2003 Ford Explorer

Rating from grits

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"We have owned a 98 and 99 Explorer in the past and loved them so wanted another one when we were looking for a second vehicle. We wanted the newer style but had to stay within budget so we found a 2003 that we feel in love with. It's a Limited so it has the 2 extra seats in the back. I myself haven't sat back there but our 10 year old said when she did, it is tight but it works for having the extra seating when needed. We love everything with it from the sunroof, leather seats, back up assist, adjustable brake pedal, dual temperature controls and keyless entry and more. We got this one for a really good price, better then others we have found and it had 163,000 miles on it. The only downside was the tires need to be replaces asap, but otherwise it's in great condition so whoever had it before took care of it. It's a smooth ride and can't even tell it's running when idle. We later found out it even has side airbags so that makes it even safer."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Transporting family

Rating from Ford Owner

(3)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		4 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		3 out of 5
Reliability:		2 out of 5

"I have owned this Ford Explorer for 5 years. It pulls great, has an attractive design inside and out. The interior is very spacious and versatile allowing for many possibilities. I have had blow up mattress in the back during camping, to laying down the seats and putting in a full rick of wood in the back. Had transmission issues with it at a very low mileage though. I have spent thousands keeping up with the maintenance. The constant mechanical issues is my only downfall. I love everything else about it!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from modnajm

(4)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		3 out of 5
Value for the Money:		3 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"I would recommend this car to every body,good car for every thing,work,fun,travel,more than 10 years i driving those types of cars,i like it"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Work

Rating from Dennis

(4)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		4 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		4 out of 5
Reliability:		3 out of 5

"This is my third Ford Explorer - owned a 1st generation 1994, a 2nd generation 1997 5.0 V8 AWD, and now a 3rd generation 2003 Eddie Bauer 4.6 V8. I love this vehicle - or I should say that I'd like to love this vehicle more than I actually do. I bought this used with 47,000 miles on it - very low mileage for the year. The day after I drove it off the lot, I suspected a transmission issue (I had read through several online Ford and Explorer forums that the transmissions were hit-or-miss). A trip to my local repair shop (should have brought it there before signing the papers) confirmed that the transmission was on it's way out and that it also had a bad wheel bearing. I will say that the dealer was very good about everything. Being seven years old, they really didn't have to do anything for it. The dealer replaced the wheel bearing and reimbursed me their cost for a replacement (used) transmission ($1500). I took the Explorer to a qualified transmission shop and had them do a rebuild on the transmission ($2200). So, I was out $700, but I did get a good deal on the car initially. The transmission still has a couple of minor quirks that the shop and I are working toward fixing. I've also noticed another noise/feel from the front that I'm hoping isn't either the front differential or transfer case. Unfortunately, I think with all of the "progress" in car manufacturing, there are more issues to crop up (there are many more electronic solenoids on the transmission now). On the positive side of things, the V8 absolutely rockets! This 4.6 engine runs circles around my old 5.0l. The acceleration is addicting - I'm sure that gas mileage reflects this as it's all too tempting to get on the gas and listen to the nice V8 rumble. It's not a sports car, but for an SUV, it certainly moves along pretty well. The ride is smooth and comfortable and overall the Explorer fits me, my wife, and our two young kids very well. I just keep my fingers crossed that the weak-links (transmission, differentials) don't rear their ugly heads."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from Chase

(5)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		4 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"I bought my first explorer (an 03) to be higher and safer than in my eclipse. I got in an accident a few months after getting the car. Another person lost control on an extremely icy highway bridge and hit me, slammed up against a side rail and another car took off my open passenger door while I was in the drivers seat getting insurance info. A third car hit the side of my car again as well. It was a REALLY bad Ice Storm and every car that drove over the bridge got in an accident. I walked away. It was such a safe and sturdy car. It was deemed totaled and I ran out and bought another, this time an 06. After my 06 I bought another 03 and have loved all of them. They were all extremely reliable and never gave me any trouble. Had to replace rotors at about 80k on my 03, which is a normal part that goes on this car, if you buy one close to 70 or 80k, ask if this has been done, its a cheap part ($150 from autozone and my dad did the work) but it wouldve been more at a dealer. Gas mileage was always 17.5 for me, everytime I calculated it, I do both highway and city but never always highway or city and whatever the mix I always got 17.5 but I am an easy driver too. Im 21 so Im not a granny but Im not a 16 year old in a mustang either. Great cars, will own many more!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from 4x4

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Handling:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Features:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"GREAT 4x4 suv never any prob's never got stuck in the snow like others.strong and tough......................."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Having fun

Rating from Grandma Driver

(5)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Handling:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		4 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Features:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		4 out of 5
Reliability:		4 out of 5

"I have had this car since buying it in October of 2003. So far, it has been reliable and gets me where I want to go. Mileage is okay, but going to the city takes me 1/2 tank of gas."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from Multiple Explorer Owner

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Handling:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Features:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"Explorers, no matter what year, have seemed to be a great reliable car. I have had 3 Explorers ranging from 1997-2004 and they all have handled beautifully. Ford knows how to make a SUV luxurious."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from Go Ford

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Handling:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Features:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"This is my favorite suv ever!!!!!!! I have an Eddie Bauer and it is an amazing car!Very roomy,and saying I only payed $37,000 this is amazing! My wifes Town and country,is a piece of lemon!This is lemon on opposite day! My wife doesn't like it but I do! I would totally reccomend it,and Go Ford!:)"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from SUVer

(3)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		3 out of 5
Handling:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		4 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Features:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		3 out of 5
Reliability:		2 out of 5

"2003 Exp. XLT has 28,000 mi. and it cost me $100 to have the transfer case tightened. I guess they ran out of lock washers upon assembly. Now it sits in the shop because twice in the last month it wouldn't start without cranking like crazy. I'll bet they won't be able to locate the problem. The first time I was 75 mi. from home and had it towed to a Ford dealer. They don't have a clue. Car was warmed up each time."

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Just getting around