Used 2003 Ford Explorer Consumer Reviews
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Old Faithful
tykesmom2007, 03/04/2014
2003 Ford Explorer XLT Rwd 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
28 of 30 people found this review helpful
I've owned my 2003 Explorer XLT for 11 years now, and have had no problems whatsoever. Although "Old Faithful" is now a "second car" (I bought a 2014 Escape SE for my 100 mile commute to work), it still tows boats, hauls canoes, transports the dogs, and is our favorite vehicle for camping trips. I've never had any trouble with this SUV, and plan to drive it 'til it drops - maybe in another 300,000 miles or so!
2003 ford explorer xls
jl_curtis, 09/23/2011
2003 Ford Explorer XLS AWD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
i have owned my explorer since 2004 when i bought it from the dealership. it now has 169,000 miles on it and still going since it is my daily driver. i have had no problems, other than the back plastic panel, but it was hit by a baseball when it broke, the engine and transmision both are strong and smooth and running very well. would recmond to anyone.
Most Reliable vehicle I've ever had!!
jimmyz26, 08/10/2012
2003 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful
I've owned a Nissan, Mitsibushi, and a Pontiac, and have to say Ford is best vehicle I've had yet! I've had far less issues with my Ford Explorer and love driving it. I bought it in 2006 and put 37K miles on it. It currently has about 75K miles and only had routine maintenance on it. My only complaint is the crappy gas mileage 15mpg. The rear panel recently cracked, but you can avoid this. I had sprayed winshield washer fluid on it during a very cold Colorado winter day. The repair is outrageous, close to $700. The handling is excellent and the ride roomy and comfortable. Well built inside and out. Engine has plenty of power and 4WD is nice. I plan on keeping my Ford for a while.
Drive/transmission issues
Greg, 07/30/2010
2003 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
Just returned from a trip and the O/D light started flashing. All recommendations from Ford service and independents state that a transmission change is required. Very expensive since happened at 106,000 miles. This is on top of just replacing the rear differential bearings,and wheel bearings that Ford service said were bad. All this after the extended warranty was up. The rear differential fix was done 18 months prior the first time while under warranty. Far too many problems with this drive train.
Chose Explorer over Toyota 4 runner
Joe, 09/16/2015
updated 09/21/2016
2003 Ford Explorer XLT Sport 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
16 of 18 people found this review helpful
Chose this Explorer over Toyota 4 runner at the time.... The wider stance and the look of Explorer won over Toyota's reliability and much better interior material. Bought mine in April 2005 with 33K miles. Currently it has 108K miles. I like its size and its handling no matter what weather throws at it. Never had any engine or transmission problems. Had the dealer do fuel filter, transmission service and transfer case /rear axle fluid changes. Have done belt, oil/filter, coolant, brake pads/rotors myself. With 55K miles on second set of tires, they look great and alignment holds well. Problem areas... Leather is super cheap. It folded, creased and aged very quickly on driver side seat. The seat frames anchored to floor had no coating and are rusted. When you open the back doors you can see the rust on frames for front and back seats. No real heat directed to foot well. Some cold air is leaking in the front behind glove compartment. The recirc flap closes but there is still cold air coming in. The heater air blender actuator assembly broke last winter. Figured how to change the air to hot for winter so I was fine. Bought the piece and replaced myself. It was simple to do. Noticed snapped rear coil spring on both sides ( one two inches from bottom and the other one about in the middle of the coil) when replacing rear rotors. The coil spring is part of rear shock assembly. Monroe brand cost about $100 each. Rear axle has the famous whine that affects all these Explorers. Paid to have it fixed and it is back again. Planning on selling this Explorer and my 2003 Ford Ranger and buy an Extended cab 2006 Toyota Tacoma. This Explore is 12 years old and I still like its look and its shape as much as I did 10 years ago when I bought it. Sold this Explore and my 1993 Ranger in Nov 1016 and replaced both with a short bed crew cab 2016 Toyota Tacoma TRD sport V-6 4x4. Tacoma is quiet, well built, and has an excellent feel. Its heater is superior to my old Explorer!!!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
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