2004 Ford Explorer Consumer Reviews

Starting to have small issues

Written by: DW on 03/19/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

Still drives like new at 63000 miles however had to have the water pump replaced and right after pulling out from the dealer about a week later my engine light went on they claimed it would cost $700 for the repairs but the SUV still ran great! Um I wonder after complaining and basicly stopping short of accusing them for this, I dropped it off at the dealer and after picking it up the light now goes off after starting the vehicle! Ummmm I wonder if I was not mechanically inclined person I would of paid the $700?

Favorite Features

A/C Smooth ride.

Suggested Improvements

Needs a little refinement on the inside.

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Love it, minus the transmission problems

Written by: cpdewey on 03/04/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I absolutely love this vehicle and would like to keep it forever. Smooth drive, great visibility, spacious inside, and still looks great. Unfortunately I am having transmission problems. After the vehicle is warm, going from drive to reverse causes the transmission to slam into gear when I hit the gas. Of course I am out of warranty. Same issue 2 years ago, Ford fixed under warranty, but now not sure if they will help me out. Still waiting to hear, but fix is supposed to cost $2200 to $2700. Yikes! I am also disappointed that the value of my truck has dropped so much. My last Explorer held its value. Maybe the rise in gas prices is part of the problem.

Favorite Features

Adjustable pedals, seat memory, heated seats, third row seating that folds flat when not in use, nice sunroof.

Suggested Improvements

Heated seats are on or off and when they warm up, they get too hot. They shut off on their own after a while, but too hot in the meantime. Driver's side heat and air at the floor does not work well. Possibly just blowing at a poor angle. Transmission should last or Ford should cover the repairs!

2 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Poor Tansmission Reliability

Written by: compgen25 on 10/21/2007

Vehicle

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

Review

I have owned this Explorer for 3 yrs now and have nothing but problems with this transmission. In my opinion the transmission is very unreliable. I have returned it to the dealer on 6 occasions now with no resolution. Overall the vehicle is good but with the tranmissions problems I would not recommend this vehicle to friends.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

A better transmission is what this vehicle needs.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Great

Written by: gordie580 on 10/04/2007

Vehicle

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

Review

I love this vehicle. The power is great with the 4.6 triton V8. The AWD feature is great for people who doesn't understand how to operate 4wd.

Favorite Features

Reverse sensing system, AWD system, the audio controls.

Suggested Improvements

Gas mileage

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Missed my old Explorer

Written by: myford on 10/02/2007

Vehicle

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

Review

Well I must say the XLT with a V8 and all the bells and whistles is a steal when buying used! It works great, V8 is powerful, leather interior great when you have kids, so is the 3rd row seat. This is the best buy I've made...51k miles and going.

Favorite Features

Leather, moonroof, 3rd row seats, and exterior lights when unlocking

Suggested Improvements

Slats in the front hard to clean

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Lovin' it!

Written by: Carmen on 08/27/2007

Vehicle

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

Review

I bought my Explorer used with 15,000 miles on it. It's a pearl white limited. It's truly the best looking vehicle on the road. I've had a few problems with it(paint chipped, transmission needed to be rebuilt, seals leaked and rocker arms needed to be replaced) However, my husband and I relate it to the fact that it sat, undriven, for an extended period of time. I've owned many different types of vehicles (Chevy, Honda, Chrysler) but I always go back to Ford. I've had problems with the autos but, overall, they're the best value for the money.

Favorite Features

Color, style

Suggested Improvements

Put a scan button (for the radio) on the steering wheel. Change whatever causes the pearl white paint to chip on the hoods.

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I love my Explorer!

Written by: Christina on 08/13/2007

Vehicle

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

Review

For an SUV the mileage is pretty good. Had a recall issue about six months in, but they fixed it without a problem and have had no problems since. I put a lot of miles on my car and it has held up well with nothing but general maintenance. I would recommend an Explorer to anyone.

Favorite Features

Third row seat! It is so convenient and makes the car very versatile!

Suggested Improvements

I would like to be able to close the moonroof with one push of the button instead of having to hold the button until it is closed.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Monochrome Black Rocketship Eddie Bauer

Written by: Commander on 08/11/2007

Vehicle

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

Review

Great Truck, great V-8 economy. It's fun to drive, sounds great roaring up to speed, and hits 60 in just about 8 seconds. Factory tires began to dry-rot after 3 years and 35k miles, replaced with Michelins, averaging 18.5 mpg. I wish RSC was available prior to the '05 model. I wish we had rear a/c in the AZ summers. I love the factory sound system in the Eddie Bauer. I'm glad I didn't pop for the 4x4. Friend with an '05 4.0 4x4 is only averaging 15 mpg.

Favorite Features

Engine, low liftover height of the rear hatch when only the window is raised, easy exit seat, steering wheel controls for climate and radio, 3rd seat that I can actually get into and sit in without complaint at 6'0 250lbs.

Suggested Improvements

Sound coming from rear of truck at constant highway speed, Head restraints prior to '06, No traction control prior to '05, flimsy quality of the rear glass hatch that I love, angled load floor when 3rd row folded "flat" forces the dog to roll all the way to the rear when moving pre '06

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Should have bought extended warrenty

Written by: mlogan03 on 07/25/2007

Vehicle

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

Review

I purchased my 2004 Explorer new in December of 2003. I bought the basic XLS model and planned on using it for the short drive to work and the occasional trips out of town. It has been reliable until just last week when the ABS light, Service Engine, and the wrench light all came on at the same time. The cruise control also failed. The throttle body had to be replaced along with the rear wheel speed sensor. The vehicle has 32,000 miles and has been driven with care. Somewhat disappointed with the vehicle. Fortunately the Ford Service here was quite professional and had the vehicle back running in a couple of days.

Favorite Features

Liked the wider, exterior design compared to the older models. Easy to operate cruise control. Good gas mileage for an SUV, averaged 18.5 MPG.

Suggested Improvements

Better quality and dependability. 5 yr 50,000 mile warranty would be nice to show that Ford is serious about making a quality production and not just BS on commercials.

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

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An Okay SUV

Written by: Al on 07/19/2007

Vehicle

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

Review

Don't get me wrong I love my Explorer but I have had problems with the transmission when putting it into reverse - the engine produces a big bang noise. Ford claims that they can't replicate the problem although other Explorer owners have told me they deal with the same problem. Another problem that I face is when I fill up the car's tank, the fuel indicator dosen't respond and sometimes looks like a clock moving all over the place ^_^ im trading it in.

Favorite Features

Two tone leather seats, 6 cd changer, heated seats.

Suggested Improvements

Gas mileage. The leather needs much improvement, no more cheap plastics!! The radio is plastic.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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