2004 Ford Explorer Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

A functional interior, ample passenger space, strong powertrain and a well-controlled ride all contribute to the 2004 Ford Explorer's well-deserved reputation as a practical midsize SUV with few faults.

Pros

Excellent ride and handling characteristics for a truck-based SUV, strong optional V8, comfortable cabin with user-friendly layout and seating for up to seven, good crash test scores.

Cons

Dull cabin design with some low-grade materials, low resale value, confusing controls on highline models, lousy fuel economy.

What's New for 2004

Ford's AdvanceTrac electronic stability control that was previously available on V8 models only is now available on all models, except the XLS and XLS Sport and all AWD models. The NBX version now comes standard with the off-road package and "NBX" tailgate badging, and can be ordered with a moonroof. Limited and Eddie Bauer models get a quad bucket seating option when equipped with the third-row bench, which adds second-row buckets and a floor console. Family buyers of the 2004 Ford Explorer should note that the optional rear air conditioner no longer requires the purchase of the third-row seat. Finally, a tire-pressure monitoring system is now standard on XLS Sport and higher trim levels, and a rear cargo shade is optional on XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited models.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

Worth Nothing after 60,000 Miles

Written by: drmac on 06/16/2008

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	7	Fun-to-Drive:	5	Build Quality:	2
Comfort:	7	Interior Design:	6	Reliability:	2
Fuel Economy:	5	Exterior Design:	7

Vehicle

2004 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I bought my Explorer XLT brand new. I had "electronic" issues within the first six months. I had to have the instrument panel replaced twice. Afterwards, I was relatively pleased with the vehicle prior to 50,000 miles or so, but as soon as the Explorer was out of the warranty, everything went wrong. In the past 12 months, I've had to replace all the seals on the transmission, replace the bushings, front hubs, alternator, keyless entry keypad, backup sensors, and the emergency brake. I have my Explorer serviced on the recommended schedule and still have had to have the vehicle towed three times, leaving me stranded.

Favorite Features

I like the 3rd row, towing capacity, and the exterior design.

Suggested Improvements

Ford really needs to go back to the engineering drawing board and built a reliable vehicle again. Customers have become accustom to getting quality with the Explorer name. The "Built Ford Tough" is just a line, not a promise.

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Love my Explorer!

Written by: Mandy on 04/19/2008


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	6	Build Quality:	8
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	7	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	8

2004 Ford Explorer XLS 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

I purchased my Explorer brand new from the dealership. I was contacted for minimal recalls that did not affect the driving performance. The only problem I ever had was a problem with my back window not wanting to roll up or down. It was out of warranty so I had to pay to fix it. During the warranty period I even had my stearing wheel changed because it started to show some worn spots. I think some of the people who complain about cars don't know how to take care of them. If you change your oil and fluids regulary you shouldn't have many problems.

Rear air, shoulder seatbelt in middle seat.

Make 3rd row standard

Not built like they used to be

Written by: Irate Owner on 04/04/2008


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	6
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	6
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	9

2004 Ford Explorer XLT AWD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

I own two Explorers. The 96 (used) I loved and subsequently bought used 04. So far on the 04 I have had to relace the hood (pitted and rusting); Tranmission problem corrected under recall; Differential and air conditioning just after warranty expired even though the problems were showing before but problems could not be found? I will likely buy Honda or Toyota next purchase

As a older mature person I love the size and height of the Explorers. Easy to get in and out of.

More head room especially with moonroof.

Great- But Drinks Gas!

Written by: Ashley on 03/28/2008


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	7	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	2	Exterior Design:	10

2004 Ford Explorer Limited 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

I love this car. It's great for a family of 4. It's very roomy, and has a large storage area in the back. Only 2 bad things is that it drinks gas and I wish I could lock my hatchback opener on the keyless entry pad. Sometimes going down the road, touch it and it flys open..

Comfortable, roomy, and nice exterior and interior.

Better gas mileage! And the hatchback part!

Look elsewhere

Written by: spence on 03/26/2008


Performance:	5	Fun-to-Drive:	4	Build Quality:	3
Comfort:	5	Interior Design:	5	Reliability:	3
Fuel Economy:	2	Exterior Design:	5

2004 Ford Explorer XLT Rwd 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Clunks going into reverse, rear bangs when making sharp corners, front end shakes even with brand new premium tires, rotors warped making brakes pulsate, front end squeaks when going over bumps, rear gate low quality....rattles continually, engine feels disconnected from gas pedal, sliding moonroof cover falls off track, CD's get jammed in player every time, factory speakers are junk. I had a '96 Explorer for ten years. It was the best vehicle I ever owned. So I figured I'd get another after the other was trouble- free for all those years. What a mistake. Stay clear of these vehicles.

Keyless entry. I loved the compass and thermometer in the upper console on the old Explorer. Whey did they have to change that? Better engine power than the '96.

Poor quality rear gate, flimsy and light. Prone to breakage. This vehicle was a step down from my '96 model.

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2004 Ford Explorer Consumer Ratings & Reviews