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 1 through 10 of 340.00-
transmission problems--cracked REAR panel (2 cracks) - 2003 Ford Explorer
By marie517 - June 6 - 6:57 amI have replaced TWO transmissions in the past 2 years--there are 2 cracks on the rear panel door--I have seen soo many other vehicles(Ford Explorers) with the same cracks!! WHAT IS FORD DOING ABOUT THIS..I CALLED AND COMPLAINED TO FORD AND THEY SAID THEY HAVE NO RECALLS OR ISSUES ON THIS.[violative content deleted]
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The Real Ford Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
By Peter Farell - September 8 - 10:00 amI love my Toyota Avolon but my wife has the worst 4 year old For Explorer. Ford has a bad everyting. Except while where here in Hollywood Beach, Florida it is good in the snow from when we drove it to Coldorado and it broke down 15 minutes north of us. We came back down with a rental and drove the Avolon which now has over 73000 miles on it and is brand new. The Ford is also brand new too. Our Honda Accord lasted 26 years and our old Avolon lasted 17 years . The Accord is still working with 64 millon miles on it since I used to go from Spring Lake, New Jersey to New York City everyday. The Toyota had 74 thousand miles on it.
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Loved Driving It, Hated The Repair Costs - 2003 Ford Explorer
By ML - August 2 - 10:19 pmI went through 2 transmissions on this vehicle before 120,000 miles. Unfortunately this is not an uncommon problem. Finally traded it in when it required suspension repairs which exceeded cost of the car.
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Very Limited - 2003 Ford Explorer
By RLF - March 2 - 10:00 amThis model has been downgraded from previous Limited trim levels. The result is unsatisfactory. The ride is harsh and noisey. The interior is cramped and loaded with cheap plastic. The Lexus RX330 would be a much better choice for the money
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danny - 2003 Ford Explorer
By ddanny - February 5 - 10:00 amthis car has been in the dealer since l bought it i did not get to drive it for 1week the car does not start in the morning and this car has alot of body role you feel you are going to flip when you take a turn at 20 i am going to buy the chevy tahoe because it has better ride. that will be the last time i will buy a ford
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Typical Poor workmanship - 2003 Ford Explorer
By Kipiew - April 24 - 10:00 amMy Ford is the reason why my mechanic can afford to buy a house in this real estate market.
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lemons n more lemons - 2003 Ford Explorer
By Mr Howard - January 18 - 9:26 pmNever go to a used car dealer right after dropping off a rental with your kids in tow needing a vehicle immediately, the dealers take advantage therein knowing youre already in a squeeze, these vehicles are plagued with rear end vibrations, obviously during design some technician didnt do his mathematical grams/ounces/lbs correctly nor did he/s calibrate centrifugal force correctly, centrifugal is right, vibration is 55+ mph, Im not buying any ford explorers again.
