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 171 through 180 of 340.00

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  Its the quality, stupid! - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By The Parkers - September 5 - 7:08 am

  We purchased our Eddie Bauer in September of 03 and have absolutely loved it, except for one thing...the QUALITY! This vehicle has been nothing but pure junk from the minute I drove it off the lot. It came from the factory with a bad moonroof seal. Wind whistled in for months, but I was afraid a trip to the dealer would make it worse. Of course, when water started pouring in at ~38K miles, they wouldnt repair it. Had documented problems with rear end at 32K, 41K, 60K and finally at 71K the rear end failed. Ford and dealer refused to help out even though I had receipts to document the problem. $900 out of pocket for a problem that began in warranty. Been a Ford man all my life, no more!

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  2003 Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By rey - September 1 - 8:30 pm

  Overall this SUV is good for picking up kids. The rear AC really helps The dealer warranty is valuable since I bought it the rear AC fan, ignition switch and cruise control have failed. The $800 per year service charge will be worth it.

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  My First SUV - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Angela Malo - August 26 - 10:00 am

  We live at the end of a long driveway. Two winters agao, I got stuck in the driveway 2 tmes due to heavy snow. I told my husband that I was not going to get stuck again. AFter having already a 4WD Ranger, we decided to purchase a 2002 Explorer. I have had the explorer for 11 months, and I love it. It was a great purchase...................

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  A great SUV - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By M.G. - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I REALLY ENJOY DRIVING THIS SUV I DRIVE ON 95 A LOT AND THATS ALL YOU SEE ITS A VERY COMFORTABLE DRIVE AND ALL THE POWER YOU NEED!

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  3 Year Review - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By SWilliams - August 1 - 9:42 pm

  Bought the Eddie Bauer 2-wheel drive V6 back in May of 03. I have been pleased with the truck so far. I only have two minor complaints. One, on occasion it takes the computer around 50 miles on to compute the fuel remaining in the tank. Second, I have had two window motors go out, not a big deal, but pretty annoying. One problem for people with small kids is that it is next to impossible to put a rear facing car seat in the middle position in the back seat. Its actually more convenient in my Saab. My wife gets fiery red every time she puts in the seat in her Eddie Bauer. She has been pleased with the automobile overall, and would recommend it to anyone like I would.

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  3 years later - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By cjboot - July 6 - 7:26 am

  My first review was in 2003, only a couple of months after my new purchase of Explorer. Now 3 years later, I have had several problems with it. The rear end has got something major wrong! It makes a horrible whining and grinding noise. I have had 3 window motors replaced. Radio will go off for no reason. Transmission is not right. I love the comfort and look and all of my "bells and whistles", however, I am now looking to get rid of it because of the rear end troubles. I have heard this will cost me a fortune. This happened at 37,000 miles and ever since the warranty ran out, it has been downhill!

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  Good, but Not Great - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By bruce - June 27 - 9:35 am

  This is my 2nd XLT, drove the 1st one 145K. Overall, Im happy with, but have had more problems with it than the 95. Has a nice ride, great performance with the V8 towing package. Nice sound system. Passable, but barely, for towing 7K boat and trailer. Just a few more horses would be nice. Hated the 17" Goodrich tires that came on it - noisy and out-of-round - should have traded them out, but used them for 20K before giving up. Like many others, LS clutches in the rear end failed at about 40K. Computer problem early took 3 weeks to get the part, but dealer supplied a loaner for the duration. Id buy one again just to stay with the same dealer, who has been great. At times, Id like 4WD.

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  USED purchase....NO REGRETS! - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By M.Smith - June 25 - 8:00 am

  I purchased my Explorer in 4/2006. It was used and only had 15,000 miles. I paid roughly $15000 and dont regret this purchase.Compared to my Impala, which I gladly traded in, and considering size difference, the Explorer gets the better mileage. I originally wanted a Chevy Trailblazer but for the price of a used Trailblazer and after speaking with people who owned Trailblazers (I found out numerous complaints), I decided to LOOK at Explorers. I was anti-Ford, and still am except for the line of SUV/trucks. I fell in love and found zero complaints from Explorer owners. Its wonderful for travels, T-ball, and friends with kids, roomy enough for me, my linebacker husband, and our linebacker son!

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  Could be better - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By JIminmass - June 2 - 2:00 am

  On the way home from the dealership the drivers door window motor blew out, got the vehicle home and noticed several small dents in the hood that wereny notice able at the dealership. The dealership repired all but needed to leave the vehicle for 4 days. The ABS has malfunctioned and required 3 trips to the dealer so far with another scheduled. The reverse parking sensor is shutting it self off every once in a while. Vehicle has been good on long trips but disappointing in the reliability dept. I have owned several Ford vehicles and had gotten used to great reliability until now

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  Watch out - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Steve W - May 15 - 6:59 am

  I HAD the 2003 Explorer and from the start I had transmission problems. First went out at 7,000 miles, next one went out at 21,000 and last one went at 36,000. Seems Ford has had problems with these transmissions and refuses to admit it. I learned that the 2006 still have the problems about 2 out of 5 sold come back with transmission problems. If you have nothing to do go sit in the service waiting room and asked the people waiting. You will think twice about buying one. Worst of all is Fords complete failure to help they refuse to admit to the problem and refuse to even consider a swap or favorable trade in. I was finally forced to turn the car back in because you guessed it. THINK TWICE