2007 Ford Explorer

Now I cannot say this enough, this SUV is NOT for 4 x 4 off roading. Driving this vehicle as though it is Big Foot will kill it. It will flip or tip over, the rear will go as will the transmission. If you are going to purchase one of these please see how many owners it has had, and if they beat on it. If it looks as though it has been abused do not buy it. It will only fall apart. Also check the recall lists. Ford quietly sends out notices about their recalls that many people ignore. Make sure any recall work has been done before purchasing.

That said there are a few problems with this SUV that are small and easily fixed. The poor lighting is one of the more serious ones. In fact the exterior lights were recalled on a few years and are easily replaced. Also the window and door seals leak and pull out on almost every one of these SUVs I have seen. The front seats are comfortable, but the backs are a bit stiff. The seats cloth material stains and the seats themselves hold indents from car seats. When well taken care of and not beat up, the Explorer is a great SUV. The body holds up well including the paint. The interior is room and can easily fit 8 people (when third seat is up), the third seat folds away leaving room to pack it up. I personally like the plain practical dash board though I have noticed in many of them the paint wears off of the radio buttons. Oil and tune ups should be kept up at least twice a year, and considering the known problems with the transmission I would give that a good flush at least once a year. The costs are in the normal $90- $100 range.

I believe that many of the reported problems for the Ford Explorer are due to rough driving by drivers who misunderstand what a 4 x 4 SUV is used for.