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

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  Performance SUV for the family - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By GP - May 3 - 10:10 pm

  Bought used with 38K two years ago. 53K now. Love the sound of the V8. Strong acceleration. Surprised by how well it handles. Pretty nimble for its size. Lots of convenient features. My kids love the DVD entertainment system. Rear parking sensor is nice but just went. Need to repair.

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  No Complaints - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Moorebuilder - April 16 - 7:59 am

  Bought this Explorer in 05 for the third row seats and 4-wheel drive in Michigan. The v-8 is an exceptionally smooth powerplant that has not given us any trouble. The traction control system is nice for the icy roads, and I feel very good that my wife and kids use this vehicle as their daily driver with all of the airbags, the 4wd, traction control and overall heft of the vehicle. We also tow a 22 boat with it and it makes an excellent tow vehicle. (The towing package spoils us) Overall, I havent had to take it to the shop yet and I do standard maintenance on it myself.

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  Great value ! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By MIKE E. - March 14 - 7:56 am

  Bought in jan.2008.The only issue was a recall on transmission clunking in reverse...dealer fixed over a year ago for free, no problems since.For the price you get a lot of features and room to haul a lot of stuff on vacation, or a trip to the home improvement center.Excellent in snow even with the cheap tires I have on it right now... a lot of other vehicles were getting stuck this winter while I drove right around them no problem!Not as good as Toyota/Honda but I hear that the new Edge and Flex are now on par with them.Great overall truck for thousands less than the competitors...just do the maintenance and you should have no problems.

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  Explorer 2004 v8 - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Mkirby - February 22 - 10:00 am

  nicely put together and incredibly safe

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  Another great Ford product - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Don - January 31 - 12:50 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for over 5 years now and have had no major problems. It is serviced by my dealer every 5000 miles and washed and cleaned regularly as it should be. I have had no paint(black) or fading problems, in fact my dealer just detailed it and it looked like it did when it was purchased 5 years ago. I did have the plastic panel on the rear tailgate freeze up and crack at 52800 miles, but Ford and my dealer took care of the problem since it is a Ford design flaw.The vehicle is fun to drive and is usually the vehicle that is taken on longer trips and up until recently, we owned a full size Mercury, but this vehicle is much more fun to drive. My wife has no objection to driving.

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  Great SUV Crappy Cup holders! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By cctexashoney - January 5 - 10:00 am

  I love my truck. It got an amazing 18 mpg on highway driving. Totally caught me by surprise. Storage is limited when u have the 3rd row seating. Sometimes it thinks before it goes. But overall it meets all my needs and has not let me down.

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  Quality Vehicle - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Mr. Banker - January 5 - 10:00 am

  Overall, the Explorer is a quality vehicle, capable of hauling, towing just about anything. Great family vehicle and daily driver.

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  - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By dimitriL - December 3 - 2:00 am

  so far i have 3500 miles with no problems other than the rear hatch rattling and rough shifting between the drive gears and park

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  So Sad - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Sullynation - July 12 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Explorer, and I bought this one because I had so much luck with the last. Im so sad that it appears I have a lemon. Horrible problems with stalling, rough shifting, hard idle. The style of the vehicle is nice, roomy, and user friendly. But the reliablity is horrible.

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  Things could be better - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Texas - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my vehicle just over 1 year and I have had it in to the dealership 3 times due to the air- conditioning. It was making a terrible sound after I drove it a short distance, stopped, and then re- started the vehicle. Yet the dealership could not find anything wrong. Finally, after several months, the "High-pressure Valve" blew and caused a terrible noise/rumbling of the entire vehicle. Once that was repaired, under warranty, the vehicle drove fine and the air conditioner worked well. I also notice a Humming while I am accellerating. It can be quite irritating on long trips when you are in a rear seat.