Used 2003 Ford Explorer Consumer Reviews
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No more new cars
Connie, 03/05/2010
2003 Ford Explorer XLT Sport Rwd 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Considering I've got 127,000 miles and looking back over the last 7 years of ownership I would have to say I've been somewhat pleases with this car. Unfortunately I'm having both front wheel bearing done now plus brakes and I'll be out $1500. The rear end whines horribly and you can't hear anyone talking but I'm 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 I'm stuck with it now. I managed to keep a spare but won't bother putting it on. I'll need ball joints soon too. It's only worth $3500 on a trade so I'll hang on but no more new cars for me. Just not worth it.
Centennial Edition
Ford, 07/08/2005
2003 Ford Explorer Limited 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Purchased new with massive rebates; was looking for an '04 but found this black beauty and had to have it. Was comparing to Jeep Grand Cherokee, but preferred the Explorer style. Unfortunately, I had to find one without the sunroof so my head would not hit the roof (I'm under 6 foot!). The extra $995 for the Centennial option may not have been worth it, but it does make people look twice at this high-contrast vehicle.
2003 Ford Explorer for sale near you
3 of 39 listings
- Limited 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,9001,449 mi away
- NBX 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,4701,463 mi away
- XLT Sport 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,7451,942 mi away
See all 39 listings
BEST PERFORMING SUV I EVER OWNED
TONY ZAMPARELLI, 02/03/2010
2003 Ford Explorer NBX 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
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. It's a nice easy truck to drive. I've 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.
Do not Buy a Ford Explorer 2003
1auto4auser, 02/18/2013
2003 Ford Explorer XLS 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
Previously owned ford explorer earlier year. Did not have any signifcant issues for the most part. This model major transmission problems. Not built to last more than 100,000 mi. heard clicking noise dealer could not find problem. paint on roof and hood is chipping off. Poor paint job Dealer rebuilt front bearings at 30,000mi Transmission now has to be replaced. Transmission, bearings and transfer case poor quality. Ford should recall this vehicle I wish I had read the reviews on this vehicle
Happy but with issues
Bob White, 11/17/2009
2003 Ford Explorer XLS Rwd 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
11 of 13 people found this review helpful
A fine, tight, smooth running vehicle. Unfortunately the rear-end is so weak it was whining at 8000 miles and needing replacement. The transmission started shifting improperly at 25000 miles. I don't believe a vehicle should need a new rear-end and transmission so early. I have a Toyota with 325000 miles and it is running better than my explorer. I love my explorer but very unhappy with the mechanical bills, over $4000 within 175000 miles. Other gripes include new brake pads yearly, electric window that has not worked since new, door ajar light on most of the time, and ABS sensors failing.