Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

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  Really miss the 4 doors. - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By blnewt - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Almost from the day we bought it we regretted not putting a bit extra aside for the 4 Door Explorer. Needless to say, we just traded our Sport in for a 2004 Explorer XLS, and are very happy w/ the decision, just so much more vehicle for the money.

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  Give the Sport a look! Its good. - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Sac State - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Although this vehicle takes a bad review from Edmunds, I found the vehicle comfortable, stable and fun to drive. In fact, I have owned three Sports all in seccession. The most recent had every option except the sunroof. I swapped the stock recall tires with Michelin MTX and one size larger. The 4x4 system had major limitations, not being able to run on dry, semi-wet pavement, i.e. rain. Overall, I would highly recommend this vehicle. It had good ride height, versatile interior and look rugged with its two door layout.

• 

  2003 Ford Explorer XLT Sport - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By davem2003 - April 30 - 7:58 am

  I purchased my 2003 Ford Explorer Sport back in 2006 truck was 2.5 years old and had 32000 Miles on it. I am a Heavy equipment mechanic so I service my own vehicles. regular oil changes every 3000 K, front rear diff t-case oil every 50000 K, I have replaced brakes many of times approx. every 40000K fronts and 60000K rear, I tow a 3500 l b trailer a few times a year across country in summer rest of driving is around town, Truck now has 172500 K on it and still runs well, Ive also replaced the tires twice and battery once everything else is all original!! This vehicle does everything I ask for.

• 

  I dont hear much about mechanical issues - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Carol - January 17 - 8:20 pm

  I dont drive my vehicle hard by any means yet I have had numerous brake problems, ex. rotors and calipers replaced on a vehicle that was only two years old at the time. I have had a windshield leak in the drivers side corner which the dealer could not seem to fix. My brother actually took it to work one day and fixed it for me. I have had the rear wiper motor quit after one year and I barely used it. I hear squeaks and rubbing all the time when I am slowing down to stop yet the dealer cannot find where any noise is coming from. Buy another Ford, I think not! And this was the first brand new vehicle I ever purchased. Older models certainly were made better than the stuff out there now.

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  OK, but youll want those 4 doors - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By B Newton - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Not a bad overall vehicle, but am really upset that I didnt pony up the extra 1500 for the 4dr model. The 2 door really does limit its appeal and resale plummets w/ the 2door compared to the 4dr model. Fun & quiet to drive, but the dinky gas tank always makes you on guard during long trips.

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  Loved the first, hate the second - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By So-So - February 23 - 2:00 am

  On my second Sport, after enjoying number one, traded for number two. Sorry I did, quality is low, air conditioner has an inherent buzz and the attention to detail is at an all time low. Ford is really tying to save money so dealers are trying to keep warranty claims to a minimum. Squeak, rattles and rolls, its a Ford.

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  I kept this car - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By kc2portland - July 30 - 1:56 am

  This is the first automobile that I have kept for more than 3 or 4 years. It is very reliable. I get regular oil changes and scheduled maintainence and I have not had any problems with this vehicle. It does suck the gas a little, but since I dont have any mechanical problems, nor car payments, it doesnt seem reasonable to me to trade it in.

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  Great car so far - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Dan from Denver - December 23 - 10:00 am

  Im a Ford fan, and still own a Bronco, Bronco II and just sold my Lincoln. Test drove Toyota and Honda - no comparison. Sport has power, good handling, tight construction, nimble steering, good extras. Dealer gave a great price. Dont need 4 dr anymore. Im having fun with it. A little clunky to look at but so are all the other SUVs. Can tell mine from a mile away and thats a plus.

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  A great car! - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By xpoyzenivx - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I love my Explorer! I will keep buying them as long as they keep making them. A very reasonable buy for what you get; lots of great low-priced extras such as power seats, etc. Very comfortable! Doesnt handle as well as it could though.

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  So far so good! - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By SportDriver - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Havent finished going through the "break-in" period with the truck yet, so my rating may be a little premature, but I digress... From past experience driving Expos with the SOHC V6, I know power delivery is and will be outstanding! Seats feel good, though the headrests are waaay too low. Lotsa storage space, and the truck feels generally well screwed together, though the long-term quality outlook still has me sweating... Overall, if this type of rugged truck- based vehicle appeals to you, and you find the right price, than I heartily reccomend the Explorer Sport (at least till years end when Im told theyre being canceled...)