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 11 through 20 of 359.00

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  Rear End - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Matt - June 25 - 10:48 am

  Ford needs to step to the plate and repair manufactures defective differientials. I do not beleive that in this day and age this part of the drive train should ever wear out esspecially when the humming atarted at about 50,000 miles. I also beleive that Ford knows of the problem and was aware that the rear ends where flawed at assembly and installed them anyway. A goodwill recall is the right thing to do. I will drive it till it dies and buy elsewhere if Ford does not mend my rear end. :-)

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  Rear Differential Failure - regret it! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By janev115 - May 28 - 4:38 pm

  This car has always run rough - particularly the engine. Transmission had to be replaced when the car was less than a year old. The engine always had a loud whine on the highway and I had intermittent problems with the ABS light coming on and the 4x4 high light flashing. Turns out, this is all related and the entire rear differential needs to be replaced! A google search reveals that I am not alone. However, I am alone when it comes to paying the bill to fix this problem, apparently. Id never buy this car again. Right now at 79,900 miles, but the whine has been going on for years. I just thought it was a loud truck.

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  Beautiful-if you dont stand too close! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By disappointed - December 30 - 11:17 am

  This SUV has some real problems cosmetically. The paint begins to peel after a few years, the panel on the liftgate cracks for no reason other than a bad design flaw, and the black trim on the doors fades and cracks after a few years. The worse thing about all of this is that after selling someone this SUV for $30,000, Ford will not stand behind one of their most expensive products and help the consumer out, especially when the design flaws and defective paint jobs are Fords own mistakes. As far as reliability, I have had no problems yet, but the transmission is pretty clunky, and will probably not last as long as it should. We had a 2000 model that needed a new tranny at 44,000 miles.

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  Fit for a scrap yard - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Mike - September 4 - 11:18 pm

  After owning mostly Honda and Chevy vechicles, I thought I would try a Ford Explorer since I liked the look of them. Bad choice on my part. What a hunk of junk. The transmission went at 17k, rear differential needed repair at 25K. Too many things to list here. Its sold now, and I bought a Honda Pilot. All my Hondas (a 95 Civic, 2000 Accord, 2004 Civic) have been worth every penny. This Explorer I was almost willing to pay someone to take. Dont settle for this kind of quality people. There are better vehicles out there, and Ford doesnt make them!

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  Worth Nothing after 60,000 Miles - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By drmac - June 16 - 2:15 pm

  I bought my Explorer XLT brand new. I had "electronic" issues within the first six months. I had to have the instrument panel replaced twice. Afterwards, I was relatively pleased with the vehicle prior to 50,000 miles or so, but as soon as the Explorer was out of the warranty, everything went wrong. In the past 12 months, Ive had to replace all the seals on the transmission, replace the bushings, front hubs, alternator, keyless entry keypad, backup sensors, and the emergency brake. I have my Explorer serviced on the recommended schedule and still have had to have the vehicle towed three times, leaving me stranded.

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  Think twice - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By MattPugs - January 28 - 10:00 am

  There has been a lot of mechanical issues with this vehicle. I have brought it to 3 different Ford dealerships, (as well as contacting Ford directly) and none of them will repair the vehicle. I was told by Ford in MI "I should of checked that feature when I bought it". I am currently considering filing under the Lemon Law. The vehicle is nice, but Ford doesnt back their product, and either does their dealerships. I dont recommend this vehicle.

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  Poor Tansmission Reliability - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By compgen25 - October 21 - 3:04 pm

  I have owned this Explorer for 3 yrs now and have nothing but problems with this transmission. In my opinion the transmission is very unreliable. I have returned it to the dealer on 6 occasions now with no resolution. Overall the vehicle is good but with the tranmissions problems I would not recommend this vehicle to friends.

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  Cockpit is uncomfortable - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By knee hurts - August 15 - 2:00 am

  I owned a 97 explorer which was a great vehicle. The 04 eddie bauer I bought, fot the most part is a stronger, more responsive suv. However if your 6 feet tall or taller the cockpit is very uncomfortable. They shortened the seats and made them too hard. My knee constantly hits the center console and when I switch from gas to brake pedal my knee hits the keys hanging from the ignition. My advice drive it on a trip of at leasr 200 miles before you buy. I will be trading mine next year.

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  Stay Away at all costs - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Stephanie - May 31 - 7:39 am

  From day one I had problems with the radio. Now at 64,800 miles they think it blew a rod and needs a new engine! I am a 37 year old mother of 3 that drives to and from school, practices, etc. I still owe $9K on the truck and will need to put in an additional $6500 to get it running again. Oh, and Ford will warranty its new engine for 75K but not the one with the car originally --stay away. Obviously there is a defect with this engine. I am calling Ford to see what they will do. Unbelievable! I will never, never, never buy a Ford again. And this was my third one in 10 years!

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  Timing chains broke - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Lee - May 30 - 8:26 am

  I have had this SUV for just over 3 years, and in that time its been in the shop for electrical panel shutdown (3 times!), and is now in for major engine repair - two timing chains busted, only 65000 miles. Of course the warranty is up, and will cost over $3K to fix! When its back from the shop (four weeks now) I am trading it in for a Toyota, before the tranny goes too!