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-
Dont buy an Explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
By Explorer Headache - April 1 - 6:39 amOur rotors warped four (4) times with in 10,000 miles. We had trouble out of the transmission, and various other parts and components. Im pretty sure that we will never buy an Explorer again. We had nothing but a headache and terrible fuel economy (14 miles per gallon). We eventually had to go through the Dispute Resolution Program and won against Ford Motor Co. They had to buy the vehicle back.
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A True Truck - 2004 Ford Explorer
By Asd - December 14 - 2:00 amMy Mom got a Lxus GX470 and my grandparents got a Lexus RX330 after driving them my car was very rough driving. They had SUV Capibilities without the bad ride like mine did
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Need more thought into interior design - 2004 Ford Explorer
By Big Bubba - June 22 - 4:53 pmThe SUV itself is ok but needs more interior design like A/C ducts under dash and the gear shift handle is in the way to supply air to the driver. The SUV has running boards that serve no purpose.
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fine but - 2004 Ford Explorer
By haddock - June 10 - 10:00 amreplace water pump, rear wiper motor (3), heater front drive seat ()3), power front driver seat (3), computer problems across the dash
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Will replace at warranty expiration - 2004 Ford Explorer
By Tom - March 30 - 2:04 pmFairly solid feel and good amenities. Front seats are not comfortable. Have had transmission problems that have not been repaired after several trips to the dealer. This is my 2nd Explorer and will be my last. Am very disappointed in the early problems that I am having and will get rid of it at 36,000 miles.
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Whining noise in rear end - 2004 Ford Explorer
By babergy - November 14 - 10:00 amI purchase my Explorer on 3/8/2004. At just 2100 miles, I developed a high pitch whining noise in the rear of the vehicle. I returned to dealer no 3/29/2004 to have them check the problem. They told me that this a known problem, that Ford is working on a redesign of the rear end. HOWEVER, there is no fix at this time and ask ME to call them back in a month. I called Ford Customer Service. They told me the same thing the dealer did and also that Ford does not consider this a safety issue, that there WILL NOT BE A RECALL ISSUED for this problem. As of today, April 14,2004, my Explorer is still NOT repaired and the noise is getting louder!
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Get a new trans! - 2004 Ford Explorer
By TJ351 - October 31 - 10:00 amHave had problems with the trans from day one! First two times to a dealer they say they cant find a problem. Third time I find out there is a TSB to replace the torque converter etc. That lasted all of 3,000 miles before the trans started to act up again. (very poor shifts, slippage, noise from trans). Oh yeah, and the vibration at 75mph is a pain after a few hours on the highway.
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Problem vehical that makes me sick - 2004 Ford Explorer
By DWheat9003 - August 18 - 2:00 amI have a driveline vibration problem since new, this occurs at 30, 50 and 67 - 78 mph. I also have a howling from the rear differential at 67 to 68 mph. My AC Compressor makes a loud shrilling sound when the outside temp is 85 or higher, and wistles also. Seat belt does not retract fully so then it gets jammed in door upon closing, this chips the paint on b pillar, and door at latch side, pissing me off. And most recently, accelerator cable broke and had to have it toed to dealer. Front brake rotors pulsate, had them trued up at dealer but they are still pulsating. I am currently awaiting the outcomes of lemon law proceedings.
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Last ford we will ever buy - 2004 Ford Explorer
By Bigh - March 26 - 10:00 amWe purchased our 2004 Ford Explorer in June 2004. First day drivers side speaker went out (had short) Drove our new explorer to Florida put about 3K miles Rear end started making noise while driving between 50 - 60 mph. Noise wouild quit when letting off gas. Went to dealer where we purchased vehicle and left at service dept. Was called about 2 hours latter said complete rear end had to be replaced. After checking on internet I,m not the only one with this problem. From what I,ve read only effects Explorer Sport model. Looks like ford knew it had a problem 4 months ago but waited for somebody to buy there piece of junk before they would fix. Last Ford
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Fun To Have! - 2004 Ford Explorer
By Melissa1 - January 24 - 10:00 amGreat reliable vehicle. Has allot of room for children. The drive is a little bumpy at times and takes a little while to get use to.
