Topic: '93 Ford Explorer...anyone???

[rockdahardplace]

Hello good driver enabled people ;-)

I'm wrestling with a small dilemma here...thinking of buying a '93 Ford Explorer, and did some checking on the web.  I know there was a major problem with tires back in the '90's, however I also feel the problem was in the design, which was not improved until '98 or so (and confirmed by certain websites).  It's a very good deal, and just what we want comfort wise, but I'm thinking about our mountain roads and twisty windy places.  We're not off roaders, and basically cautious drivers, but to buy a vehicle that has such a bad track record...well, is that asking for trouble?

thanks for any thoughts
neil and deb

[ericthejet]

Yes.  My brother got rid of his 99 after the 6th trip back to the dealer and 3 recalls later. Buy anything else, well almost anything.  Toyota perhaps?

[articsteve]

Tires are the least of concerns.  There is nothing wrong with the design if your referring to roll over.

The problem is bad parts and build quality.  They tend to rust bad.  They have a terrible 4 wheel drive system.

[ovr50]

I don't think that vehicle would be my choice - repairs could prove lengthy and costly. Heard too many negatives on that age of Explorer. Maybe another choice? If you don't need the 4wd, maybe pick something w/out it as it is costly to repair and we're talking a 12 year old vehicle here.

[rockdahardplace]

Thanks to everyone for your thoughts.  I think you have all re-affirmed my concerns, and we'll continue looking (for something else).

(sigh) leather interior....

thanks again
neil and deb

[Bullet Blue]

My buddy has a 94 explorer and I can't count the amount of times he's complained about the quality, or how many times it has broken down. It is a very capable vehicle for offroading, but if the quality isn't there, there is no point. It's also quite the gas guzzler. He was told that the engine will have to be replaced soon which could cost him $4000-$6000. He is planning to get rid of it quite soon and is looking at toyotas now.

Good luck on your search!

[sly]

I would pass. In fact I would pass any Ford these days. They have to smarten up on quality, and warranty respect...and...

[Ze5wy6]

I would never buy a Ford Explorer period. In fact the Ford Bronco was changed to the "Explorer" because it had such a bad reputation.

" In 2004, the Ford Explorer SportTrac received the worst rollover rating of any 2004 SUV model tested by the government."

http://www.vehicle-injuries.com/ford-bronco-lawsuit.htm

[Sterling]

The Ford Bronco was based on a full-size truck chassis and had nothing to do with the Explorer. Considering you don't know that, I doubt that you know that the Sport Trac is not the same vehicle chassis as the Explorer 4 door.

[Ze5wy6]

"This excerpt from "Rollover: The Hidden History of the SUV" examines the development of the Ford Explorer and the decision by Ford's management to proceed on schedule with the Explorer's rollout in March 1990, despite the prototype's failure of a stability test, showing that it had the same rollover problems as its predecessor, the Bronco II."

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/rollover/etc/video.html

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/rollover/

[Snowman]

Thanks for the links  Ze5wy6, PBS’s Frontline is one of my favorite investigative reporting TV shows….no holds barred.

[Mdxtasy]

The Bronco II and the Bronco were different beasts.  The II was the baby 2 seater....short, tall and narrow.

[barrie1]

The original Roll over problem was to do with the air pressure in the tires of these vehicles. Ford said 25 lbs pressure and the tire folks said 35 lbs. The ones with the 25 lbs were having the problem in the southern states only. The tires ran too hot and the drivers side rear tire would blow on the highway and cause the crash. The rest of the vehicle was not that well bult either. There is much better trucks out there.  Personally I would look for a GM as I feel for that age they are a much better vehicle.  

[Bullet Blue]

Let's ask O.J and see what he thinks. He's used to driving them at high speeds on the highway

[safristi]

He loved them...just like he loved Nicole!!!!!