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 101 through 110 of 340.00

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  Completely Satisfied - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By billux - August 20 - 2:00 am

  I wrote an excellent review of this vehicle, but because of Edmunds limit of 700 characters, you wont get half of the valuable info that I wrote about this vehicle!! The 4.6 L V/8 is _. The 4WD system works _. Stability is_ as are the brakes, even while trailering. The 290 watt sound system on the EB version is __! I opted for the 5 passenger version which has __ cargo space. I just wish Ford had offered a __option on the EB as they now do on the new Lincoln Aviator. Maybe some day! Ive been following all the strange problems that folks have experienced with the new version Explorers in the Town Hall chats. Lets hear from you on this.

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  Ford Explorer XLT 03 - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By dcbrat - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Noticed fluid leak after one month of driving, turned out to be the rack and pinion. Part has to be ordered/return to shop to replace. They said it was a human error upon assembly and this happens. I hope this isnt going to be a lemon.

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  Good domestic suv - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By john 25 - July 21 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this particular vehicle for only several months, but I am very impressed with the way this vehicle handles and accelerates even though it has the 6 cyl engine. Steering is very good for a "truck", and the brakes are outstanding also. Gas mileage has improved from about 15mpg to between 18 to 20 mpg. On a recent 375 mile trip to maine the seats remained supportive and on center tracking was very good. The optional 3rd row seating stows away very nicely allowing plenty of versatility.

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  Lemon SUV - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Cosmos - July 13 - 6:51 pm

  This SUV was purchased used. It has had an unusually high maintenance cost. The most expensive costs have been associated with the rear end humming that exists on 2002 to 2005 models. I am on the 4th rear end and the problem still exists. My local Ford dealership has given up and told me to live with the noise. The front wheel bearings failed, the universal joints failed, a back window motor failed, the main light switch failed, there was a problem with the emergency brakes, and I can not turn off the head lights! This vehicle has less than 70K miles.

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  OK SoFar - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By JACKFEINER - July 12 - 10:36 pm

  At 28,000 miles, I have not had many major problems with this Explorer. Being my first Ford product I did purchase a extended warranty (because of Fords quality control issues!).

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  First SUV - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Keithk - July 9 - 2:00 am

  Bought the 2003 Explorer in December 2002 and it is probably the best car Ive ever had. Rides great. Exterior and interior good. Third row seating a definite plus and its easy to get into. Zero financing was the reason we got it instead of the Escape

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  5 year review - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Brant - July 7 - 10:51 am

  Our XLT is now 5 years old with 75K miles. The car has been relagated to light duty and occasional use due to the awful gas mileage (12-19 mpg). The car has been very reliable with only a minor recall (rear window glass pins) and one bad valve cover gasket. The ride is trucky and the car is slow and ponderous but by 2003 standards, not bad. Highway comfort and utility is great and the car is a comfortable long distance cruiser. The gray monotone interior has held up well though the cloth seats love to attract lint. Unfortunately, with crossovers now on the market and the lousy gas mileage, this car is fast becoming obsolete.

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  I cant complain - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By ANDYLANT2003 - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I bought my explorer with an outstanding deal. I wanted a blue one with less stuff on it, but got a black one fully decked out. The towing package is a very nice add-on. Loving my Explorer.

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  Looking for something new - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Megan - June 4 - 9:36 am

  I bought my Explorer in 06 used with 54k. I noticed while test driving there was a sort of howling sound when I went about 55mph, but didnt mind it much compared to my Neon I was trading in for it. Since then, I have had problems with one of the rear windows working only when it wants to, Ive not been able to put the shifter in reverse multiple times, the mechanism to recline the seat has also came off many times.The seal on the rear window has came off and I noticed this when I found water in the back. My a/c is out as I speak, so I will be taking that in, although I had it recharged at the end of last summer. Ive kept up on maintenance and it is not paying off as it should.

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  2003 Explorer Limited V8 - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Scott T. - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle, very comfortable and rides nice.