1997 Ford Explorer

1997 Ford Explorer Limited AWD They are great, solid vehicles. I had a 96 XL, speed manual, I took it everywhere. I was an idiot and got rid of it way too soon, it probably ended up as a cash for clunker. I don't have many regrets in life but selling that Explorer is one of them. I finally got another Explorer a couple months ago and it's great, but it's just not the same as Gen 2. A Reddit testimonial For consignment, a 1997 Ford Explorer Limited AWD with a title verified 194,160 miles. This is a two owner SUV that's been lowered slightly and will come to you with repair and maintenance records. Scan the internet and you'll find countless testimonials of well maintained, high mileage Explorers still doing their thing. Exterior Ford rounded the edges of the Gen 2 explorers but they retained their boxy profile which essentially defined the genre and started the SUV trend that continues to this day. This one is dressed in decidedly attractive Ivory Pearl Metallic TriCoat which covers the grille and bumpers for a monochromatic, 90's presentation. Smoked window, rain guards, black window trim, and dark D-pillars and side mirrors offer a handsome contrast while champagne running boards are also topped in black. 15-inch rims are wrapped in 235/75R15 tires with a mid 2025 date code and on the opposite end, a roof rack is provided for extra cargo. Imperfections include the occasional bubble, cracking paint, scratches, slight damage to the rear bumper cover, and a few chips. Interior Medium Prairie Tan is the color for the interior palette starting on the door panels, common across the Ford truck line with molded plastic, speakers, leather inserts, a carpeted insert with safety lights and black hardware and all four are in excellent condition. King sized leather bucket seats occupy the front and the driver's seat shows some wear while both enjoy electric adjustments. A plumply filled rear bench seat remains in nice shape and includes headrests and central radio controls with old school headphone ports. More Ford standardization can be seen from the steering wheel forward, a formula that is attractive, efficient, and basic with an AM/FM/Cassette and A/C panel in the center hosting large buttons. A trip computer panel lives below its digital screen in the center console above tan carpet in clean condition. The soft headliner above frames the sunroof and presents in clean condition as does the rear cargo area. If this SUV has almost 200,000 miles, you can't tell by looking at the interior. Drivetrain Under the hood, Ford's 5.0 liter V8 with EFI and 215 horsepower, mated to a 4R70W 4-speed automatic transmission routing power to 3.73 gears in the front and rear limited slip axle. The distinct intake plenum is familiar and versions of it appeared across the Ford line, and tops this clean engine bay. Undercarriage Some typical surface rust, but overall a very clean underside presents itself with the dual exhaust still running through original equipment mufflers, then exiting behind the right rear wheel. Power disc brakes are on all four wheels and suspension consists of torsion bars in front and leaf springs in the back and according to our consignor, a handling package from Ford Explorer Express has been added which lowers the truck slightly and replaces the air ride system. Drive-Ability It's lowered, but it's still a step up into this sizable SUV. The 5.0 liter starts on cue and the truck performs flawlessly on the test loop, tracking straight, shifting smoothly, and accelerating with some right foot persuasion. Having represented 90's Ford trucks before, it comes as no surprise that all functions work as they should on this ivory ride. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase. Well maintained and clean, here's the grandfather of the SUV category, nearly 30 years old