2004
Ford Explorer

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Notable features
The good & the bad
The good
The bad
Available cars near you
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9 mi away
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$7,99417 mi away
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$4,995104 mi away
Safety review
- Frontal driver
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4/5
- Frontal passenger
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5/5
- Nhtsa rollover rating
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3/5
- Side driver
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5/5
- Side rear passenger
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5/5
Factory warranties
New car program benefits
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
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Most recent
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LOVE MY 2004 EXPLORER XLT
My Explorer was left to me in my friends will I knew the truck for a few years before inheriting it and except for 1 thing have had NO problems with it other than normal maintenance and I LOVE this truck and have no intention of getting rid of it unless I ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO... and then I would still be hesitant about it ! It's- Purchased a New car
- Used for Having fun
- Does recommend this car
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Great Truck, original owner!
This is a one owner car, my uncle brought it brand new for about $36k in 2004, it’s now 2023 and it has 52k miles on her! She had work done, this is only beside he never drove it! Beyond what repairs he fixed, from lack of driving it, it’s one heck of a reliable car, it’s in great shape, fully loaded, even in this age, it still- Purchased a New car
- Used for Transporting family
- Does recommend this car
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It drives and that's about it.
Purchased this car used with a completely dead engine. We did two engine replacements, but later found out that we likely only needed to do one because there was a very small issue we didn't notice at first that I guess had a chain reaction and prevented the entire engine from working. This car has defeated me many times.- Purchased a Used car
- Used for Commuting
- Does not recommend this car
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THESE TRUCKS SHOULD DEFF HAVE ALOT OF RECALLS
Ok So I Currently Own A 2004 ford explorer XLT All time 4 wheel drive. I Loved it when I first got it Then About A Year After Having it because it had been pre owned, the timing jumped about 100,000 miles. Now when this happened I was told go to the junk yard and find another motor. Well I went to the junk yard and out of every- Purchased a Used car
- Used for Commuting
- Does not recommend this car
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An exceptionally reliable car
This Eddie Bauer Model has all the bells and whistles that one could want. It is a clean body - no rust - and interior. I am only selling it because my wife bought me a new car - otherwise I would keep it.- Purchased a Used car
- Used for Having fun
- Does recommend this car
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Most reliable car. Incredible visibility!
This car has been my favorite car ever. The visibility is so great, you can see all around you at all times. All seats will lay down for tons of hauling space or you can fit 7 passengers safely and comfortably with add'l storage in back of the 3rd row.- Purchased a New car
- Used for Transporting family
- Does recommend this car
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Love the truck, but has one issue I can not figure
Has some issues but 99% all repaired. One issue - a "dragging sensation" when cornering in traffic. ANY SUGGESTIONS ? I'm ready to bring it to the most reliable Ford shop in my area.... MacDonald Motors.- Purchased a Used car
- Used for Transporting family
- Does recommend this car
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Really got my money's worth.
This truck was bought used and I drove her up to 160,000 miles. I put a lot of money into her to keep her running, but her motor and transmission are still good and still running. The body rusted out pretty badly and all the component under the truck, but she's a runner and still going. Great to drive in the winter and I- Purchased a Used car
- Used for Transporting family
- Does recommend this car
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Worst vehicle I've ever owned
Total junk. My biggest problem has been the driveline. Had 3 wheel bearings replaced. That repair lasted less than 10k. Replacement of rear wheel bearings is a nightmare. Differential whines. Axle seals leak. Half shafts go bad. U joints replaced. The Eddie Bauer version heater sucks. Loud fan little air. AC comes on- Purchased a Used car
- Used for Commuting
- Does not recommend this car
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Great in snow for up coming winter
Great price for SUV on a budget. Good in snow . Third row seating or more room for tools or groceries. Nice family SUV without spending to much- Purchased a Used car
- Used for Commuting
- Does recommend this car
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A great first car, utility car, and daily driver
The car is comfortable and spacious. Good air conditioning. Easy to maintain, and the only downside is the fas mileage which is slightly below average. Lots of extra room for storage and transport.- Purchased a New car
- Used for Commuting
- Does recommend this car
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I miss this truck wish I didn't trade it in
I loved this truck I would buy it back if I could. The car I bought is good , but I'd rather have the truck it was very nice to use it for carrying stuff and transporting- Purchased a Used car
- Used for Commuting
- Does recommend this car
Ford dealers near you
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FAQ
What trim levels are available for the 2004 Ford Explorer?
The 2004 Ford Explorer is available in 7 trim levels:
- Eddie Bauer (6 styles)
- Limited (6 styles)
- NBX (2 styles)
- XLS (3 styles)
- XLS Sport (3 styles)
- XLT (6 styles)
- XLT Sport (6 styles)
What is the MPG of the 2004 Ford Explorer?
The 2004 Ford Explorer offers up to 16 MPG in city driving and 21 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.
What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2004 Ford Explorer?
The 2004 Ford Explorer compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:
Is the 2004 Ford Explorer reliable?
The 2004 Ford Explorer has an average reliability rating of 4.1 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2004 Ford Explorer owners.
Is the 2004 Ford Explorer a good SUV?
Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2004 Ford Explorer. 81.1% of drivers recommend this vehicle.
- Comfort: 4.3
- Interior: 4.2
- Performance: 4.1
- Value: 4.1
- Exterior: 4.3
- Reliability: 4.1
Ford Explorer history
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2025 Ford Explorer -
2024 Ford Explorer -
2023 Ford Explorer -
2022 Ford Explorer -
2021 Ford Explorer -
2020 Ford Explorer -
2019 Ford Explorer -
2018 Ford Explorer