How much was a Ford Explorer in 1997?
A 1997 Ford Explorer typically started around $20,000, with higher trims like XLT and Eddie Bauer reaching the mid-to-upper $20,000s, and four-wheel-drive options adding extra cost. Actual prices varied by region, dealer, and chosen options.
In the mid-to-late 1990s, the Explorer was a popular mid-size SUV in Ford’s lineup. For the 1997 model year, Ford offered several trims and drivetrain configurations, with price differences driven mainly by trim level and the availability of four-wheel drive (4WD). The figures below reflect common Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRPs) for typical configurations, before local taxes and dealer incentives.
Price by trim and options
The following figures summarize typical MSRPs for common 1997 Explorer configurations. They illustrate how trim level and drivetrain generally affected the sticker price.
- Base Explorer XL (2WD): around $20,000
- Explorer XL (4WD): around $21,500–$22,500
- Explorer XLT (2WD): around $23,000–$25,000
- Explorer XLT (4WD): around $25,000–$27,000
- Explorer Eddie Bauer (2WD): around $27,000–$28,500
- Explorer Eddie Bauer (4WD): around $28,500–$29,000
Prices shown are approximate ranges based on typical 1997 configurations and may have varied by region, dealer, and optional equipment. The four-wheel-drive versions generally carried a noticeable premium over their two-wheel-drive counterparts, reflecting the added capability and equipment.
Context and considerations
Market conditions in 1997, including fuel economy regulations, competitive SUV pricing, and consumer demand for family-hauler vehicles, influenced how Ford packaged options. While the Eddie Bauer trim represented the premium side of the Explorer lineup, many buyers opted for 4WD for versatility in adverse weather and off-road use, which helped drive the price upward within the range noted above.
Summary
In 1997, a Ford Explorer typically began near $20,000 for the base XL, with higher trims such as XLT and Eddie Bauer climbing into the mid-to-upper $20,000s. Four-wheel-drive configurations added roughly $1,000–$2,000 to the price, depending on the exact setup. Across trims, the Explorer offered a spectrum of choices that influenced the sticker price but remained within a relatively tight range for the model year.
How much was a Ford Explorer in 1996?
1996 Ford Explorer pricing starts at $1,645 for the Explorer Sport Utility 2D, which had a starting MSRP of $22,980 when new. The range-topping 1996 Explorer Sport Utility 4D starts at $1,655 today, originally priced from $24,335. KBB Fair Purchase Price (national avg.)
How much is a 1997 Ford Explorer?
1997 Ford Explorer Pricing
The range-topping 1997 Explorer Sport Utility 4D starts at $1,713 today, originally priced from $25,420. KBB Fair Purchase Price (national avg.)
How much did a Ford Explorer cost in 1999?
1999 Ford Explorer pricing starts at $1,761 for the Explorer Sport Utility 2D, which had a starting MSRP of $24,545 when new. The range-topping 1999 Explorer Sport Utility 4D starts at $1,870 today, originally priced from $25,310. KBB Fair Purchase Price (national avg.)
How much did a Ford Explorer cost in 1995?
The range-topping 1995 Explorer Sport Utility 4D starts at $1,540 today, originally priced from $23,735. KBB Fair Purchase Price (national avg.) The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors.
