Skip to main content

Used 2003 Ford Explorer Consumer Reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
354 reviews

See Edmunds pricing data

Has Your Car's Value Changed?

Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.

Price history graph example

Trending topics in reviews

Pros
Cons
3.5 out of 5 stars

My Last Ford

Phil, 08/25/2009
2003 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This is my 7th (and last) Ford. I bought it used with 34000 miles on it four years ago. It now has 61500 miles on it, and in that time I have replaced: the rear differential, the rear axle seals, the rear main seal, the oil pan gasket, the cruise control servo, the transmission cooler, and both front wheel bearings. Thank goodness I bought the extended warranty. Also, the paint is peeling at the corners of the hood. I have seen many Explorer's do this, and have heard it is a problem with many of them. The third row seat is nice, but doesn't allow much room for any cargo.

Report Abuse

3.25 out of 5 stars

Avg. at Best

Bradley J., 07/03/2003
2003 Ford Explorer XLT Rwd 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This vehicle is average at best. I was much happier with my 2001 Expedition. Fit and Finish are marginal. I've had it back to the dealer several times to fix outside trim and interior flaws. Mileage is poor(14-15 Mpg avg.)and the transmission shifts very rough. It clunks when shifting into "D" Drive and between 2nd and 3rd gear. Dealer says this is normal, but I don't buy it. It seems like other consumers are experiencing the same symptoms. After this SUV I will go back to Japanese Mfg. for good. They are consistantly better quality, perform better, and hold their value much better. Sorry Ford.

Report Abuse
2003 Ford Explorer for sale near you
Showing 3 of 45 listings
See all 45 listings

2.63 out of 5 stars

No more Fords for me

S, 01/05/2009
2003 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

For a 5 year old vehicle I have had too many problems to count- my most recent the AC- I have had 2 different leak check and they can't find a leak- they don't have any idea of what the problem is and when my warranty expires I will have to pay out of my pocket several thousand dollars before I can have it fixed- great SUV- will never purchase Ford again

Report Abuse

2.75 out of 5 stars

Never Again

Chris, 05/08/2008
2003 Ford Explorer XLT Rwd 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I purchased my vehicle new and have been religious about maintenance since day one. I can honestly say this has been one of the worst car experiences of my life. I've had numerous problems beginning with just 15K miles including power window motor failure - leaking tranfer case(30K) - ball joints (40K) - paint defects (50K) - strut joints (70K) - transmission failure (100K) and alot of other things. All this added up to incredible unforseen expenditures - the tranny being $800 alone. I have never towed with this vehicle, not drove it harshly. I stayed with this car way too long Lesson's learned the hard way.

Report Abuse

4.63 out of 5 stars

FORD fan for life! :)

Karen, 04/01/2010
2003 Ford Explorer XLT Sport 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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, nobody's 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! :)

Report Abuse
Items per page:
5