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 11 through 20 of 340.00

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  2 time transmission victim - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By wjohnstone74 - July 24 - 1:17 pm

  I owned this truck for 4 years. In that time it blew two transmissions, all the wheel bearings, two sets of brakes all around, broke a rear spring, cracked rear hatch plastic, seized steering column, two doors that would not close in cold weather, a door that would not lock, a blown coil probably other things too. One of the worst cars I have ever known, reliability wise. I did really enjoy driving it, engine was a fuel pig but really smooth. 4wd worked ok, it was basically full time, but only with rear wheel slippage. I tried to get help from Ford when the second tranny blew, but nope. So to heck with them, I own all Japanese now (Ridgeline and Lexus) and they are nearly flawless

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  do not buy this vehicle - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By hondacbr954rr - June 19 - 3:00 pm

  safe vehicle but not reliable,have electricle gremlens that come and go,the rear end goes,(clucth pack),replaced twice still no good.not cheap.have only 60000k on it.

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  PLEASE DONT DO IT - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By kararnmi - February 4 - 9:28 am

  I just took my Ford to the dealership, it has only cost me about $2500 in problems up until now, the quote for repairs of things like rear differential, transfer case, ect $6238!! They must be out of their minds. So for $38000 new the truck lasted to 135,000 miles. Disgusting. I will NEVER buy a Ford again. I went back to Chevy and maybe just buy a Honda or Toyota next time. My friend just turned in her Camry with 400,000 miles on it and STILL running. Have you ever heard anyone say that will a Ford or Chevy without replacing the motor or trans? No.

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  Excellent car - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By lapennell - January 12 - 8:15 pm

  This is the first Ford product I have owned and it has changed my opinion of Ford. I have owned this SUV for about 5 years and have found it to be very reliable. I have done mainly routine maintanence. Of course the hatch plactic/glass is cracked like all other 03s. I have not had any transmission problems. I have replace a couple of wheel bearings. But, I now have 225,000 K on the car. It doesnt burn a drop of oil and goes through any amount of snow. I would highly recommend this make/model/year/engine.

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  Beware of Transmission Reliability - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By huemeister - December 29 - 7:32 pm

  I and my family have been avid and loyal Ford customers for many years until now. Bought the Explorer new. I was alarmed when I went to the web and the government site and saw many customers complaining about Explorer transmission failure. I called Ford Customer Relations and was met with indifference and no help. I asked for a goodwill repair or discount and they flatly refused. A transmission specialist said that Ford built a very bad transmission during that time and it is a surprise that there was no class action against them for a poorly designed transmission. I am not going to say Ill never drive another Ford, but I will shop with their competitors. We now own a Honda CRV.

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  Troubles in KY - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By rgross1 - November 20 - 7:00 pm

  I have always been a Ford Fan. I refused to buy any other model for close to 40 years, but that is about to change. I purchased a 2003 Ford Explorer XLT and it has been one problem after the other. I have replaced the rearend, the motor, and now the Transmission has gone out. Before all of this I also had the heater control swith to mess up. This was $800.00 to replace. The gas hand is going out and works only part time. As you can see one headache after another.

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  My awesome Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By pfeifer29 - October 2 - 11:13 pm

  This truck is like superman! Unfortunately, we almost had to sell it because one of the timing chain guides broke. But, our friends a mechanic and fixed it so its good as new. Ours is a mineral grey, and it still sounds as powerful and solid as it did back in 2003. This interior is made of woven material rather than leather, because most fabrics cause me irritation. But it has a killer sterio system and refuses to get stuck in anything. It does not seem like it only gets 99 on the highway, and its not a gas hog. I recommend one to anyone who needs room for children, or just likes big trucks.

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  2003 ford explorer xls - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By jl_curtis - September 23 - 2:36 pm

  i have owned my explorer since 2004 when i bought it from the dealership. it now has 169,000 miles on it and still going since it is my daily driver. i have had no problems, other than the back plastic panel, but it was hit by a baseball when it broke, the engine and transmision both are strong and smooth and running very well. would recmond to anyone.

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  Tranny problems/Cracked lift gate - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By mlong30 - July 3 - 9:14 pm

  I have had my explorer for eight months. It has a cracked lift gate which is obviously a known problem and has to have the tranny replaced at 127k miles this is a known problem and Ford refuses to take care of it. Read consumer reviews befor buying

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  Tranny Nightmare - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By demo_derby - July 2 - 8:36 am

  Flashing OD light and service engine soon come on at 62K miles while my son is driving to prom. Dealer makes us wait 4 days to get in the shop. They have it all day, never call, when I call them they ask to call back in a few minutes. They claim lots of transmission diagnostic codes (though when I pick up vehicle service engine light is still on and no sign that anyone tested anything). They want 4000 to replace transmission plus tell me I have a frozen caliper. I take care home, pull front wheels, caliper isnt frozen but metal on metal on inside of brakes (they checked 2K miles back and said no issue). Car still going with bad tranny for now, I replaced the brakes, no more Fords.