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 321 through 330 of 340.00

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  Always Japenese - Pleasantly Surprised - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Swimguy - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Have always owned Japenese vehicles, however full credit to Ford, the Explorer is very competitive. V8 is hard on gas, but that is to be expected. Had the DVD system and sunroof put in and I now enjoy listening to Scooby Doo vs. a screaming 16 month old that hates her car seat. To all the families out their, "the DVD is worth the cost." Have the 17 inch BF Goodrich tires on - tire noise intrudes into the cabin. A purchaser may want to consider less aggressive tires. However despite the noise, the Explorer handles very well on snow and ice and I am sure the tires have something to do with that.

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  great all around - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By cb1 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Traded in our mitsubishi montero for the explorer and the difference is amazing. 4 wheel independent suspension gives you a much improved ride. Very stable on the road. Performance is good with the V-6 a little noisey at times. The build quality is excellent. Allready have 10,000 miles on it since buying it in June. No problems at all. My only complaint is the fuel economy, it could be better. One would thimk with a 5- speed auto it would be better. I also own 4 f-350 p/u with the diseal engines and they get better mileage. But overall in its price category I find it as a value that is hard to beat.

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  Great SUV - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By JMAD - May 12 - 10:00 am

  I have always been a Ford Truck fan, but with a little one on the way I need to move into the SUV world. The Explorer was a great choice as far as function and being pratical. The NBX edition was a great option, because it gave it enough features to not look like the everyday SUV.

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  This is my third Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Jon Karger - February 21 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Explorer purchased in the last seven years. Although I have only had my 2002 Explorer XLT V8 for six months, it has been trouble free. My last two Explorers have been relatively trouble free. I really enjoy the feel of the road with the new Explorer. It feels stable and comfortable. There is very little road noise. The Trailblazer just couldnt give the same feel, as the suspension felt too sloppy. I would definitely buy another Explorer.

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  Flawless - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By LarryS - December 29 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd Explorer and what a wonderful vehicle. I strongly recommend. While I have not had it long, I expect smooth sailing ahead.

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  Noisy - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By chamb - December 29 - 10:00 am

  Disappointed:( After owning a 97 Expedition and buying this Explorer, I regret the decision. The vehicle is excessively noisy on the highway...mainly wind noise. Cant even hear the passengers in the back seat !!! I do like everythng else about the vehicle and get great gas mileage (23 MPG Highway / 16 MPG City). I dont find the interior quality poor, just economically made. There certainly arent any over abundance of bells & whistles on the vehicle.

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  2nd Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Jacqui - November 29 - 2:06 am

  This is the second Explorer DH & I bought. The first was a 2000 that was nice but nothing to brag about. When Ford redesigned the Explorer for 2002 I fell in love. I love the NBX model because it has a fun feel. It seems everywhere you turn someone has an Explorer and it was nice to buy one with some difference; however the roof rack does weigh down the truck. The truck itself drives beautifully (much better handling than the 2000) and the third row seat has come in handy plenty of times. We also have a very dark charcoal color cleanable interior on the truck which I absolutely love. I hate light color interiors which show so much wear and tear and the dark interior on the seats and carpet helps.

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  Proud Owner - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By 03 XLT - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my 98 Rodeo for this truck, and I am glad I did. The exporer has more than enough room. Although I will rarely use it, I love having the third row seating. I wish that I would have gotten the V8. The V6 is fine, but I would like the V8. The Rodeo had 4wheel drive. My expo doesnt, hope That I am not going to need it. But this is my wifes truck and she loves it.

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  retry American - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By tomx15 - October 28 - 10:00 am

  Replaced a 96 Honda Odyssey (a totally reliable auto!). Build quality improving but not on par with Honda. Int layout and seating fabrics vg. Drivers seat is like an ironing board. (99 Accords more comfortable). Gas mileage is awful - 16mpg on daily commute of 70mi. 1mpg better on the highway. Rack an pinion steering very good and ride very improved over 2002. Dealer VG. This truck is not as versatile as Odyssey. Noticed that seat belt shoulder strap is wearing on plastic trim and cutting it as well (hope not a safety issue).

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  So far, so good! - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Kyle - October 22 - 4:50 am

  For all those who are looking to buy a 2003, this is a quality SUV. The mileage isnt great, but if youre in the market for an mid-sized SUV, you know what youre getting into. I bought my Explorer used and it was kept very well. It has no history of any repairs in its first 46,000 miles. The tires were replaced at 20,000 and it had frequent detailing. I bought a gem and I love it.