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 191 through 200 of 340.00

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  Wow Ford - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By newfordguy - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I looked at everything in the mid-sized range and came to a quick conclusion that Ford did it right with this SUV. It was close between this and the 4- Runner and I opted to save the 10K. Lots of space, great handling, good quality to driver controls, and a nice interior. This truck rides great and has plenty of power with the V6. Hopefully the reliability is good, Ive been driving imports for the last 5 years and they werent perfect either. Good job Ford- Drive it. Its durable, not wimpy like those crosssovers.

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  Great for vacation - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Tom Gumkowski - September 26 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I have taken three trips with vehicle and think that it is perfect.It has ample room in back for our 12volt Fridg.and the dog.Seats are comfortable we like to drive.

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  Best SUV for $$$ - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Splurph - August 31 - 2:00 am

  Im coming off of a 2dr Sport and was close to buying another one but Im glad that I went with the 4dr instead. The ride in the new explorer is unbelievable compared to its predecessors due to the independent rear suspension. They also added larger brakes, this was a much needed improvement. The interior is kind of chinsey, especially the cloth seats...I think they used "Plether". The exterior is sharp. The radio is decent also. Bad weather handling is very good with the addition of the Michelin tires. Overall, I would seriously consider this car if you are looking for a roomy, sure footed, SUV.

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  The perfect SUV for my needs - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By danmalibuski - August 31 - 2:00 am

  The only requirements I had when buying this truck was the V-8 and trailer towing package. I specifically did not want the 3rd row seats as it took a samll amount of cargo space and added to the weight of the vehicle. Towing well over 4000# with this vechicle is effortless (I sometimes forget Im towing). Its ride and handling are superb (ride especially). In mixed/city driving I get around 16 mpg (4.6L V8). Overall I could not be happier with the truck.

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  Ford Explorer EB - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By NascarFan - August 25 - 10:00 am

  Overall Im pleased with my new Explorer. The only complaint I have it that at 9,500 miles it developed a rattle in the dash board behind and to the right of the radio. I plan on taking it back to the dealer for repar, however, Im afraid that they may make it worse. The truck is sharp looking and I like the ride and handling compared to the 01 Jeep Grand Cherokee I had before this purchase. Now at 11,500 miles Im averaging 17.5 miles per gallon.

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  Loved Driving It, Hated The Repair Costs - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By ML - August 2 - 10:19 pm

  I went through 2 transmissions on this vehicle before 120,000 miles. Unfortunately this is not an uncommon problem. Finally traded it in when it required suspension repairs which exceeded cost of the car.

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  Better than my 2005 M.B. ML350 - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By hambone - July 7 - 1:36 pm

  I just bought a 2005 Mercedes Benz ML 350. It has been a total piece of junk. My 2003 Explorer has 125,000 miles now. Recently, my wife and I had to drive both SUVs from Illinois to Florida. We found ourselves fighting over who was going to get to drive the Explorer. Neither of us wanted the Mercedes. That says a lot for the Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer. The new Benz has been in the shop 3 times more than the 125,000 mile Ford.

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  2003 Explorer comments - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By queenm - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Injector (3) failure at 11,000 miles. Dealership, Earnhardt Ford, states problem due to low quality gas and winter additives.

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  New Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By akscott - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Nice, roomy vehicle that probably rides better than previous model, but still is much stiffer than a car. Front row seating is comfortable and second row is OK for trips. 3rd row is only for kids and maybe short trips by willing adults. Around town gas mileage with V-8 is pretty sorry; I get 13 mpg with combined street and freeway rides. Highway mileage seems to be about 19 mpg. Eddie Bauer model is pretty loaded with options, but interior appearance is not very "upper class" - lots of plastic. Radio/CD player has good sound (in Eddie Bauer upgrade model). No mechanical problems, except drivers side seat heater quit after 3 weeks (not a big deal in Houston).

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  Theyre good!! - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By dondilio - June 1 - 2:00 am

  I really like the new explorer, its very reliable.