Available styles include Sport 2dr SUV, Limited 4dr SUV, XL 4dr SUV 4WD, Sport 2dr SUV 4WD, XLT 4dr SUV AWD, Eddie Bauer 4dr SUV, Eddie Bauer 4dr SUV 4WD, XL 4dr SUV, XL 2dr SUV 4WD, XLT 4dr SUV, XL 2dr SUV, XLT 4dr SUV 4WD, Eddie Bauer 4dr SUV AWD, Limited 4dr SUV AWD, and Limited 4dr SUV 4WD. The Used 1997 Ford Explorer is offered in the following submodels: Explorer SUV. More about the 1997 Ford Explorer Used 1997 Ford Explorer Overview
If you haven't, do yourself a favor and find out why there are so many of these trucks on the road. If you are thinking about buying an SUV, chances are you've already checked out the Explorer. Sure, the Jeep Grand Cherokee feels sportier, and the GMC Jimmy looks cooler, but the Explorer has just the right amount of class and ruggedness to make it America's best-selling off-roader. Braking is excellent, and the suspension has a compliant attitude, but Ford's Explorer can bounce around, making occupants regret the Denver omelet they had for breakfast.įord has a philosophy of building vehicles that everyone can be happy with. They're tough and solid, and easy to maneuver, though steering is a little slow and ponderous, and the body leans through tight corners. Unlike the reworked Chevy Blazer, Explorers retain a distinctly truck-like character, which could be a bonus or a demerit. When combined with the optional V6, this should make the Explorer much more fun to drive. Ford claims that the additional gear, which occurs between the former first and second gears, allows for more precise shifting, allowing the truck to move uphill and off-road more authoritatively. This five-speed is the first ever developed for an American passenger vehicle.
Other changes for 1997 include swapping the four-speed automatic for a new five-speed automatic on V6 models. We recommend this engine over the other two engine choices due to its great power and affordable price. Fortunately, Ford has introduced an optional SOHC V6 that offers nearly as much power as the V8, for a lot less money. That's not good news when there's a need to pass or merge. Acceleration is fine from a standstill, but step on the gas at 50 mph and not much happens. The Explorer's standard 4.0-liter V6 is the puniest engine found in a domestic sport-ute. Exterior styling is a subjective matter, but we think that the Explorer is one of the most attractive SUVs on the road. Explorers offer more cargo capacity than most rivals, and five passengers can ride with ease. Rear seat comfort surpasses Chevy, and entry/exit is easier than Jeep. An organically sweeping dashboard houses radio controls that can actually be operated without a magnifying glass. The interior instills a feeling of quality that is missing from the Grand Cherokee and the Blazer. Simply stated, the Explorer is a more refined vehicle than the competition at Jeep and General Motors. We think that there's a good reason for this. The modern day Country Squire, some have called it, after the segment leading station wagon of the 1950s. With good reason the Explorer combined style, comfort and room is one go-anywhere package. Since its introduction in 1991, the Ford Explorer has resided at the top of the sport-utility sales heap.