2000 Ford Explorer consumer reviews

ok car. bad trandmission. good mpg for suv. Transmission blows up alot. otherwise trustworthy car. great styling. 4 star. bad transmission.

I've had my 2000 Explorer XLT 4X4 for about a year and a half. I have the 4.0 SOHC engine (205 hp) V6 and leather interior. Overall, it has been a solid, good-looking midsize SUV. The engine has great acceleration and plenty of power to tow as well. The 5 speed automatic transmission helps with gas mileage a little, but it downshifts and upshifts too often on hilly roads. The auto 4x4 seems to respond well to wheel spin in wet conditions, although it is not instantaneous. Since the SUV is truck-based, it does ride poorly over rough spots in the road and there is pronounced body lean in corners, but that is to be expected I guess. Interior room for driver and front seat passenger is surprisingly tight, but the back seat and cargo area are very spacious. Ergonomics seem just right with stereo, air conditioning, etc. in easy reach and the center console has the perfect height arm rest. The large sunroof is great, too. Mechanically, I have only had to replace a front wheel bearing, but overall it has been very reliable. I have about 93,000 miles on it and hope to keep it running for a while longer. Good value for the money if you don't mind seeing 100 others on the road beside you.

I bought this car used off of a 2 year lease with low mileage. At nearly 36000, less than a year of ownership, the transmission crumbled and required replacement. The dealership said it was some manufacturing problem that resulted in the bolting defects ...blah blah blah. So far the new transmission made it to 50000 (and the original engine is still kicking at 80000). The car serves me well with the exception of rising gas prices. In good conscience I couldn't recommend it to any of my friends because they are far less resilient and car savy than myself. It's not an awful car, I am getting my money back thus far, but I am holding my breath for 125000 miles. If I get to that point I'll come back and write a better review.

I've owned two 2dr explorers. One was a '91 the other a 2000 model. 2000 model has less leg room and comfort compared to '91. 2000 model has more refined easier to use/access features, (i.e. a/c, power plug, radio.). A/C seems more reliable in 2000, seemed earlier models (ford in general) a/c would have major problems at around 50,000 miles. Although the 2000 is a quality vehicle, I drove my '91 for a 155,000 miles with a lot a life left when I sold it. I just don't think the 2000 is as durable as the '91. Physical ride in 2000 model is rougher than '91, could be partially due to the tires (goodyear wrangler's on '00 and firestone atx's on '91). But I do not believe a different brand of tires would cause a drastic difference in ride smoothness. Overall, I think '91 was a better vehicle I would still recommend the 2000 model as a versatile reliable truck.

Have driven the car over 50,000 miles and still drives as well as when I bought it. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a sturdy yet comfortable auto.

Good SUV, Good Value for money . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For 13 years I owned a F150 with a straight 6 4.9l engine. It was a "big truck" to me. I traded up to a smaller SUV. The Ford Explorer, 2000 with a 5.0l V8. The size of the cab is smaller in comparison but more comfortable since I drive across the country at least 2 times a year and work all over the north east. The seats are extremely versitile for long drives. The visibilty around the vehicle is great. I was used to the power but lack of performance of the 6 cylinder. Then after a few days in the 2000 Explorer put things into a whole new perspective. More power. More responce. Better fuel economy. The AWD Explorer gives me better handling in all conditions. The room inside is great but I had to be carefull of how much cargo I carried since I had plenty in the truck. But thats ok. This is a great vehicle for the small SUV class. Especially with the V8. Enough power and performance but not the gas guzzling of the larger SUVs. I would buy another vehicle just like this.