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Used 2003 Ford Explorer XLS 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A) Consumer Reviews

3.7 out of 5 stars
25 reviews

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2.38 out of 5 stars

Do not Buy a Ford Explorer 2003

1auto4auser, Rockville, MD, 02/18/2013
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

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2.75 out of 5 stars

Beware of Transmission Reliability

huemeister, Newark, OH, 12/30/2011
Ford Explorer XLS 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
9 of 11 people found this review helpful

I and my family have been avid and loyal Ford customers for many years until now. Bought the Explorer new. I was alarmed when I went to the web and the government site and saw many customers complaining about Explorer transmission failure. I called Ford Customer Relations and was met with indifference and no help. I asked for a goodwill repair or discount and they flatly refused. A transmission specialist said that Ford built a very bad transmission during that time and it is a surprise that there was no class action against them for a poorly designed transmission. I am not going to say I'll never drive another Ford, but I will shop with their competitors. We now own a Honda CRV.

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1.13 out of 5 stars

Typical Poor workmanship

Kipiew, 05/24/2003
Ford Explorer XLS 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
3 of 5 people found this review helpful

My Ford is the reason why my mechanic can afford to buy a house in this real estate market.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great SUV

Explorer User, 07/16/2009
Ford Explorer XLS 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

I bought this car to replace a vehicle that couldnt do everything i needed from my car. I love this car, i can fit 2 bikes in the summer and all the boards, skis, and gear of 5 people in the winter time(this car handles great in snow) i drive it pretty hard offroad and it takes all of the punishment without issues. its been jumped, drifted, backed into, smashed, and evertything else i throw at it and it keeps going. the mpg is not great in the town but its a SUV. however i recently put a flowmaster 40 on it which made it sound great and it brought the mpg up to 17-18 which is fabtastic to me because i drive it hard. the only problem i have it a CV joint but thats a wear item and easy to fix.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Ford is the best

Robert, 09/08/2010
Ford Explorer XLS 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

With all those reviews about this truck being crap, I had to write my review, I am the original owner of this truck and has had no problems at all, I put 116,000 miles on it and it runs awesome, the transmission shifts great the engine runs just like the day I got it. Also the 4x4 system works great too. This thing held up to hitting a 300 lb deer and came out with just a few things that needed to be replaced (headlight, grill) nothing major, this thing is like a tank it just won't stop I love this truck and am going to continue to drive it to the day it dies!

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