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 31 through 40 of 340.00

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  Great Truck - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Karen - June 14 - 7:51 am

  Reading these reviews makes one worry so I had to chime in. At 100K Ive only done basic maintenance, put in the new a/c and repaired the drivers window. Brakes at 60K and new tires. Yes, she needs the bearing done now but folks, no vehicle runs without a few replacements. On the positive, best drive around in an SUV, room galore, great 4X4 and the best comfort available. The hood paint peeling was an early issue and Ford replaced with a non aluminum at no cost. This is my second Explorer (1999 and 2003). 99 was the 6 cyl EB edition and I just wanted more power. With gas where it is, Im looking for a 6 again now. Cant kill that engine, never a tranny issue with either.

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  Ford lost another customer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By bgdbooboo - June 6 - 11:52 am

  I purchased this SUV with 60.000 miles on it. Within 1 year the rear differential died, ac compressor, transmission rebuilt, wheel bearings, ball joints, brakes on all 4 corners. Multiple other maint items. All that said the transmission is shot again and the rear is whining and chattering again. Im a single parent of two. One of which is handicapped. I cannot afford any of these repairs anymore and will never buy another explorer.

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  Do not buy a 2003 Ford exploder - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Bigjimmy - April 12 - 12:28 pm

  Since I purchased this car used for $11K Ive spent another $12k in repairs the transmission needed to be rebuilt the engine a moth later both rear bearings went out causing the knuckles to get damaged Ive replaced the A/C compressor THREE TIMES in 3 years the fuel pump went out the wiring is bad the stereo has CDs in its changer that will never come out again the check engine light goes on every two weeks or so the tailgate has a crack where the (Fix Or Repair Daily) emblem is and it gets lousy mileage costing me about $100.00 a week in gas alone just to drive to work. I HATE this car but thanks to all the money Ive spent fixing it, I cant afford to buy something else.

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  FORD fan for life! :) - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Karen - March 31 - 7:55 pm

  We bought this car [used] five years ago with 22,000+ miles on it. It has served us perfectly well in all of this time until its untimely demise in an auto accident a few days ago. I walked away from the accident with not one scratch. With an impact of more than 45 MPH, it could have been much, much worse. "Built FORD tough..." Yes INDEED! In addition to the car itself, the fact that Ford did not take any of the government stimulus money keeps me faithful to such a sturdy and independent organization. Sure, nobodys perfect, but FORD is perfect for me! I am in the market for a new car and am searching far and wide for another FORD to call my own! :)

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  Tailgate Recall - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Bob - March 19 - 11:57 am

  They need to recall the tailgate on this model for design defects relating to the crack at the emblem. Dealer says no. If not a design defect, why the design before and after this year include only the glass that would lift. Nearly every vehicle of this type has the crack at the emblem located on the tailgate. Can be fixed to the tune of nearly $800 at my cost.

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  couldnt believe - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Cynic - March 16 - 12:01 pm

  couldnt believe that I would love an American built car/truck so much. no major issues, owned for 6 yrs. rides good (knock on wood), handles good, reliable (again knock on wood - dont want to jinx myself). :-)

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  No more new cars - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Connie - March 5 - 10:29 am

  Considering Ive got 127,000 miles and looking back over the last 7 years of ownership I would have to say Ive been somewhat pleases with this car. Unfortunately Im having both front wheel bearing done now plus brakes and Ill be out $1500. The rear end whines horribly and you cant hear anyone talking but Im not paying for the repair. Others have done it and problem returned. At least my tailgate cracked in warranty and they replaced it 4 times but it cracked again and Im stuck with it now. I managed to keep a spare but wont bother putting it on. Ill need ball joints soon too. Its only worth $3500 on a trade so Ill hang on but no more new cars for me. Just not worth it.

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  Transmission Fiasco - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By idahojoe - February 23 - 3:00 pm

  Bought new off the lot and the car would shake violently over 60mph. Ford finally replaced the complete rear drive train due to defects. Guess what, started shaking again about a month later. They replaced it again. Now at 80,000 the transmission that was "replaced" is toast and the radiator cracked.

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  BEST PERFORMING SUV I EVER OWNED - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By TONY ZAMPARELLI - February 2 - 8:49 pm

  This truck has always been fun to drive. On the highway it is very nimble. Changing lanes is very predictable. Their is plenty of power when needed inpart to 3:73LS AXLE that allows for faster acceleration. The auto fwd feature can be annoying with the slight hesitation in grabbing the pavement when the rear wheels slip. But it does do the job. I prefer to keep in full time 4 wheel drive in heavy snow. Its a nice easy truck to drive. Ive had very few mayor problems with. I replaced the flywheel at 85000. Theirs been no engine problems. It does have the second set of tires and second set of brakes.

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  Reliable - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Larry - January 26 - 12:48 pm

  Does exactly what you need it to. Fits the wife, kids and dog and tows a trailer great. Does awesome 4WD donuts in the snow. No engine or tranny issues. Goes through rotors and pads fast (every two or three years). Replaced tires once. Replaced battery once. Replaced rear wiper motor once. Crack in plastic rear door near wiper as others have noted. Always starts, never stalls.