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 131 through 140 of 340.00-
I love my explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
By ali - January 19 - 2:00 amI got my explorer in May of 2002, I had a 1991 explorer, and the difference was amazing. It rides like a car, it is so smooth on both the highway and trips to the grocery store. I am so happy with it, I never want to get a different car!
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2003 Explorer XLT - 2003 Ford Explorer
By John S. - December 7 - 6:32 pmGood truck, lousy gas mileage for a 6-banger, I cant believe people get 27 mpg when I am lucky to get 20 highway!
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Worth Every Penny - 2003 Ford Explorer
By Excited In San Diego - December 2 - 2:00 amI have now put on 1500 miles on my Explorer since mid February and have LOVED every mile. I just returned from a weekend in Joshua Tree and Naza- Borrego. The Explorer performed flawlessly on the 4X4 trails in Joshua Tree. The 4X4 Auto mode worked awesome, didnt ever need to put it in fulltime 4X4. The ride was supurb on the washboard trails and the suspension ate up all the bumps. The engine performs well in all aspects. (If I had anything to tow I would upgrade to the V8.) Ford did a great job with this redesign and I am quite pleased with everything to date.
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Got a great deal - 2003 Ford Explorer
By jkline - November 26 - 10:00 amIf you are going to buy one, buy it now. With the rebates and slow sales, you can get a great price. We drove off at 8k under MSRP (about 6k below invoice). If you are going to buy the XLT, definately look into the Sport. We were looking at the NBX, but decided it was too utilitarian.
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Dont buy an Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
By Brian Millar - November 19 - 11:40 pmI took very good care of our 2003 Ford Explorer (even took it to the dealer for the 30K checkup). At 59,500 miles and just under 5years, the transmission went out. The dealer wouldnt cover the replacement since Ford only offered 3yr/36K power train warranty at that time. The transmission specialist I took it to, indicated that he sees transmission problems all the time with Ford Explorers
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Very Satisfied....but - 2003 Ford Explorer
By betaman - November 15 - 2:00 amThe EB feels very comfortable...well built vehicle. The acceleration is surprisingly strong for a V6. The stereo/air control on the steering wheel is a plus. My only two complaints are the electronic driver seat...there is a little play in the chair. Its noticiable when you stop and accelerate. Also, there is a whine noise in the rear when the vehicles speed is at 55-60mph.
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3500 Miles in a week - 2003 Ford Explorer
By sloan4 - November 1 - 10:00 amIm not the owner, but drove this company vehicle 3500 miles in a week. Had good ride quality considering 4wd. Glove compartment, storage areas and cup holders were sized and placed well. 4.0 V6 gave peppy performance, although the 5spd auto had to shift often to keep the engine in the power band. Audio and other controls were well placed except for rear-wipers and door handles Base non-power cloth seats were as horrible as anything I have EVER had to sit in. My 81 Chevette seats were better. Padding/support was non- existant.My rear end was sore after 20 miles, and it didnt get better.
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Ford Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
By cws6fan - October 9 - 10:00 amExcellent vehicle I drove many, and the Explorer topped them all. I actually went to buy a Durango and a friend talked me into test driving an Explorer, I was hooked after the first drive. Could use a little more cargo area when the third seat is up, but overall I was so impressed I bought one four days after I first drove it.
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Impressed - 2003 Ford Explorer
By Mike - October 4 - 1:19 pmWe bought our Explorer used with 16000 miles have no trouble with it except for the shift interlock at 18k and the rear end at 30k. The dealership was excellent in both cases. They replaced the rear end with no hassle (I took it in for a roar in the rear) after first trying to replace the bearing. Overall I have driven it on long trips through the mountains and love the responsiveness of the engine, comfort, and average mpg. Impressed after hearing a few horror stories. Would purchase again from the same dealer. I think the dealer makes a big difference.
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Mine vs Tammys - 2003 Ford Explorer
By rr67gto - October 2 - 2:00 amI have owned an Explorer every two years, since 1994. As well as two Expaditions. The 2003s (we own two EBs) are light years away from the 01. However, there are some really silly things Ford keep leaving out of their flag ship. One being a lockable gas door with inside relese. And the other being an aotomatic antenna. Also, Ford has and continues to put out books with nice goodies you can get for your cars & trucks. But when it comes to the Explorer, many times you find out that what they promote as nice things you can get, do not and never will be made.
