2004 Ford Explorer Consumer Reviews
Recent Consumer Reviews
(186 Total Reviews)
Great- But Drinks Gas!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 2 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Ford Explorer Limited 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
Review
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..
Favorite Features
Comfortable, roomy, and nice exterior and interior.
Suggested Improvements
Better gas mileage! And the hatchback part!
Look elsewhere
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 4 | Build Quality: | 3 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 3 |
| Fuel Economy: | 2 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Ford Explorer XLT Rwd 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
Review
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.
Favorite Features
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.
Suggested Improvements
Poor quality rear gate, flimsy and light. Prone to breakage. This vehicle was a step down from my '96 model.
3 out 5 people found this review helpful
Starting to have small issues
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 4 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
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.
Love it, minus the transmission problems
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
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!
3 out 4 people found this review helpful
Poor Tansmission Reliability
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 4 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 3 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
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
Great
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
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
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
Missed my old Explorer
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
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
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
Lovin' it!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
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.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
I love my Explorer!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
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
Monochrome Black Rocketship Eddie Bauer
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
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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