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:
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Quite an improvement in driving comfort - 2003 Ford Explorer
By Waldo Otten - October 24 - 10:00 amHad a 1995 Eddie Bauer Explorer, put 122,000 miles on it with no major repairs or rust, sold it to a friend and hes got it over 175,000 miles now with no major problems. But I love the comfort of my 2003 because I dont feel as beat-up after driving 700 to 800 miles in one day, as I do a couple times a year. Much more stable on road especially at 70mph and above, and independent rear suspension gives it the handling characteristics of a luxury car and not a truck -- like the 1995 model. Seats more ergonomic, too -- no stiff legs after long driving stretches. Would buy another.
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After 14 years, I still have "Old Faithful!" - 2003 Ford Explorer
By Kim Miller - October 14 - 10:59 amI bought this vehicle in April 2003, and although I have since bought another car for commuting to work, my Explorer XLT has never let me down after 120,000 miles of towing boats, campers, taking me on numerous trips to and from the mountains, and everyday usage. Not only does the engine still run well (my only complaint is a slight hum from the back end when accelerating), but the body and trim have held up remarkably well. Planning to keep "Old Faithful" for another 14 years!
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Me? Drive a Ford? - 2003 Ford Explorer
By MoparMan - October 10 - 10:00 amBeing a Dodge guy,when it was time to shop for a new grocery getter Dodge was aour 1st stop but our last stop was the Ford dealer. The new Explorer is head and shoulders above the older style and yes its better than the Durango. Attractive styling, quiet, smooth ride and responsive! I may have to change handles!
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This Beast is a Beauty - 2003 Ford Explorer
By Patrick J. Richmond - October 4 - 6:53 amIve owned six different trucks in the past 15 years from a 1990 Chevy Blazer to a 1992 Toyota 4Runner, a 1995 and 1997 Ford Explorer and a few pickup trucks in between, but this one crushes them all. Awesome styling inside and out, very well thought out ergonomics. Fits me (6 feet 2 inches) and my wife (5 feet 6 inches) equally well. Very comfortable on long trips, very quiet on the highway, good power (with the 4.6L) for hauling a heavy load. Second row Captains chairs and third row power fold-down seats are clutch with three kids and gear.
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2003 Ford Explorer NBX - 2003 Ford Explorer
By Herm - September 27 - 3:19 amPurchased this vehicle new in November 2002. Currently has 145,000 miles on it. Rear end always had a whine which was especially noticeable around 60 mph, but a few years ago, I changed to more highway friendly tires which reduced the whine. I did not know this model has this issue until I read other reviews here. When the air conditioner is off, it still seems to blow cooler air as I think the way it is designed air flow continues past the coils into the cabin, so you have to have the heat on a low setting to counteract it. Had the transmission rebuilt at 115,000 miles. The dealer wanted over $4,000 for the rebuild, AAMCO did it for $2,600 and gave me a two year warranty. The gas gauge has never worked correctly, but it is intermittent. Took it in years ago under warranty, but the dealer could not find anything wrong with it. I just make sure I gas it up once a week. It has the rear window frame crack like every other NBX/XLT I have seen on the road. This is a design error which Ford should have fixed, but now that the vehicle is 15 years old, who cares (I read on another website some owners are pursuing a class action lawsuit). When the car was new, I used to get 15 mph in town and 21 on the freeway at 70 mph. Nowadays, I get about 17-18 mph for combined driving. My major complaint is the Ford dealership here in Colorado Springs. I do not trust them, so I take my vehicle in for service elsewhere now that it is not under warranty. The dealer here is very high priced, and is ALWAYS suggesting repairs for a couple of thousand dollars (e.g., new Macpherson struts. When I ask what is wrong with the original struts, the answer is nothing, we recommend you replace them based upon mileage. Struts are high tensile steel which should last the life of the vehicle in my opinion). Anyway, I good vehicle. I like to drive it around as it still has pep and power, and has always had a nice sound system. Sits up high too. One more issue. The airbag warning light comes on occasionally, but I think it is because the connection under the seat has come loose over the years, so I reach under there and squeeze it. That seems to take care of it. No body rust, but the paint on the posts did not take long to degrade after only a couple of years. I use Chevron Techron every 6 months, rotate the tires at every oil change, and change the oil every 5,000 miles. And I pretty much follow Fords other recommendations for maintenance.
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Worst Vehicle Ever Owned! - 2003 Ford Explorer
By noseylarge102 - September 14 - 4:03 amFirst of all do not buy Ford brand vehicles; Mercury is a way better bet. The interior of this vehicle is very uncomfortable with the nylon cactus seats, and it hurts with shorts on, Second the flex fuel v6 stinks with gas mileage and power, third the trim is very cheap; it has black handles on a silver truck and all black trim - my 1992 Sable looked better than this truck.
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2003 Explorer 4x4-XLS - 2003 Ford Explorer
By Arlene Harrell - September 11 - 10:00 amThis is our third Explorer we have purchased. We also have owned three Ford trucks, ranging from the Ranger, F-150 and 250 Diesel. As we have owned Ford throughtout the years we have never had a problem with any of them. I guess we are a Ford family. I like my new Explorer and feel I will get excellent usage from it.When it is paid off it will be traded in on another Ford Product. There are a lot of features to choose from.
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2003 Ford Explorer Report - 2003 Ford Explorer
By terry730a - August 30 - 2:00 amPurchased 2003 Ford Explorer XLS new at Courtesy Ford...Got a great deal including $3000 rebate..Driveability, reliability, and ergonomically, it is first rate. It has good acceleration and gas mileage; averaging about 18-19 MPG with 89 Octance..Even tho 87 is recommended.It is a fun car and a hoot to drive..Great value in the field of SUVs--bar none...
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Improvment - 2003 Ford Explorer
By luckssj - July 30 - 10:00 amThis car is excellent to handel and easy to maintain.
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The Best SUV on the market - 2003 Ford Explorer
By FordIsGood - July 30 - 10:00 amWe purchased an XLT with the 4.0L V6 twom months ago. The only options we got were rear A/C and the third-row seat. The Explorer has a very smooth ride, compared to other SUVs, and we drove just about every mid-size SUV. It has plenty of power, a very smooth- shifting transmission, and is one of the most comfortable vehicles we have owned.
