Well i got my 03 F150 stolen, and been looking for another but recently been attracted to the explorers I am looking at a 2001 Explorer only because I need 4wd and don't need the box for cargo but thinking the 4.0L may be easier on gas than the 4.6L, I work as a heavy equipment operator and need 4wd to get into some job sites but I travel the highway quite fequently so i need a "multi-purpose" vehicle, I have two kids and the wife so an ext cab F150 would work but the gas milage is killing my paycheck so the explorer seems like the answer, but on the same hand I can't haul my camper trailer or haul my race truck on the car trailer with it, i do have the option of licencing my old 96 5.0L F150 for doing that job, so I guess my question is.... Is the fuel milage really worth it? Are these "mid Size" SUVs worth buying? I can get the same price and year in a Expedition but still pay the gas milage price but I can haul my ****.... any input would be great fellas!

 

I hope I can help you out...I have owned a 96 explorer with the 5.0L, a.w.d...and now own a 03 explorer with the 4.0L, 4by....As far as gas mileage the 96 was about 13mpg city, maybe 15hwy...remember the 5.0's are all wheel drive....the 03, the wife drives and she gets almost 16city, about 19-20hwy.....towing a 4000lb boat/trailer combo the 03 is much better only because of it being a heavier vehicle, the horsepower is the same for both vehicles.....the 03 is slightly bigger inside, definately more comfortable and rides better.....any thing else I can help with just ask.....

 

I own a 02 Mercury Mountaineer, the same thing as an Explore, just more bells and whistles so to speak.

I got the 4.6 V-8 AWD and the power is defiantly there, it picks up and goes in no time at all.

My fuel in the city is at 14-16mpg, and 19-22 on the highway doing 70mph.

The Explorers are nice SUV's but the only Major problem I've been having with mine at least is Tranny problems, it's on it's 3rd tranny and I have 53K miles on it. Thank god for power train warranty.

I'd buy another one.

 

We have a 2004 Eddie Bauer Explorer with the V8 and AWD. I absolutely *LOVE* this vehicle. It's crazy quick, gets decent gas mileage 22ish if you stay out of the pedal and drive highway primarily, and is a very nice ride.

My main complaint about the vehicle is ride quality though. I'm certain that this can be fixed with a new set of tires (currently running BFG ATs) but, with the rubber left on the current ones, it'd be silly to go fishing for Michelins (which will be the next set).

To my knowledge, there really aren't any massive reoccuring problems on the late models -- we've only had a couple of issues with this one (mainly the AC Clutch engage -- it clunks). Others have been piddly.

I've looked at and priced the new ones. While I really like them, I actually think I like the look of the old ones slightly better because of the lack of the chrome in places where I don't think chrome really looks all that great.

In a nutshell... I say give it a go. I wouldn't go for the V6 though... isn't the gas mileage rating only like 1 or 2 mpg difference?

RP

 

Thanx for the input fellas It is a 2001 and I can get a smokin good deal on it right now, I looked it over and I got the dealership to let me bring it home for the weekend, I am really impressed with the power in the 4.0 engine I mean its no Triton but it works well, Can anyone do a Carfax for me. 1FMZU73E1YUB68838

 

to find more out about the older style Explorers, go to this fourm posted below. Lots of people with info on these Explorers, and a lot of people might be more help to you on the 01 Explorer...

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum32/

 

I have had alot of explorers in my time. I have an old 93 4x4 toy i picked up last week for fun. I love'em. My first car was a 92 2wd, second was a 95 4x4. When it comes right down the the bottom line, I had the 4.0sohc and the 5.0v8 The 5.0 had liek 10 or 15 more hp, but a buttload more torque for towing. The 4.6 isn't nearly the torque provider. The sohc4.0 has one main issue that, and that is the timing chain. If it goes, the passenger head has to come off and you'll end up shelling out like $2000 or so (maybe a little more or less depending on the shop) How many miles are on it? And how well has it been maintained. Honestly, I had a couple F150's and I always liked the explorer better. They turn on a dime, whereas the F series turn on a 30ft street with trouble.

 

BTW, which model years had the 5.0 available? What tranny was the 5.0 mated to?

Thinking of going (back) to an Exploder now that I've finished building my new house and don't really need the F150 anymore except to tow my boat.

Steve

 

Only things that were replaced under warranty were the thermostat, serpentine belt, the tires (Firestone recall), windshield washer hose popped off, and the radio was repaired (would cut out).

It's a 4.0 SOHC, and its born-on date is April 14, 2000, wedgewood blue exterior, medium graphite cloth interior, 3.55 open rear axle...

-Joe

 

How many miles? How much? 4x4 or 4x2? Give me the basic info and I'll tell you what its worth. I have the SUV black book that dealers use for wholesale info

 

Ther are great little trucks (I still consider them trucks) I had a 93 XL 2 door. 4.0, 5Spd 4x4 Great little truck, got good milege and was a blast off-road. I drove an 02 for a few days last summer for work, seemed pretty nice.