Hey guys, I’m looking for a good SUV for my family. My wife doesn’t want a full-size SUV like an Expedition, Suburban, Tahoe, etc., but wants something mid-size like a Pilot, Highlander, etc. People want a LOT for a Pilot or Highlander even with high mileage, so I’ve been looking into Explorers as they’re the right size and have a more affordable price range.
I’ve read mixed reviews on these vehicles, so I’m trying to get some input. Some people LOVE them, and others absolutely HATE them.
Good trucks, but there’s a chance you’ll run into transmission problems. Other than that, they shouldn’t be too much of an issue. Then again, you’re probably going to have the same problem with Hondas from those years. iirc the Highlander was smaller back then; it didn’t grow until the past few years.
@Axel
Yeah, it seems every V6 Honda from ’99 to the mid-2000s had tranny issues. Even the Acura MDX of that period seemed to be plagued with that as well.
[edited after research]
Looks to me like 2002+ Explorers weren’t affected by the transmission issues. The troublesome 5R55E seems to have been replaced by the 5R55W from 2002 on.
Obviously, pay close attention to the transmission feel on your test drive, but I think you should be okay.
I’d steer clear of 5R55 transmissions in general. They only seem to get around 125k out of them.
Just replaced a 5R55S in a 2010 Explorer V6. It had about 130k miles but had been slipping for a while. Pay attention to the RPMs during your test drive; this one shifted fairly smooth.
Look for the V8 engine as it’s more reliable. Try to get as close to the 2005 model year as possible since Ford made some updates to the Explorers over the years. The transmission will likely need to be rebuilt if it hasn’t been already.
They’re also known for breaking rear springs on the struts, but hopefully, by now, the struts have been replaced with higher-quality parts. Rear wheel bearings were a big issue on the ’02 and ’03 models.