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 31 through 40 of 359.00

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  explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By rlcd - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Best vehicle ever owned. Much better than Trail Blazer. Roomy love the third seat for kids.

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  Would buy another one tomorrow !!! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By kris667 - December 29 - 2:00 am

  I have had my ford explorer for over a year now, I still look forward to enjoying it every day. Whether I am in sunshine, rain, sleet or snow I know I can trust it to take me to my destination safely and comfortably. I live in New England area, where the weather changes every minute it seems. This truck actually makes me look forward to snowfall even though I do not like the winter season. I have gotten many people out of snow banks or even up hills on a snowy day. This past summer I had to help pull a chevy van with a 28 foot boat behind it up a ramp since it was stuck, The ford seemed to have all the power needed. I would recommend this truck to all.

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  Ford Explorer: Vehicle of Choice - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By GKarl - December 29 - 2:00 am

  This is our fourth vehicle in the Explorer/Mountaineer family that we have owned, and it is by far the best. The new lower suspension introduced in 2001 gives the new Explorer more of a car feel on the road, with no sacrifice of off road capabilities.

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  The Best Ive Owned - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By vlovett - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Our Eddie Bauer Explorer makes travel very enjoyable. Very comfortable and quiet--we swapped our OE tires for Goodyear Fortera--really smooth and quiet. Rear Entertainment Center keeps my two grand daughters to occupied to ask how much farther. This Explorer handles so much better than my previous 2000 model. We just love the vehicle.

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  2004 Ford Explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By 2004 Ford Explorer - December 14 - 3:28 pm

  I can not believe that my explorer would be more reliable than my 2003 Toyota corolla. i bought this car from a friend and it had 360,000 miles. i got a tug for it only for 1 year because i thought it wouldnt last more than 1 year. The car still runs perfect and the handling in this car is amazing for an SUV. to keep this car perfect like this all you need is to do maintenance on time. i cant believe it didnt break down on me for the way i push this car. i just took it from Fairfax Virginia to Jacksonville North carolina 6 hours drive with 360k miles and its still FINE!! you see alot of Honda and Toyota in US but guess what do you see the most in Europe ? FORD!!!

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  My Explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Poisenivy2 - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I love to drive my Explorer. It handles the road very well and has a smooth ride. If I were to buy an SUV all over again, I would invest in a V8 engine instead of a V6. I would like a little more pickup when driving up hills. I also enjoy the great customer service that I received at Academy Ford in Laurel, MD. I can drop my car off for an oil change and their shuttle will drive me home and pick me up when it is ready.

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  2000 better than 2004 - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Nighthawk779 - November 15 - 11:33 pm

  This is my third Explorer and my last. My 2000 has been the best of the 3 2000 03 &04, All 3 had the transmission rebuild, but only the 2000 has had nothing else repaired. Everything works as well as new over 205,000 miles on it now. The engines have never been a problem until now. We now have electical and rear end noise now. The 2000 pulled trailers boats and what you could get on the bumper with no effort. I wish they would bring back sun visor recorder. Also the 2nd sun visor. But I am looking at Highlanders now. 3600 for a new transmission had me looking for a different manufacturer. P.S. we did change trasmission fuild every fluid at 30,000 at the dealer no less.

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  2004 xlt two wheel drive 4.0 v-6 - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By BFR - October 28 - 10:42 am

  bought used with 12000 miles on it in 2005. I now have 92000 10/28/09. I had one front wheel bearing go out. changed the hub assembley myself was not to hard but cost was $200.00.New tires at 86000 miles, and never rotated the tires once, and they wore even. Gas milage 15/16 city 21/22 highway.I run mobil 1 oil and change every 6000 miles.My wife drives it 80% of the time , and loves it. I coach baseball and have plenty of room to haul everything.No complaints

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  What a waste! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Jennifer - October 21 - 7:31 pm

  Ok so I bought my explorer NEW Paid way to much and now 5 years later I am still paying for it both payments and over whelming repairs! I have gone thru 3 rear ends, 2 water pumps, 4 sets of tires because of there state of the art anti-slip crap eats tires right of the thing. Rear windsheild wiper caught on fire yes smoke and flames because it over heated called Ford they dont care! Needs another rear end, and now a cam! I have nothing nice to say about Ford anymore! My whole family owned Ford vehicals and the last one is out the door, whats even funnier is my father the Ford man just bought an 86 Dodge pickup runs better then any of the Fords he has ever owned! Explorer 108,000 miles on it

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  CRAP - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Mad - October 19 - 2:59 pm

  Week #1 I had to return vehicle to dealer because the tranny slipped. Over the course of 4 years (till the warranty expired) it was back 8 times due to tranny probs. It was not until I got the States Attorneys office involved did Ford repair it. Since then Ive had to have a rear differential/axle seal replaced, the left rear wheel bearing is shot and now I cannot drive it because the harmonic balancer imploded! Ford say that they cannot sell a replacement because there is a National shortage....approx 5,000 suvs need the part and non are avail (manufacter went belly up). I found one in a junk yard! Oh yea, the cruise control was a recalled and replaced. Still doesnt operate.