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 61 through 70 of 340.00-
Amazing - 2003 Ford Explorer
By Goose Bumps - August 8 - 2:00 amI jumped 8 years in technology when I purchased my new truck and FORD made the 2003 Explorer a dream to own. Ive had my Limited edition for 2 months now and it still gives me goose bumps each time I drive it. I had a 1994 Explorer XLT and going to the 2003 I was just amazed at the changes and handling charactistics this new truck had plus, the impressive speed this new V8 can do. I have friends that have ML320s, Honda MDX and Chev Trailblazers and the 2003 Explorer is right up there with them in some cases leading the pack with the new safety features, roominess and the advance tracking system.
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VERY EXCITING EXPLORER - 2003 Ford Explorer
By Rodney Anderson - July 23 - 10:00 amI love the way it handles. The ride is superior. The room is immense.
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reliability - 2003 Ford Explorer
By Ryan - July 22 - 11:57 amBought it from company I worked with after it was given to me as work vehicle. I have more than 130k on it and only have had to repair standard wear and tear items (brakes and wheal bearings) never have replaced more than once. The car has been hammered on with rough roads and long winters. It is great for towing. I put a brush gaurd on the front and it looks great. I am 6ft 5 and it is very comfortable for me. The car has been put through a lot and runs like it did when I got it.
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Cool - 2003 Ford Explorer
By SUV - July 16 - 2:00 amCool Suv With Good Millage
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Great SUV - 2003 Ford Explorer
By Explorer User - July 16 - 1:25 amI 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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Nice SUV, but poor build quality - 2003 Ford Explorer
By chris870 - July 14 - 3:13 pmLove the interior amenities (DVD player, leather, V8, etc.). Had an engine problem at around 40K miles (conveniently just out of warranty), finally diagnosed properly after 2 weeks in the shop and an extended warranty purchase ($2K cost). 60K miles now, and fingers are crossed that the worst is over with the engine. Build quality is decent, and we do like the SUV. Great in the snow too.
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Best SUV Ever! - 2003 Ford Explorer
By scherr - July 11 - 3:53 amI purchased my 2003 vehicle new from the local dealer. The vehicle has had basic routine maintenance ever since and on a rare occasion a problem with a rear end mechanism has been practically the only real problem. The leather heated front seats have been wonderful - especially when transporting my elderly mother who was typically cold natured. She always said, "the next car you get has to have heated seats"! However, with 250,000+ miles - I am still driving the vehicle, loving it and cant see any reason to invest in a new car. Best investment I ever made. Only negative side has been the poor service department and company management at the local dealer where I purchased the vehicle. I now travel 70 miles round trip for maintenance rather than deal with the incompetency of the local dealer. LOVE MY FORD EXPLORER!!
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Untitled - 2003 Ford Explorer
By orpha morales - July 11 - 2:00 amI like the fact that seven people can fit comfortably. I like the overall exterior design. I love the built-in tether strap restaints. The interior could use some work. Easier steering wheel tilting to make getting in and out easier would be nice. Third row could use a little more foot room. The seats are all very deep. I am 53" and I find it very difficult to make myself comfortable in the drivers seat. My back hurts whenever I travel long distances. And what happened to storage area!? I can just fit in my groceries.
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So far so good - 2003 Ford Explorer
By Rufus - July 1 - 9:21 amThis isnt my daily driver, but it has been basically reliable so far. The plastic underneath the rear hatch glass cracked inexplicably a few months ago, but that has been the only significant problem. Good highway ride, good in the snow, plenty of room for hauling stuff around. Rear A/C with controls up front is a very nice feature even if you dont have people in the back, because it gets the cabin frosty cold in a hurry even on hot days (American cars always seem to have better, stronger AC than Japanese for some reason). On the highway, mileage isnt horrible for such a big heavy vehicle, but it stinks in town. I expect Ill be getting several more years out of it.
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pleasure to cruis - 2003 Ford Explorer
By Ford4Life - June 4 - 4:01 pmI have to say over all the vehicle is a pleasure to drive. Very comfortable ride and no too bad on gas. I cant say i have had any major problems and as far as minor problems well.. the only trouble i have had so far was first on the passenger side the door sensor built into the lock that told the vehicle the door was closed stopped working properly. I needed to take off the door panel and play around with it and used a little WD-40. not sure what caused it but my fix seemed to work. Roughly 3 moths later same on the drivers side - same fix worked fine and they have both been fine since. Had the vehicle and needed to change all rotors and brake pads once. Besides that I cant complain at all
