1998 Ford Explorer
Should You Buy a 1998 Ford Explorer?
The 1998 Ford Explorer is a mid-size SUV that offers a robust 4.0L V6 engine, delivering 205 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque. With a four-wheel drive system, this vehicle is well-suited for off-road adventures and challenging weather conditions. However, it has a combined fuel efficiency of only 15 MPG, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. The Explorer features a 5-speed automatic transmission, making it user-friendly for both city driving and highway cruising. Despite its age, the vehicle maintains a reliability score of 88.5 out of 100, indicating a generally dependable performance over time.
Potential buyers should be aware of the 1,000 total complaints reported to the NHTSA, including 100 crash incidents and 10 fatalities. The most common issues reported involve tires and engine cooling components, which may warrant additional inspection or maintenance considerations. Overall, while the 1998 Ford Explorer can be a solid choice for those seeking a capable SUV, prospective owners should be diligent in reviewing the vehicle's history and condition before purchase.
This vehicle is best suited for adventurous families or individuals seeking a reliable SUV for both daily commuting and weekend getaways, particularly in varied terrains.
Strengths
- +Robust four-wheel drive capability for off-road adventures
- +Decent power output with 205 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque
- +User-friendly 5-speed automatic transmission
- +High reliability score of 88.5/100
- +Spacious interior suitable for family use
Weaknesses
- -Low fuel efficiency at 15 MPG combined
- -High number of complaints related to safety and performance
- -Potential issues with tires and engine cooling components
- -Aging design and technology compared to newer SUVs
- -Limited seating information may affect family usability
Known Issues (NHTSA Data)
The 1998 Ford Explorer has a notable number of complaints, particularly regarding tire issues and engine cooling. While it has a decent reliability score of 88.5/100, the presence of 100 crash incidents and 10 fatalities indicates potential safety concerns that should not be overlooked. Buyers are advised to conduct thorough inspections and consider the vehicle's maintenance history before making a decision.
Performance
- Horsepower
- –
- Torque
- –
- Engine
- 4 L
- Cylinders
- V6
- Transmission
- Manual 5-spd
- Drive Type
- AWD/4WD
Efficiency
- MPG Combined
- 16
- Fuel Type
- Regular Gasoline
Dimensions
- Length
- 179.5 in
- Width
- 70.1 in
- Height
- 66.9 in
- Wheelbase
- 101.6 in
- Curb Weight
- 3,309 lbs
- Ground Clearance
- –
Capacity
- Doors
- 2
- Seating
- –
- Cargo
- –
- Max Cargo
- –
- Max Towing
- –
- Max Payload
- –
Estimated Value
Value estimate unavailable. MSRP data not available for this vehicle.