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 111 through 120 of 340.00

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  Would buy another - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Chesette - May 22 - 10:47 am

  Coming up on 100k miles in a few months. No real issues to speak of. Hangs up a little when shifting from drive to park. Has been very reliable (minimal repairs & pretty minor at that). Gets about 16 miles to the gallon in town, about 20 on the highway.

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  1st SUV & Ford - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By angelfriend - May 21 - 10:00 am

  When I decided to purchase an SUV, I wanted something that was classy, reliable & comfortable. After test driving 8 competitive SUVs (and some were in the 40K+ range) I now realize why there are so many Ford Explorers on the road. I love it. The comfort and stability in the ride cinched the sale.

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  Centennial Edition - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Ford - May 21 - 9:06 am

  Purchased new with massive rebates; was looking for an 04 but found this black beauty and had to have it. Was comparing to Jeep Grand Cherokee, but preferred the Explorer style. Unfortunately, I had to find one without the sunroof so my head would not hit the roof (Im under 6 foot!). The extra $995 for the Centennial option may not have been worth it, but it does make people look twice at this high-contrast vehicle.

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  Same old Ford product - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By pjg69ny - May 11 - 12:47 pm

  I owned a 1996 explorer and it was a gas guzzling rattlebox with inferior quality built into almost every aspect of its existence. I figured the newer models would fair better so I bought a 2003 xlt used with 40k. I now have 52k on it and it rattles just like the 1996 with no visible inprovement, the interior materials are inferior and show wear prematurely. The seats are not very compfortable. This truck sucks down gas if I drive very slow and 55 mph I get 15 mpg, if I drive normally its about 11 or 12. The 2003 seems more reliable mechanically but I am afraid as I surpass 52k. Overall I would not feel good about buying another for product. It also has a very poor resale value.

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  You must buy warranty - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By William Evers - May 10 - 10:00 am

  I had this car for about one year. It occured four times that I cannot start the car. I have to have the car towed to the dealership twice for reparing. First time, I called AAA to jump start the car. Second time, I have it towed to the sealership. It started when it got there, so they couldnt find anyting. Third time, the dealership found it caused by the bad starter and a short wire. Forth time, we saw smoke when we were driving. The dealer had to replace the whole cooling syste. I suggest that you should consider the extended warranty if you want to buy an Explorer.

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  Buy a Ford Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Jackie Grover - May 9 - 11:28 am

  I love this vehicle!!! Have had it for 9 years and I love, love, love this car!!!! I treat it well and it has treated me well for all these years. Ford Explorer is no. 1 in my book. A must buy again, if I could ever part with this one.

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  Never Again - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Chris - May 7 - 8:19 pm

  I purchased my vehicle new and have been religious about maintenance since day one. I can honestly say this has been one of the worst car experiences of my life. Ive had numerous problems beginning with just 15K miles including power window motor failure - leaking tranfer case(30K) - ball joints (40K) - paint defects (50K) - strut joints (70K) - transmission failure (100K) and alot of other things. All this added up to incredible unforseen expenditures - the tranny being $800 alone. I have never towed with this vehicle, not drove it harshly. I stayed with this car way too long Lessons learned the hard way.

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  My Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Douglas Gregor - May 6 - 12:45 pm

  This Explorer w/Sport package is now nearly five years old. We had no need for the 3rd row sea but the step boards were a nesssesity for my wife. The alloy wheels give better appearance as well as being able to clean easier. The grey plastic bumpers and wheel mouldings show no damage as painted ones would have due to minor scrapes. In 36,000 miles I have only had to pay for GOF and wheel rotations and the full 30,000 Ford rec. service.

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  Loving it so far - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By cjboot - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my new Explorer. I traded in my Toyota Highlander in for it. Prior to owning Highlander I owned a 2002 EB Expedition. I traded for better gas mileage. The biggest mistake, The Highlander was so uncomfortable to drive I had to ditch it with only 3700 miles on it! The Explorer has comfort that cannot compare! I love my FORDS! I will never buy a foreign again! I have never had any problem with FORD SUVs or Super Duty trucks!

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  Pretty good truck - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By amo - April 24 - 8:58 pm

  I bought my Explorer with 33,000 miles, now Im approaching my 2nd year of owning and have 98,000 miles on it. Very comfortable for driving 100 miles each way to and from work. My alternator went out at 60,000 miles. Replaced battery. Bought the truck and the A/C wasnt working and had to have it serviced twice, now the A/C finally works. Stereo could be better, I replaced the speakers with inifintis. The brakes need to be replaced again: got them done at 36,000. Annoying clicking noise when moving at a slow speed. Poor gas mileage. Im going to a Honda soon.