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 41 through 50 of 359.00

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  Explorer Review - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By matt aka faker - October 16 - 10:00 am

  It is a very good car.

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  I would buy an Explorer again - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Witmer - September 30 - 10:00 am

  My Explorer is an excellent family ride. Seats 7, 4wd for the snow and 21 MPG on my daily commutes on the freeway of 45 miles each way. The dealer has been exceptional (Blue Oval certified). I paid 34,000 for the vehicle and it has been trouble free. I opted for the v-6 and glad I did with gas now 2 bucks a gallon.

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  Good Car - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Chris002 - September 23 - 10:00 am

  The Explorer is good and reliable but does not have the greatest mileage

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  Ford Explorer Trouble? - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By JoeLyn - September 18 - 2:08 pm

  This is the second Ford Explorer that we have owned. Im not sure that there will be a third. Our 2004 explorer has had the timing chains replaced, the paint is coming off in sheets from the top, the heater would not work until we had work completed on it, now we just replaced the valve lifters. Whats next???? We are heart sick. Does Ford not back their vehicles any better than that. My husband and I planned to wait until later to buy a new vehicle. It probably will not be a Ford. Too bad, I have always like the style of the Explorer.

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  One year in, and still enjoying it. - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By JR - August 22 - 11:58 am

  I had a 1995 Explorer when I was in high school and it had been awhile since Id had an SUV so when we had the great gas crisis of 2008 I thought I could get into another one cheaply. Since I was buying used, I didnt care what the resale value was and this Explorer was a deal I couldnt pass up. Its been trouble free and very handy.

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  What an improvement - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By kdeanjack - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I also have a 1997 Explorer and the new 2004 is greatly refined jexcept for the seats. The 97 model has power seats that are longer and have power lumbar. I feel as if I backed up with seat comfort but it has a better ride and shifts smoothly and has as good acceleration as my sons GMC Envoy that has 60 more horses than my 210 HP V6.

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  Horrible, Horrible, Horrible... - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Lindsay - August 6 - 8:54 pm

  Save yourself money and do not buy this. I have spent $9K in trying to keep my truck running. This is my second explorer. The first I shelled out $4K on a new engine. This one, I spent $9K rewiring it, replacing the transmission, etc. I am devastated but will never, ever buy a ford again.

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  Great Ride & Good Value - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By mboard - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Bought this Explorer because it is comfortable and safe (Ford has resolved the rollover/tires issues that may have scared some in years past). Im impressed with the quality and the ride. The interior room is exceptional for its size and the stereo sound system is very nice. Im willing to give up alittle gas mileage that some of the smaller SUVs have....the trade is a smoother, quieter ride with more vehicle to protect my family.

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  Lemon - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Beth - August 2 - 1:38 pm

  I purchased this vehicle as a work vehicle. It had minor problems until I hit 35,000 miles. It took Ford 3 tries to get a working rear end which lasted only another 30,000 miles. A number of idiot lights went bad, and now paint is peeling off the roof and the rear end is again making noise. This was my first and last Big 3 auto purchase.

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  Very good\ - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By daniel - July 23 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has given me good times with the guys and an enjoyable time with my lady.