hp, 280 LB- FT torque, 4 speed automatic, 0 to 60 8.2 seconds. Woww, i want buy
This is crazy no cap
Never understood why they didn't use the 4.6 in this. ??
Jo Co The Ford Explorer didn't get the 4.6L SOHC 2V V8 untill the 2002 redesign.
Yeah, took Ford long enough. By 2002, the 4.6L was already 12 years old, since the first 4.6L SOHC 2V V8 rolled out in the 1991 Lincoln Towncar. And, with 205 hp, not only was it outdated for the time, it was also under-powered. The Jeep Grand Cherokee came with a 235hp 4.7L V8, and had a 265hp 4.7L H.O. V8 option, while the Chevy Trailblazer came with a 270hp 4.2L I-6.
Had the 4.6L SOHC in a 2002 Grand Marquis, and although reliable engine, it was pretty slow.
didn't actually plan on making the 5.0 or the 5.0 AWD Explorers, but were actually kinda forced to, after they switched the Mustang to the 4.6 2V engine, they announced the end of Windsor engine production and the UAW had a royal fit... and forced ford to continue 5.0 engine production for another 5years... the explorer was basically the only place they could put them, as the engine would simply not meet emission standards in any car, but as the Explorer is a "truck".... But on point of your question a 4.6 is a physically larger (WIDER) engine and will not fit in the 1995-01 Explorer engine bay along with necessary things like the Steering shaft, the HVAC housing or the brake master cylinder...or for that matter the exhaust manifolds needed on the engine....
They dont mak'em like they used to
I have a 2000 with the 4.0l V6 OHV. Strong engine, but I hate the fact I had the 5R55E trans in this truck. Stupid thing turned to glass at 120,000 miles. Nevertheless, I love the fact I have the old school Cologne engine in mine. Now if I could only find an old Ranger with the same engine and a Mazda 5-speed...
The SOHC 4.0 definitely had a lot more power than the OHV version, but it wasn't nearly as reliable
Buying another 97 limited with the 5.0 with 69k original miles
may done had one! brand new she was. 1 out of 10 i give it a 8.
How much do these tape converters cost?
Lol must they always beat the pics out of the gear shift
Is this a auto or stick?
I was wondering what happened to the retro reviews.. It's been a wile
I’m not too sure the rollovers were solely the fault of Firestone. I’ve been doing more research and the whole thing seems rather shady. Look it up again. As an adult, and engineering student, I’m kind of having some doubts.
Are you Joking? Those Firestone Tires were a piece of CRAP!!