Used 2003 Ford Explorer Consumer Reviews
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DO NOT BUY!!! RUN!!!! DO NOT BUY!!!!
Frank Stephens, 04/26/2021
2003 Ford Explorer XLS Sport Rwd 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
This is the last Ford my household will ever own. I found this 2003 Explorer (Exploder?) with very low mileage and it looks like new inside and out. When I took it for a test drive I noticed a very small engine miss. No big deal. Well it turns out it IS a big deal! The mechanic says it needs a head gasket but on these they do not replace just the gasket they recommend the ENGINE be replaced!! Along with that the transmission has a noise too! So not I have this 5,000 dollar paperweight sitting in my yard. It is worthless!! Don't buy American!! There is a reason the Japanese got in and kicked our butts with cars and that reason is QUALITY!!! Ford should be ashamed they are making cars that only get 100k before needing major repairs.
Won't go past 100,000 miles
johcar, 05/03/2014
2003 Ford Explorer XLT Sport 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
Nice enough vehicle except access to the back seat in the 2 door model is close to zero since the driver's seat only moves forward/back 2". I'll never have a two door SUV again. With only 80,000 miles on it, the timing chain(s) are making noise. Apparently it was a recall issue that previous owners never took care of. It is expected to go out at 100K or so. Repair bill is $3200.00. Ford should honor this recall even though it's ten years old. I feel like I got screwed here, and I was happy with two previous Rangers, -a 98 and 01.
2003 Ford Explorer for sale near you
3 of 39 listings
- Eddie Bauer 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,4501 mi away
- XLT 4dr SUVMSRP: $12,900149 mi away
- XLT 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,995299 mi away
See all 39 listings
I <3 my ford expl. but too many problems now :(
Norma, 07/24/2015
2003 Ford Explorer NBX Rwd 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
9 of 14 people found this review helpful
i bought my ford explorer 2003... 9 years ago.... now had 170.000 miles on it!!! never never have any problems until now!!! i rebuilt my transmission on march 2015 and was fine ..i tough that was the end of the problem ..but not.... now in July my car would not accelerate it will turn on beautiful no noise or nothing!! i took it to the mechanic and he told me is not worth fixing my truck!!!!!! i need to change the motor and it will cost a lot of money and probably will break again.. i definitely will recommend Ford explorer!! i almost forgot i did had a accident in 2007 the whole right front was damage but likely the fixed just fine because not problems at all. And in 2012 i almost have another accident in the expressway but thanks to my fast reaction and how good my truck answer to my driving and the brakes responded was absolutely incredible... very reliable car!!!!
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Tranny Nightmare
demo_derby, 07/02/2011
2003 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
Flashing OD light and service engine soon come on at 62K miles while my son is driving to prom. Dealer makes us wait 4 days to get in the shop. They have it all day, never call, when I call them they ask to call back in a few minutes. They claim lots of transmission diagnostic codes (though when I pick up vehicle service engine light is still on and no sign that anyone tested anything). They want 4000 to replace transmission plus tell me I have a frozen caliper. I take care home, pull front wheels, caliper isn't frozen but metal on metal on inside of brakes (they checked 2K miles back and said no issue). Car still going with bad tranny for now, I replaced the brakes, no more Fords.
Tranny problems/Cracked lift gate
mlong30, 07/04/2011
2003 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
12 of 20 people found this review helpful
I have had my explorer for eight months. It has a cracked lift gate which is obviously a known problem and has to have the tranny replaced at 127k miles this is a known problem and Ford refuses to take care of it. Read consumer reviews befor buying