For Sale: 1997 Ford Explorer in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

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 and holding up well, both mechanically and visually, not something you can say about every vehicle from the 90's! As one owner put it in a Ford forum, "they don't make them like they used to!".

1FMDU35P9VZB11531

1-USA
F-Ford Motor company
M-MPV
D-5,001 To 6,000 GVWR
U35-Explorer Limited
P-5.0 Liter 215hp V8
9-Check Digit
V-1997
Z-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant
B11531-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price. All prices are before state, city and county tax, tag, title and license fees. Out of state buyers are responsible for all state, county, city taxes and fees, as well as title/registration fees in the state that the vehicle will be registered. Classic Auto Mall is not responsible for errors and omissions. Please verify listings with dealer. Vehicles may require VIN verification and/or safety and emissions inspections to transfer ownership and register the vehicle in the declared state of residence. Please check with your local DMV office to ensure compliance with your states titling and registration process.

With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!