Me too; traded it at around 150,000; for a '99 model. It was equally reliable; I spent $400 for one repair (other than tires and general maintenance).
I traded it at 199,998 for a 2004 model.
The '04 model has, to say the least, cured me of my Explorer "fix." Absolute garbage on every level. Cheapened up insides; the plastic can be scratched with a fingernail; a transmission that I later discovered had a "service bulletin" issued before I ever drove it off the lot (the dealership didn't fix it; I drove it for 20,000 miles before it was fixed); and a few weeks ago..the hinges gave way on the back hatch...it FELL OFF!!
Total garbage. Incidently, with my "fixed" transmission I have to keep a foot on the brake at intersections with a grade...it rolls backwards like manual transmission.
Predictably, Ford issues no recalls until they have a "body count."
I am not surprised at your reaction to the new Explorers. In fact, I decided against getting a new one when it looked to me like they rode lower or something. I figured that the American car companies went "politically correct" and reacted to all the scumbag liberal whining about how when cars have an accident, they "lose" because the SUVs have higher bumpers, and so they lowered the bumpers to make it "even". Whatever. My next ride is a big truck. Probably something Japanese.
I have a 1997, it will probably be my last.