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1998 Ford Explorer

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Select a Trim
Select a Trim
1998 Sport 2dr 4x2
most popular
Price:   -  From $19,880
1998 XL 4dr 4x2 Price:   -  From $21,560
1998 Sport 2dr 4x4 Price:   -  From $22,725
1998 XL 4dr 4x4 Price:   -  From $23,480
1998 XLT 4dr 4x2 Price:   -  From $24,740
1998 XLT 4dr 4x4 Price:   -  From $26,745
1998 XLT 4dr All-wheel Drive Price:   -  From $26,745
1998 Eddie Bauer 4dr 4x2 Price:   -  From $28,910
1998 Eddie Bauer 4dr All-wheel Drive Price:   -  From $30,465
1998 Eddie Bauer 4dr 4x4 Price:   -  From $30,915
1998 Limited 4dr 4x2 Price:   -  From $31,715
1998 Limited 4dr All-wheel Drive Price:   -  From $33,270
1998 Limited 4dr 4x4 Price:   -  From $33,720

Overview

There seems to be an unending stream of sport-utilities hitting showrooms. But none have come close to the popularity of Ford's Explorer. It has been so successful that there has been little inducement to change it. However, there are some improvements for 1998. A programming change in the four-wheel-drive system sends more power to the front wheels under hard acceleration to lessen the likelihood of the rear wheels slipping. The standard ABS has been massaged to improve control on slippery surfaces, with reduced noise and vibration when activated. The rack-and-pinion steering system has been refined for better on-center feel and quicker response. All models now have Ford's SecuriLock security system, which the company claims is virtually impossible to defeat. A simple three-position dial on the instrument panel controls the four-wheel-drive system. The normal mode is Auto. This mode continually monitors and adjusts power to the front wheels to minimize slip. The 4x4 High mode electronically locks the transfer case in high gear, providing a 50/50 torque split between the front and rear wheels; this mode is primarily for driving off road or in extreme winter conditions. The 4x4 Low mode switches the transfer case to the lower gear ranges for serious off-roading. The Explorer offers an engine for everyone. Choices start with a 4.0-liter overhead-valve V6 rated at 160 horsepower. Next up is a 4.0-liter single overhead-cam V6 with 205 hp. And finally, the big 5.0-liter V8 makes 215 hp. Explorer permutations are numerable. They start with a basic two-door, two-wheel-drive XL at $20,405 (including destination), and stop with the four-door, 4WD Limited at more than $35,000. Our tester, a four-door XLT 4x4, equipped the way many are sold, sits in between the extremes at $29,585. That includes the 4.0-liter sohc V6, our recommendation, for $540. The V8, with a trailer-towing package and four-speed automatic, tacks on another $1600. All told, in ascending order of trim and price, there is Explorer XL, Sport, XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited. Deciding to buy an Explorer is not too difficult. Deciding which Explorer with which engine and which transmission could take an afternoon of brochure browsing.

Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Available
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
Standard: 4.0L V-6 / 160 HP / 225 ft.lbs.
Available: 4.0L V-6 / 205 HP / 250 ft.lbs.
Transmission
Standard: 5-spd man w/OD
Available: 5-spd auto w/OD
Drive Type
Rear-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
16 / 21 / 18 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
4
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
Standard: 4.0L V-6 / 160 HP / 225 ft.lbs.
Available: 4.0L V-6 / 205 HP / 250 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Rear-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
16 / 21 / 18 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Rear Suspension
Spare Tire And Wheel
Full-size Steel
Fuel Tank
17.5 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$67
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
69.4 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
Exterior Length
179.6 "
Exterior Width
70.2 "
Exterior Height
67.0 "
Front Headroom
39.9 "
Rear Headroom
39.1 "
Front Legroom
42.4 "
Rear Legroom
34.5 "
Front Shoulder Room
56.7 "
Rear Shoulder Room
57.9 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
3,692 Lbs.
Wheel Base
102 "
Turning Radius
17.3 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
2 Doors
Wheels
15.0 " Silver Aluminum
Paint
Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote
Bumpers
Black / Colored
Grille Moldings
Body-colored
Rear Spoiler
Exhaust
Non Stainless Steel
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
4
Seat Trim
Vinyl / Cloth / Leather
Front Seat Type
Bucket / Captain / Sport
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
4-way / 12-way (6-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
4-way
Front Armrests
4-way / 12-way (6-way Power)
Rear Armrests
Rear Seats
50-50 Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Am/fm Stereo, Clock, Seek-scan / Premium Am/fm Stereo, Seek-scan / Am/fm Stereo, Seek-scan / Clock
Speakers
4 / 4 Performance / 4 Brand
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Climate Control
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Power
Rearview Mirror
Day-night / Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Driver
Tinted Windows
Deep
Vanity Mirrors
Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
2
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Knee Airbag
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles

Used 1998 Ford Explorer for Sale

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