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2004 Ford Explorer consumer reviews

$26,600–$30,240 MSRP range
side view of 2004 Explorer Ford
(90 reviews)
81% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.3
  • Interior 4.2
  • Performance 4.1
  • Value 4.1
  • Exterior 4.3
  • Reliability 4.1
Explore the 2004 Ford Explorer

2004 explorer

had the transmission replaced 2 times..right before i bought it in 2014 and i replaced it 2 weeks ago. i also had to replace all 4 tires after 1 year. was in a 10 mph rear ender and the explorer flipped over destroying it completely

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 2.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 2.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
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Reliable truck except for one big problem

The motor in my truck has timing change in the front and back 140,000 miles on the Ford needs both timing chains motor has to come out of car to be repaired $3,000 bill

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does not recommend this car
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Built ford tough

Bought mine in 05 with 36,000 miles, never had a major problem for years!!! Had a alternator go bad but after driving for hours, it liteally died in my driveway, as it hit the 170,000 mile mark, ive had to replace berrings on all four wheels numerous times ugh, unsure why:/ i feel the truck def has issues around the wheel issue, it started pulling to the right, unsure why guess gotta start with the broken balljoint. No matter what the issue this truck runs and it continues to amaze me, im looking for a newer exolorer

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
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I want another one

My Dad found a 1993 in TN, I drove it from TN to Chi back in 2011. Only stranded 2x BUT for flat tire. I'm still driving it & it's just as reliable. I'm looking to buy another NOW.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 3.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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Love my Explorer!

Bought my 04 Explorer used in 2010. It's been a great vehicle. Some repairs that I've needed have been brakes and battery (pretty standard on a used car), thermostat and wheel bearings. I understand the wheel bearings tend to go on these vehicles after a certain amount of miles, but overall I absolutely feel the cost of these repairs was worth it given the low ownership cost. Love the ride of this car, and the space is great for families with children who like to take road trips or driving vacations. Wonderful truck!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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150,000 miles and going strong!

I purchased my explorer new in 2004. Yes, some things have needed to be fixed over the years, however, most have been typical. I did buy the extended warranty which covered most of the expenses. The body is still not showing any rust due to the trim package protecting the wheel wells from salt. The transmission is original but shifts a little abruptly when cold and the internal computer has had to be replaced twice. The 4.6 liter V8 runs like a charm. The oil has been changed on a regular basis and it does not burn or use any. I do however need to replace the from wheel bearing assemblies soon. I have had to replace the rear will bearings many years ago. I have had a couple of electrical issues stemming from the driver's door. Overall, it has been a good vehicle. The repair costs are far less per year than the payments were. It has pretty dependable and we still take it on long trips because to the space. This is the third one I have had. I leased a 1999 and a 2002. The 2002 needed a new transmission along with many other repairs.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Does recommend this car
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The 2002-2004 transmission is not dependable

I bought mine with a 112,000 looks brand new to this day, however the drive line and transmission has giving me nothing but problems. @ 117,000 the rear end and drive shaft had to be replace. I have not even used 4x4 at that point yet. 122,000 front wheel barring went. @133,000 transmission went with out a warning, Whining and will not engage reverse or drive past second gear. You cannot check the transmission fluid with out crawling underneath and you have to use hex to check from the bottom of the pan. Overall just the worst vehicle i have ever owned. Bought this vehicle because i needed something reliable and all i got is a pretty piece of junk! i drove this vehicle 24 miles each way to work.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 2.0
  • Value 2.0
  • Exterior 3.0
  • Reliability 2.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does not recommend this car
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Absolutely great car!!

I bought this car in 2001 (2 yrs. old) with 46,000 miles on it. The mileage is now at 215,000+. It has the original tranny, engine, exhaust system and I have never had to do anything to them except normal maintenance. I have spent money on it but you have to with any car to keep it in good condition. It still runs like a charm and I will keep it until something really expensive breaks down....I might even consider fixing that! I love this car!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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Drive What You Love

Best vehicle that I have ever owned. Evidently my family agreed since they all borrowed it whenever they took long trips. This could be because of its comfort and great handling. I have towed everything with it from a tandem trailer to a pontoon. The mileage is not as good as our car, but then look what you get : space, 4x4 is great in snow or mud, ground clearance, great ride, towing capabilities, great price, and more. It is a fun vehicle. Things that I did not like: you must run matched tires at all times,and the faulty hinges on the rear window. After 150,000 miles it started needing lots of repairs so I made them before I traded it off. Trading it off was a big mistake. I will buy another one Ford Explorer.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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More vehicle than I expected for the money!

I never would have looked at a Honda dealership for a used Explorer. Cars.com made it possible for me to find an SUV that looked like new. Very pleased. Thank you cars.com.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
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