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 301 through 310 of 340.00-
Putting The "Utility" in Sport Utility - 2003 Ford Explorer
By Don Dick,II - January 24 - 10:00 amThis vehicle is the one you want if you "really" need to use it.It Tows boats and trailers well and does very well off road. You practically cant get it stuck. Finally its great in snow. A true workhorse, with the comfort of a luxury vehicle to boot!
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Explorer XLT 4x4 4.0L with 3rd rear seat - 2003 Ford Explorer
By MProaddog - January 24 - 10:00 amWeve had our Explorer for about 6 months now and we love it. We needed something to fit our 4 kids comfortably and four wheel drive for the snowy months to get to work. It has great power for a V6, but I feel a 7 passenger vehicle that is 4x4 should have at least 5.0L; maybe Im just old- school.
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lemons n more lemons - 2003 Ford Explorer
By Mr Howard - January 18 - 9:26 pmNever go to a used car dealer right after dropping off a rental with your kids in tow needing a vehicle immediately, the dealers take advantage therein knowing youre already in a squeeze, these vehicles are plagued with rear end vibrations, obviously during design some technician didnt do his mathematical grams/ounces/lbs correctly nor did he/s calibrate centrifugal force correctly, centrifugal is right, vibration is 55+ mph, Im not buying any ford explorers again.
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Research paid off - 2003 Ford Explorer
By Raider - December 26 - 9:53 amI was skeptical about purchasing a Ford in general. I reseached actual people reviews and local mechanics before I made my decision. Besides brake rotors and pads this vehicle is very worthy of its Editors Choice Award. I would advise converting to synthetic oil immediatly as to save $$$ in a big way. I have travelled through 16 different states and logged over 41k miles in less than 2.5yrs. I use this vehicle in NYC everyday yes NYC! Overall I cant say enough. Not 1 trip to the dealer yet. Take care of it and it will in return take care of you and your family safely.
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Quality is NOT job 1 - 2003 Ford Explorer
By RK in PA - December 26 - 5:56 amI bought my Eddie Bauer 4.6L Explorer new and have been the vehicles only owner. The engine is powerful. The vehicle is roomy, comfortable and stylish. However, reliability has been horrible. The 4X4 and transmission especially have been consistent problems. Ford has been unresponsive. Ford replaced the 4X4 transfer case to correct a defect, but only after being directed to do so by an arbitration board. The differential failed catastrophically after 45,000 miles, posing a safety hazard and necessitating a >$1000 repair. Ford took no responsibility. For a vehicle that cost $40,000, it has been a major disappointment.
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I GOT A LEMON - 2003 Ford Explorer
By frank defrank - December 25 - 10:00 amWHEN MY 2002 EXPLORER REACHED 30,000 MILES, THE FOLLOWING WENT WRONG WITHIN 6 MONTHS: 1) BOTH FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS HAD TO BE REPLACED. IT TOOK 5 VISITS BEFORE THE PROBLEM OF NOISE AND VIBRATION WAS DETECTED. 2) THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER HAD TO BE REPLACED. COULD NOT PUT TRUCK IN PARK. 3) BELTS HAD TO BE REPLACED. 4) REAR DOOR HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF A LEAK. 5) PLASTIC ON REAR DOOR CRACKED TWICE FROM COLD WEATHER. 6) WHEEL VIBRATED AND HAD TO BE CORRECTED. ALL WERE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. I HAVE FILED COMPLAINT WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE UNDER "LEMON LAW"
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2003 Ford Exporer XLT 4.0l 4x4 - 2003 Ford Explorer
By JBGrant - December 17 - 10:00 am2003 Ford Exporer XLT 4.0l 4x4 Delfi Automotive employee fleet vehicle 1 year old, 33,200 miles Problems/Repairs: -Tailgate cracks down the center. The tailgate on this car is of exceptionally poor, weak design. Hairline crack expanded with heavy winter. Entire tailgate rebuilt. -Defective Differential Differential was whining loudly between 45 and 65 mph. Differential replaced. -Noisy shocks Have not had this checked out yet; when shocks extend/compress, a squeak and vibration is produced from at least 3 of 4. -Door tensioners lose Door tensioner (both sides) bolts were not properly torqued, had to be tightened.
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Cant believe I like this truck - 2003 Ford Explorer
By 1st time ford owner - November 18 - 10:00 amMy first Ford, My first American Car, and My first Truck. Overall Im very happy with this vehicle, but I find myself looking for excuses to take my wifes car out for a spin. Although I appreciate the versatility and truck- like capabilities of the Explorer I might have been happier in a sport wagon like an A6 Avant, Passat or Subaru Outback. At 38k miles, its never been back to the dealer. I change the oil myself since noone will put in the recommended 5-20 it calls for. Tires look like theyll last another 15-20k. Dont by the V-6. The V-8 is only slightly more and gets virtually the same mpg and even the V-8 is under- powered.
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Avg. at Best - 2003 Ford Explorer
By Bradley J. - October 30 - 10:00 amThis vehicle is average at best. I was much happier with my 2001 Expedition. Fit and Finish are marginal. Ive had it back to the dealer several times to fix outside trim and interior flaws. Mileage is poor(14-15 Mpg avg.)and the transmission shifts very rough. It clunks when shifting into "D" Drive and between 2nd and 3rd gear. Dealer says this is normal, but I dont buy it. It seems like other consumers are experiencing the same symptoms. After this SUV I will go back to Japanese Mfg. for good. They are consistantly better quality, perform better, and hold their value much better. Sorry Ford.
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Hey, This Aint No Chevy! - 2003 Ford Explorer
By ChevyDude - October 24 - 10:00 amI must admit, I am a Chevy Man, but my wife really wanted to check a super deal in the paper on a 2003 Ford XLS MSRP $26,985. After a test drive and 3 hours of checking everything out, we got the fire red metallic. No, I dont ahve leather, no 6 cd stereo, no 50 way seats and no major extras, but it is brand new and I got a great lost leader deal at $18,300.
