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 81 through 90 of 340.00

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  Outstanding - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Howser - January 21 - 2:00 am

  The 2003 Limited is great...the ride, increase in size (albeit minimal), handling, quietness, power and options (DVD entertainment system, third row seating, rear AC and the roll over safety canopy air bags) are outstanding and comforting to have. I purchased the new 2003 Limited with the monochromatic ceramic white tri-coat metalic paint, which sort of sparkles in direct sunlight and parchment leather interior. I love the look...not to mention the 17" chrome wheels. I have received a lot of complements from friends and strangers alike. Ford did a great job.

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  2003 Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By 2003 Explorer - January 14 - 12:14 am

  Purchased pre-owned with 47000 miles. AC problems within first six months. Had to replace entire AC system due to metal throughout. Drivers door handle broke off when it was cold. Back panel beneath the liftgate window cracked when it was cold. A coat hook in rear compartment snapped off first time I used it. It just seemed that something was breaking or needed repairs. I am planning on trading this vehicle within the next week or so. Enough of "Quality is Job 1." Lots of positive reviews from this model as it was one of the reasons I purchased the Explorer. Maybe I just had a lemon but I will never buy a Ford again.

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  No more Fords for me - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By S - January 5 - 2:34 pm

  For a 5 year old vehicle I have had too many problems to count- my most recent the AC- I have had 2 different leak check and they cant find a leak- they dont have any idea of what the problem is and when my warranty expires I will have to pay out of my pocket several thousand dollars before I can have it fixed- great SUV- will never purchase Ford again

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  Original owner - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Jim - December 29 - 12:40 pm

  I finally choose to buy American with an extended warranty, glad I bought the warranty. The rear end was replaced within one year, tail lights replaced, several of the power windows replaced, ball joints replaced, a/c replaced. All of the repairs have been done under 60000 miles. Not a good testament to quality. I thought that I would save moneyand buy American, the resale value has offset any savings. I will purchase a Japanese vehicle next time.

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  Eddie Bauer Explorer Comments - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By John Jimson - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Purchased third row seating and find it comfortable even in such a short wheelbase vehicle. A fine value in a relative low priced truck.

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  Very pleased! - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By jsmith_41 - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had this vehicle a short time now, Ive traded in my Expedition for it. What a fun car to drive! Its SO smooth! Ive really been enjoying it! It has great pep, design, comfort & options that make it very luxurious. The 3rd row seat is very comfortable & easy to get in/out of, considering the size of the Explorer.

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  Great truck - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By long island guy - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Great ride, good legroom. 4X4 works great in the snow. great fit and finish.

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  2003 Explorer XLT - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By 03 Exp XLT - November 20 - 2:00 am

  With this SUV, Ford is delivering quality, equal safety scores and better reliability than many "status- seekers" like MB and BMW. The much more realistic cost of ownership puts this vehicle on top with me. Great solidity and quiet ride.

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  Best SUV Ive ever owned - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Jon Heath - November 5 - 8:13 pm

  I bought this vehicle in 05 with 17k,we now have almost 80k on this vehicle and have only replaced the tires once and the rear brakes once. I was nervous about buying a Ford but would now buy one again.It is costly regarding gas but most SUVs are and the reliability more than makes up for the fuel cost. This vehicle is very utilitarian for us and we treat it more like a truck than a SUV. I haul everything in it and at times can be pretty rough on it, it takes it all in stride. Also the AWD makes this thing a tank in the winter,and we live in the East. Makes me feel safe when my wife and kids are in it. This is a daily driver for us and we have taken many road trips in it with no problems.

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  Just saved my husbands life - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By adizziedoll - November 5 - 9:26 am

  My hubby just got T-boned by a large work van (bigger then him, always envisioned it as the other way around) doing 60mph, never even slowed down for his red light. The truck is completely destroyed, but my hubby walked away. The sensors worked and all the right air bags went off. Even if me and my son were sitting on the pass. side, we would have been OK. 100% worth the mechanical problems (but my hubby is a Ford mech. and we can get these things fixed easily and inexpensively). When everything is running top notch, fuel economy is actually pretty good. Watch your O2 Sensors and plugs, sparks- youll see it in your gas tank. The rear design as someone mentioned - not so good.