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 71 through 80 of 340.00

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  Really Disappointed - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By PA girl - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I had a 1996 EB which I absolutely loved. It had every amenity I needed and none that I didnt. At 160,000 miles and counting I decided to trade it for a 2003. Big disappointment. Granted I went from an EB to an XLT but the interior looks really cheap. The tires are loud and the third row seats are a huge waste of cargo space. Mileage is a joke at nearly $60/week. Mostly though there are huge blind spots that require you to drive well using only your mirrors. Im already looking to trade it in. Last but not least who thought of moving the gas tank to the passenger side. Obviously someone without children. Big safety issue.

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  Cracks Up - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By crackedup - May 15 - 12:49 pm

  I only have one complaint about my explorer. One day for no apparant reason my back hatch CRACKED! LITERALLY. If you look at an 03 explorer the hatch is 2 pieces. Under the window on the top piece there is a composite piece that now has 2 huge cracks in it. The dealership says they see it all the time but cant fix it because there is no recall. I have googled it and there are way tomany people with this problm. My concern is If water gets down through the crack it could very well rust the latching mechanism and make it fail to work properly and I have a 1 yr old and 3 yr old in the back seat.

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  2003 Eddie Bauer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By dcd - May 10 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy the smooth, quiet power of the V8. All the EB features are very nice and worth it IMO. At least try one before getting an XLT. So far, gas mileage has been about 16 mpg city and 19 hwy. Only problem (if you call it that) is a slight rattle in the tailgate when going over large bumps.

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  Best truck ive had - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By ryguy - April 23 - 2:17 am

  Bought at 70K miles from Ford dealer in Boston. Drove home to find out rear window was stuck up. Local Ford dear fixed for free! Currently at 140K and all Ive had to do was rear brakes at 136K, alternator and battery at 105K and going to do front brakes next month probably. I see all these issues and wonder why mine hasnt had these issues. Maybe it did, but not with me. I really should replace spark plugs and wires but waiting for the extra money. Handles AWESOME in snow. Gas is decent with V6 getting an average of 16 city and town- would be better if i drove a little nicer :) Love the truck and will be getting another one. Everyone compliments me on it whether they drive it ir drive in it

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  Definitely Dont Recommend! - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By crit - April 19 - 5:53 pm

  I bought my Explorer new because it was a nicely designed, comfortable vehicle. Unfortunately after about 25K miles many things went wrong. Mostly minor, but very annoying. Ford did not fix all of them and told me my emergency brake (pads?) needed changing. I never use that and was quite surprised to hear they came out in "rusted chunks". Ford did not pay for it. Other problems include hesitant starting, hesitant blower motor, rear window molding that cracked in the cold, buzzing speakers, and a/c "brown outs". I would not sell this vehicle to anyone I know (as Ive done with all my past vehicles). I just dont see it holding up much longer.

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  Hugely Improved - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By ctowncarguy - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought an XLT 4wd with the V8 and Sport exterior package, replacing my 97 Explorer. The new one is improved in every way. I was leaning toward a new 4Runner until I drove the Ford. Glad I did. The 03 Explorer has a very smooth ride and accelleration. The handling feels solid and tight, and the fit and finish are solid. In my opinion, the quality is now comparable to Toyota and Nissan. It feels larger than my 96 Explorer. I couldnt be happier with it.

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  my 5th Ford - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By frewly - April 10 - 2:00 am

  This is my 5th Ford, and my second Explorer, this one replaced my 2001 XLT Explorer, no comparison, this one by far is more comfortable, roomier, and handles much better, not to mention the great ride

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  Not worth the money! - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By michelle n - March 28 - 4:00 pm

  I purchased this vehicle three years ago, with only 30,000 miles. I had to replace the brakes/rotors all around, shortly after purchasing, all four wheel July, and I just found out that I needed all of these items replaced again. This thing had 17" wheels, and I had to replace them every 10 months. The transmission had a whine in it, there was a clicking noise and a really loud roaring sound in the front, drivers side. The cruise control didnt work. It would frequently take spells of not starting. It would grind really fast, like it had been flooded, and I would just have to sit and wait for it to start. It was quite roomy, but it was hard on gas and tires, and very expensive to fix.

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  Very Solid Vehicle - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Frank - March 16 - 10:03 am

  I bought my Explorer used from CarMax with 29,000 miles on it. In nearly 4 years, I have put 40,000 miles on it with one major problem, a rebuilt transmission that cost me $2500. Other than that, just oil changes, tires, brakes-- the usual stuff. If not for the transmission, it would have been a near-perfect vehicle.

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  Nice little SUV - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Rollin59 - March 5 - 12:43 am

  Ive had my Eddie Bauer Explorer for about 2 weeks, purchased used with 24,000 miles. Very nice vehicle. Mainly purchased for towing capacity and winter driveability but its also fine as an everyday vehicle. Ride is rather "trucklike" as you would expect for a vehicle that can pull 5400 pounds, but its manageable and gas mileage is passable (low 20s overall) and visibility is great. 4.0 V6 is smooth and feels more powerful than its 210HP. The 5 speed auto transmission is slick.