I think you're right, the older ones where actually made better and in general the fewer the gadgets the more reliable---but that makes me think the my Rover, 92 same year as yours, and all the toys work! Better quality? And I did have an 1988 Ford Bronco (Full size) XLT, which was a much better truck than the Explorer. (4x4, 5.0 Liter V8) The biggest problem was it was only a 2-door and it was starting to rust, and the electric tailgate never worked right, so you could never get in the back. Hmm...anyway, good luck with yours. I think the 1st gen Explorer like yours is less prone to roll-overs due to the steering is not rack & pinion like on the 1995-on models.

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2002 Mercedes-Benz E320 4Matic
1995 Mercedes-Benz E320 Wagon
2005 Land Rover LR3 V8 SE
1999 Audi A8 4.2L quattro