Overview & Reviews
For the 2003 Ford Explorer, sport versions of the XLS and XLT debut, along with a new trim level called NBX (No Boundaries Experience). The NBX includes special exterior trim, unique 17-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, a Yakima roof rack, rubber floormats and a cargo area liner. All-wheel drive is newly available on all but the NBX model. XLS models come standard with an automatic transmission and a CD player for 2003, while XLT models get a chrome grille and metallic interior accents. Eddie Bauer models have satin-finish 17-inch wheels this year. Limited models get upgrades such as chromed exterior trim, chrome wheels, a leather-upholstered center console cover and new woodgrain interior trim. A tire-pressure monitoring system is available on Limited models. An Off-Road Package including underbody skid plates, suspension upgrades, front tow hooks and unique wheels debuts. Finally, a rear seat DVD-based entertainment system will be available later in the year.
- Independent rear suspension, comfortable seating for up to seven, strong powertrains, foolproof Control Trac 4WD, available rollover protection system, optional stability control system, DVD-based entertainment system.
- Low-grade interior materials, quirky ergonomics.
User Reviews:
Showing 91 through 100 of 340.00-
surprise, surprise - 2003 Ford Explorer
By joskat - October 14 - 10:00 amFord could have called this a different SUV and passed. I traded in my 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee which had served me well but i thought it was too small and wanted a little bit bigger. I looked at 4runner and pathfinder and i couldnt decide which one to choose...until i test drove the explorer. Believe me i was never a ford admirer. In fact i never even thought of buying one. But this new explorer changed all that. Ford came up with an SUV thats safe, efficient and fun to drive. Please do some research and find out why this EXplorer shouldnt be overlooked.
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Very Unhappy - 2003 Ford Explorer
By Angie - October 13 - 7:31 amI purchased this vehicle and the next day the check engine light came on. Dealer said was gas cap. The light was reset and then came right back on.I suggest getting a 5.4.Im lucky if I get 14 mpg! When accelerating, it feels as if Im pulling something. When at certain speeds, ex. 40,50,60 and 70 mph will jerk back and forth. Now only after having the Explorer for 3 weeks, will not start and is sitting in a parking lot.
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2003 Explorer 4.6 V-8 XLT prem.pkg 4x4 - 2003 Ford Explorer
By ray romero - October 7 - 2:00 amNICE POWER,SOLID FEEL,NICE HANDLING,FAIRLY COMFORTABLE SEATS (1st two rows),average visability,nice for a medium/small size suv.
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great car - 2003 Ford Explorer
By carl steinberg - October 7 - 2:00 amgreat suv, quieter than its competition, better ride, huge improvement on the prior year models
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Where Did Quality Go - 2003 Ford Explorer
By Tom Tinsley - October 6 - 6:00 pmI can only evaluate the 2003 Explorer by comparing it to my previous 1994 Explorer. In short, the 1994 Explorer was a quality vehicle. No major problems were experienced during the 9 years (108,000 mi) I owned it. On the other hand the 2003 Explorer has been a maintenance nightmare! The following items were replaced: light switch, back window motor, universal joints, then complete drive shaft, front wheel bearings, emergency brake parts. The rear end was replaced twice and then TSB 05-23-3 was installed all with the same results-- the rear end whine always returned after a few thousand miles. Where did Fords quality workmanship go? The 2003 Ford Explorer is a substandard vehicle!
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2003 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer - 2003 Ford Explorer
By Explorer in Toronto - September 23 - 3:16 pmWell I hope I dont jinx myself with this review but I have to say I have been pretty fortunate with my Explorer. I bought it used in 2006 with 63,000 KMs, one week before the arrival of my son. It was either an SUV or a minivan and quite frankly it was a nobrainer for me since I dont like minivans and they stink in the snow anyway. 2 years later the truck has only given me 1 problem which is I had to replace 3 wheel bearings. Other than that I have had zero issues thankfully. The truck is very comfortable for long drives, the family loves it. I put in a 10" overhead DVD player for the family to watch movies and the kids are happy campers.
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The best vehicle Ive owned to date!!!!! - 2003 Ford Explorer
By Diznufus - September 21 - 10:00 amHands down the best vehicle Ive owned. And Ive had my fair share. Most currently this Explorer replaced my Jeep Grand Cherokee. I was talking to a fellow coworker and said this has to be the best car Ive owned, the only fault I can find is that when I have the sunroof open and all the windows that the seatbelt for the center seating position in the second row slaps against the seat. Outside of that the Explorer is flawless in my book. By the way, better fuel economy then my 4.7 V-8 Jeep.
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Explorers allow you truly explore - 2003 Ford Explorer
By cdf1223 - September 21 - 10:00 amThis is the first American made car that Ive ever owned, and the first automatic that Ive ever driven. I love this SUV!! Mine has the towing package, and it turns on a dime. The handling is superb, and I love the way it drives. My job requires me to be on the road somewhere new every 3 months, which means Im usually driving for 10- 15 hours at a time. The Explorer is very comfortable, and the interior is well designed. I also love the space and the extra versatility the third row seat gives me. I would definitely purhase this SUV again. Great work!! Gives me faith in American automoblies again!!
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Ford Centennial Limited Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
By Rse628 - September 21 - 10:00 amThis is such a beautiful truck!! The comfort level inside is perfect, heated, memory seats, pedals, woodgrain, self tinting rear view mirror, & of course great 3rd seat!!! It seats 7 very comfortably! Very happy with its elegant beauty, & effortless speed, (careful in everyway, of course)! So many admirers, & very proud of it! Thanks Ford for a great 100 year gift!!!
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Great Options, Poor Mechanics - 2003 Ford Explorer
By pshaver - September 15 - 8:55 pmIve had my Eddie Bauer Explorer for a few years now, and it definitely has its high points. The features and comfort of the interior are great. There is adequate room for adults in the second row. The V-6 model pulls my 4,200lb boat/trailer combo pretty well (though I had to add a class IV hitch). My only complaint is the reliability. I never buy extended warranties, but I did on this vehicle (luckily). Ive put only 12000 miles on this truck, and replaced the differential, axle seal, transmission cooler, cruise control servo, oil pan gasket, and rear main seal (all between 34000 and 36000 miles). Many of these failed prior to ever towing, so I cant blame that.
