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

• 

  Second Owner of a 2003 - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By lassentrailer - April 9 - 10:38 pm

  I bought my Explorer from the same dealership that sold it to the original owner, and that owner had followed the service schedule to the letter (as shown in the Carfax report). It had 101,000 miles on it when I bought it in 2013, its got 118,000 miles now. I dont much like trucks, being a sports car kind of driver, but I really like the Explorer (which btw handles WAY better than youd expect, due no doubt to the IRS. I have emulated the first owners habit of maintaining the snot out of it: new brakes/rotors, transmission flush and fill, cooling system the same (differentials and transfer case next). I am quite happy with my Explorer.

• 

  Wont go past 100,000 miles - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By johcar - May 3 - 10:13 am

  Nice enough vehicle except access to the back seat in the 2 door model is close to zero since the drivers seat only moves forward/back 2". Ill never have a two door SUV again. With only 80,000 miles on it, the timing chain(s) are making noise. Apparently it was a recall issue that previous owners never took care of. It is expected to go out at 100K or so. Repair bill is $3200.00. Ford should honor this recall even though its ten years old. I feel like I got screwed here, and I was happy with two previous Rangers, -a 98 and 01.

• 

  2 time transmission victim - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By wjohnstone74 - July 24 - 1:17 pm

  I owned this truck for 4 years. In that time it blew two transmissions, all the wheel bearings, two sets of brakes all around, broke a rear spring, cracked rear hatch plastic, seized steering column, two doors that would not close in cold weather, a door that would not lock, a blown coil probably other things too. One of the worst cars I have ever known, reliability wise. I did really enjoy driving it, engine was a fuel pig but really smooth. 4wd worked ok, it was basically full time, but only with rear wheel slippage. I tried to get help from Ford when the second tranny blew, but nope. So to heck with them, I own all Japanese now (Ridgeline and Lexus) and they are nearly flawless

• 

  do not buy this vehicle - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By hondacbr954rr - June 19 - 3:00 pm

  safe vehicle but not reliable,have electricle gremlens that come and go,the rear end goes,(clucth pack),replaced twice still no good.not cheap.have only 60000k on it.

• 

  PLEASE DONT DO IT - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By kararnmi - February 4 - 9:28 am

  I just took my Ford to the dealership, it has only cost me about $2500 in problems up until now, the quote for repairs of things like rear differential, transfer case, ect $6238!! They must be out of their minds. So for $38000 new the truck lasted to 135,000 miles. Disgusting. I will NEVER buy a Ford again. I went back to Chevy and maybe just buy a Honda or Toyota next time. My friend just turned in her Camry with 400,000 miles on it and STILL running. Have you ever heard anyone say that will a Ford or Chevy without replacing the motor or trans? No.

• 

  Beware of Transmission Reliability - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By huemeister - December 29 - 7:32 pm

  I and my family have been avid and loyal Ford customers for many years until now. Bought the Explorer new. I was alarmed when I went to the web and the government site and saw many customers complaining about Explorer transmission failure. I called Ford Customer Relations and was met with indifference and no help. I asked for a goodwill repair or discount and they flatly refused. A transmission specialist said that Ford built a very bad transmission during that time and it is a surprise that there was no class action against them for a poorly designed transmission. I am not going to say Ill never drive another Ford, but I will shop with their competitors. We now own a Honda CRV.

• 

  Troubles in KY - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By rgross1 - November 20 - 7:00 pm

  I have always been a Ford Fan. I refused to buy any other model for close to 40 years, but that is about to change. I purchased a 2003 Ford Explorer XLT and it has been one problem after the other. I have replaced the rearend, the motor, and now the Transmission has gone out. Before all of this I also had the heater control swith to mess up. This was $800.00 to replace. The gas hand is going out and works only part time. As you can see one headache after another.

• 

  Tranny problems/Cracked lift gate - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By mlong30 - July 3 - 9:14 pm

  I have had my explorer for eight months. It has a cracked lift gate which is obviously a known problem and has to have the tranny replaced at 127k miles this is a known problem and Ford refuses to take care of it. Read consumer reviews befor buying

• 

  Tranny Nightmare - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By demo_derby - July 2 - 8:36 am

  Flashing OD light and service engine soon come on at 62K miles while my son is driving to prom. Dealer makes us wait 4 days to get in the shop. They have it all day, never call, when I call them they ask to call back in a few minutes. They claim lots of transmission diagnostic codes (though when I pick up vehicle service engine light is still on and no sign that anyone tested anything). They want 4000 to replace transmission plus tell me I have a frozen caliper. I take care home, pull front wheels, caliper isnt frozen but metal on metal on inside of brakes (they checked 2K miles back and said no issue). Car still going with bad tranny for now, I replaced the brakes, no more Fords.

• 

  Transmission Problems - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Dee - July 14 - 12:49 pm

  This vehicle within a 2 years of owning this SUV I have replaced transmission twice. Buyer beware.