Overview & Reviews

For the 2003 Ford Explorer, sport versions of the XLS and XLT debut, along with a new trim level called NBX (No Boundaries Experience). The NBX includes special exterior trim, unique 17-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, a Yakima roof rack, rubber floormats and a cargo area liner. All-wheel drive is newly available on all but the NBX model. XLS models come standard with an automatic transmission and a CD player for 2003, while XLT models get a chrome grille and metallic interior accents. Eddie Bauer models have satin-finish 17-inch wheels this year. Limited models get upgrades such as chromed exterior trim, chrome wheels, a leather-upholstered center console cover and new woodgrain interior trim. A tire-pressure monitoring system is available on Limited models. An Off-Road Package including underbody skid plates, suspension upgrades, front tow hooks and unique wheels debuts. Finally, a rear seat DVD-based entertainment system will be available later in the year.

• Independent rear suspension, comfortable seating for up to seven, strong powertrains, foolproof Control Trac 4WD, available rollover protection system, optional stability control system, DVD-based entertainment system.

• Low-grade interior materials, quirky ergonomics.

User Reviews:

Showing 41 through 50 of 340.00

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  Done with Ford - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Mike - January 12 - 11:42 am

  Bought this car new for my wife, she loved it! Year 1 had to replace the brakes, $200 JUST for the rear pads no labor(repeat annually). Year 2, air bag sensor broke - fixed 5 times still broken. Year 3-4, transmission went at 55000 miles, just past warranty $3000, front wheel bearing went $600, CD player jams cant use it anymore. Year 6, front wheel bearing gone again and just replaced the battery a second time. If my other car were paid off, Id buy a honda or toyota today.

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  Real SUV - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By T. Gregory - January 3 - 4:44 pm

  Bought it used with 28000 miles on it. Was real impressed with the ride, not mushy, felt like a real truck, solid. Handles very well, plenty of power, 4X4 worked perfect everytime, exellent in snow. I sold it with 69000 miles on it, never once had any sort of problem with the vehicle other than replacing the battery. I would definately buy another Explorer, worth every penny I spent for it.

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  great suv - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By explorer - December 31 - 4:42 pm

  I purchased this vehicle with 56k and it now has 62k and so far no problems. The thrid row seat is actually usable and provides more room than a family members 04 tahoe. Great handling and mpg on the hwy and decent city milage. I take very good care of my explorer and I also expect nothing less than great reliablity, I am not rough but not easy on my explorer. As long as you follow the recomended services then the explorer will provide you with a long life.

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  My Ford Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By sherryg99 - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I love my Ford!

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  Happy but with issues - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Bob White - November 16 - 8:05 pm

  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 dont 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.

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  2003 - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Arnold Caffas - November 12 - 1:00 am

  The vehicle has an excellent ride. Friends who ride in the vehicle are surprised at the level of comfort. I have not taken the vehicle off road many times, but I am very satisfied with the off road capabilities. Highway fuel economy is better than 20 miles per gallon. City mileage is pretty good. I would recommend the Explorer to anyone considering a mid-sized sport utility vehicle.

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  Great Vehicle - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By J117 - November 5 - 10:00 am

  This explorer is great. It handles, runs, and drives excellent and I love the body style. It is 1000x better than the 1999 v-6 that I had. No problems as of yet.

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  One of the best vehicles weve ever had - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By PR_USA_51 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  The new Ford Explorer is one of the best vehicles that we have ever bought. The comfort and reliability of this SUV is great!

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  XLT FORD - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By NIARI - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Over all this car is one of the best suvs. I am glad we brought this suv, I have another Ford car and I find them to be well build.

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  My Ford Experience - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Mark James - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Unhappy about small water leak. Dealership had it twice and cant detect leak. "no problem found" I was able to make it leak at home with garden hose, and the door at the top doesnt close tight enough. Why was I able to find the problem, and trained mechanics couldnt? They deny the problem because they dont want to be caught with something they cant fix within three or more tries and have to possibly give me a new car under the "lemon law?