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1998 ExplorerFor 1998, the Explorer AWD is offered in three trim levels: XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited. New features for 1998 include tri-colored tail...
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For 1998, the Explorer AWD is offered in three trim levels: XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited. New features for 1998 include tri-colored tail lamps, revised paint colors and a new liftgate with larger liftgate glass and revised handles. A soft release parking brake, revised seat colors and fabrics, and the SecuriLock passive theft deterrent system are also new equipment. All models feature a trailer towing package that includes a 3.73 axle ratio and limited slip differential. The 5.0 liter V8 engine is included on all all-wheel-drive Explorers. A multi-disc CD changer is also optional. For information on other Explorer models, see the Explorer 2WD and Explorer 4WD reports.
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23 Reviews from Shopping.com
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Great long term car with plenty of room to spare
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Pros: Comfortable, reliable and easy to maintain, gets decent to good mileage for an SUV
Cons: Watch out for major problem at the 10 year mark & possible electrical problems
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The Bottom Line:
It's worth it if you know what's coming at age 10 . Good mileage and pretty comfortable and tha's from someone who love Toyota and Honda!
The 1998 Ford Explorer was one of the first new cars I had. I had been burned by another American brand and put all my faith in the Japanese so I wasn't too impressed. At the time, there were a lot of recalls and we had the Firestone tires debacle so I was even less impressed.
As time went on, I started to realized that for a supposed gas guzzling SUV, I was getting really great mileage for the gas I was putting in. It was a pretty smooth ride.
I was religious about maintaining it every 3-4 months and after I did, I felt it run smoother.
Undercarriage/Suspension
Around year nine I started to hear a clinking in the undercarriage and thought I had some loose screws. I was normally easy when it came to speed bumps but now I was a lot more careful. Turns out that my undercarriage needed to be replaced and that affected my tires. As it happens my mechanic also had an Explorer and had the same problem at around year 10 so it was an expected problem.
It cost me between $800 and $1200 but after that, it was fine.
Electrical issues
After that, I started to experience signalling problems. The electrical system was starting to going from ok to bad to worse. I was not able to signal to the right. I heard that some Explorers experienced this problem while others avoided it. So it's a toss up. By the time this car was about 13 years old, I was ready to sell it so I was able to do so as it to a CarMax.
In Conclusion
As with any car, it needs to be maintained but because it is an American car, the parts are easier to find. There may be recall requests but I was lucky to only have one or two that were actionable. The rest didn't apply. Be aware that there may be some wear & tear issues that could cost you as as it gets deeping into double digit age. Overall, I give four stars
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