Overview & Reviews
Ford's AdvanceTrac electronic stability control that was previously available on V8 models only is now available on all models, except the XLS and XLS Sport and all AWD models. The NBX version now comes standard with the off-road package and "NBX" tailgate badging, and can be ordered with a moonroof. Limited and Eddie Bauer models get a quad bucket seating option when equipped with the third-row bench, which adds second-row buckets and a floor console. Family buyers of the 2004 Ford Explorer should note that the optional rear air conditioner no longer requires the purchase of the third-row seat. Finally, a tire-pressure monitoring system is now standard on XLS Sport and higher trim levels, and a rear cargo shade is optional on XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited models.
- Excellent ride and handling characteristics for a truck-based SUV, strong optional V8, comfortable cabin with user-friendly layout and seating for up to seven, good crash test scores.
- Dull cabin design with some low-grade materials, low resale value, confusing controls on highline models, lousy fuel economy.
User Reviews:
Showing 21 through 30 of 359.00-
Good at first..... - 2004 Ford Explorer
By SK - March 1 - 1:15 amI bought my Explorer brand new. ANd in the beginning, I loved it. Had problems with the transmission acting out, but everytime I took in to dealership, they could never find anything wrong. Drivers seat belt gets stuck once in awhile...have to keep ejecting over and over till it finally frees. The tires wear out very quickly. The brakes wear out quickly...had to have done more times than should have. And of course the heater....the blower wnet out, the wiring melted...Ford did not care at all, said it is not a safety issue. Well to me it was, because in the winter months and working nights..having no heat to defrost the windshield to see out of was a hazard. That cost me $500. to have fixed.
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How long should plastic last? - 2004 Ford Explorer
By rks - February 24 - 2:50 pmWe have had overall good luck with our Explorer. The major problem is that many plastic parts have failed which require costly fixes. Both plastic anchors on the right and left sun visors broke which resulted in the complete replacement of the visors. The plastic lift ring on the floor cover broke which required a whole new cover. The most annoying piece of plastic that has broken twice ($350) has been the plastic panel just below the rear window. I have noted that many Explorers are driving with this piece broken. Ford has a "policy" not to replace them which leads me to believe that Ford is not living up to its reputation as customer friendly.
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Transmission Problems - 2004 Ford Explorer
By Matt - January 26 - 10:19 pmI bought this car with 40,000 miles on it and with service records. 6 months later the Transmission was shot and I spent $2,300 having that rebuilt. 18 months after that the Transmission is starting to slip and the service engine light is on. All I want to do is trade in this hunk of junk for something that isnt going to make me worried that I am going to have to drop $2,000 every year or so on repairs.
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2004 ford explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
By ford guy - January 11 - 10:32 pmI have a 2004 Ford explorer I bouth it in 2005 with only 25,000 miles five years later this car has been great to me so far I did have a ac/motor problem but it was covered under the warranty. I have done every maintenance that is recommended to this car and I do believe that it will last a lot longer. My parents have a 2005 explorer with almost 200,000 miles on it and only had problem with window motor. I would grade this car a A-.
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The best explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
By a_c911 - December 29 - 2:00 amThe new explorer is the best one of all the explorer models. With the 4 wheel independent suspension, very roomy interior and the horse power. It has been a great experience with how comfortable it rides. I would recommend it to anyone.
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driving my explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
By Darrell - December 29 - 2:00 amour experience with the 2003 explorer we purchased so far is excellent we have had no problems of any kind, we have had it about 6 months and put 10000 miles on it. we had 2 expeditions before buying this but we found it will do the job just as well especilly for my wife because she is a short person and really likes the smaller vehicle better, so we give this car at this point an excellent report
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Mixed Feelings - 2004 Ford Explorer
By tagco - December 29 - 2:00 amWhile I have not had any mechanical trouble with my Limited 2wd, I have numerous problems with fit and workmanship. The combination of DVD and Sunroof does not seem to be a winning combo. There does not seem to be enough support for the DVD system, as a result there are numerous creaks, groans and rattles right above my head. The hatch and hatch windows plastic panels are also loose and I have shored these up with foam pieces jammed around the panels. The ride is much rougher than I anticipated. Overall looks and features are great, however I am extremely disappointed in the ride and workmanship of the interior.
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Buy a Ford Explorer TODAY! - 2004 Ford Explorer
By jules76 - December 29 - 2:00 amI have driven several SUVs and this far outweights the rest......Buy one today!
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GREAT SUV - 2004 Ford Explorer
By MIKEBIGEZ - December 29 - 2:00 amI have owned 3 Ford Explorers over the pass 13 yrs. I just purchase my third one and kept my 10 yr old 2nd one as a all around work truck. The new one is by far the best.I remodel rental properties on a part-time basis that I purchase which are in bad shape so my Explorer is used frequently to haul all kind of stuff. But I am a CPA on a full time basis and need a nice looking car to call on clients too. The Explorer meet both of those needs and a big selling point for me was that it holds a 4x8sheet of plywood which is a must for me and it is the only one of its size that does that.
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nothing - 2004 Ford Explorer
By Glenn Cunningham - December 29 - 2:00 amgood traction in snow
