1998 Ford Explorer Saleen XP8 Review: The Rebel SUV That Changed the Game

When you think of performance SUVs, you might think of present contenders from Mercedes AMG, BMW M Division, and possibly even Cadillac’s V-Series. But in the late ’90s, there was one car that pushed back. In rolls the 1998 Ford Explorer Saleen XP8. This beast wasn’t all towing capacity and roomy interiors; it was a radical statement of brute force and attitude.

It’s an open-book, no-punches-pulled look at the ’98 Explorer Saleen XP8. We’ll go through the specs, talk about what makes it Different with a capital D, compare it to the rest of its cohort, and discuss what we wish were better. So, strap yourself in and get ready to embark on a nostalgic – yet thrilling – journey back to the era of 1990s performance SUVs.

Raw Power, in a Familiar Package

The Explorer has long been referred to as a workhorse, a reliable family SUV with lots of room. Saleen, however, saw something in this platform that could be not only utilitarian, but really, really fun to drive.

Performance Specs:

• Engine: 5.0L V8 (Saleen-tuned)
• Horsepower: Approximately 380 hp
• Torque: Around 380 lb-ft
• Transmission: 4-speed automatic (w/Saleen’s custom calibrations)
• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD), with some four-wheel drive conversions available for particular applications
• 0-60 mph: Roughly 6.5 seconds
• Top Speed: Approximately 130 mph

And while those figures may not seem spectacular by today’s supercar standards, they were otherworldly for a 1998 sports utility vehicle. With Saleen’s special touch, the Explorer’s naturally anemic V6 was transformed to a strong-running V8 that induced a smile upon the driver’s face with each aggressive stab of the throttle. Customized transmission tuning ensured that power was applied in a manner that was aggressive yet smooth, providing drivers with the confidence to conquer highways and back roads alike.

What Makes the XP8 Special?

The Saleen XP8 is more than just a fast truck…it’s a truck with attitude. And here’s the difference between the XP8 and your typical grocery getter Explorer:

• Sporty Look: Saleen threw out merely a badge but entirely reworked the cosmetic appearance of the XP8. Special front and rear bumpers, tailored side skirts, and panache-loaded alloy wheels also convey XP8’s menacing looks and performance enhancements.
• Performance Upgrades: Tuned 5.0L V8 and Saleen’s premium engine management yield higher horsepower and torque compared to the factory Mustangs. That translates into a more entertaining driving experience, whether you are merging onto a motorway or carving through twisty country lanes.
• Rarity: there weren’t many XP8s made, and you won’t find many on the streets today. Its exclusivity has made it a collector’s item that attracts enthusiasts who care not only about performance but also about heritage.
• Heritage and Personality: This model harks back to an era when aftermarket tuning was as much about character as it was about performance. It has a crude, unfiltered soul that’s frequently missing in modern SUVs, with their high-tech bells and whistles.
• Practicality: Even with its high-performance specs the XP8 kept true to the original Explorer’s versatility. It might lug your family and gear on a camping trip one day, then tear down the highway with a bit of enthusiasm the next.

Competition: How Did the XP8 Compare Back in the Day?

When the XP8 stepped into the market, it also faced competition from a few worthy adversaries. Each of those had a distinctive contribution to make, but the XP8 catalogue aimed to combine practical, daily utility with performance tuning.

1. Jeep Grand Cherokee (ZJ)

• Engine Options: Normally V8 motors with 230-250 hp
• Performance: Renowned for off-road capability and ruggedness but not as much for speed
• Pros: Solid off-road capability and a reputation for toughness
• Cons: Not as polished or potent as the Saleen-tuned XP8
• Who’s It For: Purchasers in need of a dependable off-road vehicle, as opposed to a high-performance machine

2. Ford Explorer Sport

• Engine Options: We suspect V8 equivalents to the base Explorer, though surely worked over for performance
• Performance: Better suited for everyday driving over outright performance
• Pros: Puts the Explorer’s practicality in a hot hatch wrapper
• Cons: Lacks the aggressive modifications that make the XP8 unique
• Who’s It For: Families who would like a little extra boost without drastic upgrades

3. Dodge Durango R/T

• Engine Options: 5.9L Hemi V8 – approximately 345 hp
• Performance: Muscle Car performance in an SUV body
• Pros: Potent performance figures and more aggressive looks
• Cons: Not as exclusive or as polished as the XP8
• Who’s It For: Enthusiasts who desire a mixture of muscle and utility, without the custom hand-made feel of a Saleen conversion

While these rivals were all worthy of consideration, the XP8’s trifecta of rarity, performance modifications, and style set it apart in a cutthroat market for super SUVs at the time.

What Could Be Better?

The 1998 Ford Explorer Saleen XP8 has a few things that I wish were a little different:

• Interior Refinement: Despite a lot of the Explorer’s ruggedness found in the XP8, the interior lacks a premium feel. Upgraded materials would be welcome
• Ride Comfort: Performance-tuned suspension can mean a jarring ride over anything less than perfect pavement. A slightly more compliant suspension tune might be better able to split the difference between all-out, sporty handling and the comfort you want to live with every day
• Aftermarket Support: Not many XP8s were built, and while that sort of rarity is pretty darn cool, it also makes locating specialized service and parts for your rare beast a bit of a crap shoot for any would-be owner

Though a few niggles prevent it from being perfect, the XP8 fits the poster child for ’90s performance tuning and go-anywhere capability.

A True Icon for the Bold and the Brave

Your 1998 Ford Explorer Saleen XP8 is a work of automotive history. It’s a reminder of when tuning was all about making a statement — and not holding back on performance. With its aggressive look, big engine, and one-of-a-kind Saleen upgrades, the XP8 was a stand-alone! It got hold of a useful, family-appropriate Explorer and made it a pavement-thriller capable on the highway as it was competent off of it (though there’s debate as to how many owners actually took their Saleen off-road).

That makes the XP8 a curious choice for collectors, enthusiasts, and those who admire the raw aesthetic of ’90s muscle and off-road machine. It isn’t flawless; the transmission and its interior could be a bit better, but its character and exclusivity won out.

How about the 1998 Ford Explorer Saleen XP8? Drop a comment below!