Ford Explorer

Name: 2003 Ford Explorer
Brand: Ford

EPA MPG: NA

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: NA

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

While the current Explorer is a vast improvement over its predecessor, it competed in a market with many more choices. Still, its steady ride and versatile, well-designed interior made for a well-rounded package. Its main drawbacks were an unrefined V6 engine and unimpressive performance on our off-road course.

2003 SUVs Reliability

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Ford Explorer

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Honda Pilot

Toyota Highlander

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

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2015

2016

2017

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2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Ford vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Ford vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

Ford vs. Other New Car Brands

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2003 Midsized SUVs 3-row Ratings

2003 Ford Explorer

$3,075 - $4,650

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer

$3,225 - $4,050

EPA MPG 17 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 GMC Envoy

$3,275 - $4,200

EPA MPG 17 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Honda Pilot

$3,525 - $4,500

EPA MPG 19 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Mercury Mountaineer

$2,925 - $3,300

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Nissan Pathfinder

$3,350 - $4,450

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Toyota Highlander

$4,725 - $5,300

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

See All Midsized SUVs 3-row Ratings

Features & Specs

2-door SUV

4-door SUV

2 front, 3 rear, 2 third

4WD, Rear

4-liter V6 (203 hp)
4-liter V6 (210 hp)
4.6-liter V8 (239 hp)

5-speed manual
5-speed automatic

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Model History

2020-Present

Current Generation

The redesigned 2020 Explorer has newfound handling agility and a spacious, quiet cabin, but the driving experience is marred by a clunky transmission, noisy engine, and stiff-edged ride. Most versions use the base 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which is energetic but raspy sounding. The transmission has rough shifts, particularly at low speeds. In our tests this combination returned an unimpressive 21 mpg overall. A hybrid was offered through the 2023 model year, but it focused more on power and towing capabilities than fuel economy. The Sync 3 infotainment system is very easy to use. 2025 models are now equipped with Ford's Digital Experience infotainment system, which runs on Android Automotive powered by Google automotive services. The driving position is much improved, but the third-row seat is less roomy now. A power liftgate is standard. Standard through 2024, Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced safety systems included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and blind spot warning. For 2025, ACC and LCA are added as standard features on all trims (included with Ford's Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite), and BlueCruise is optional on all but the base Active trim. 2026 adds a new Tremor off-road-focused trim.

2011-2019

2011 Redesign Year

For 2011, the Explorer adopted a car-based platform, resulting in a quiet, steady and absorbent ride, as well as a versatile and well-finished interior. The model also offers a usable third-row seat and generous cargo capacity. Handling is secure but not agile. The optional MyFord Touch control interface is distracting to use. We preferred Ford's SYNC voice-controlled system for Bluetooth hands-free telephony and control over music players like iPods. With a paired phone, SYNC can also call 911 in case of an accident. Adaptive cruise control, collision warning and blind-spot detection are optional.

2006-2010

2006 Redesign Year

The Explorer was redesigned for 2006, bringing revised interior and exterior styling, as well as some minor control design frustrations. While the ride and handling are improved over previous Explorer models, agility is still somewhat lacking and the ride is stiff. Further, noise suppression, and interior fit and finish also leave something to be desired. However, on the plus side, the interior is roomy and flexible, adjustable pedals can be had, towing capability is strong, and side-curtain airbags are standard. If you're looking for quiet, the V8-powered Eddie Bauer model is decidedly quieter and more sonorously pleasing than the boisterous V6-powered Explorer XLT.

2002-2005

2002 Redesign Year

Lauded for its steady ride and versatile, well-designed interior, the 2002 Ford Explorer is a well-rounded package. Its main drawbacks are an unrefined V6 engine and unimpressive performance on our off-road course. However, this version of the Explorer features a highly versatile interior package and stability control is a standard feature. Storage is more than ample, ingress and egress are easy and the rear seat is comfortable for three adults. The third row is best left to children though, as legroom is cramped and the seat is difficult to access.

1995-2001

1995 Redesign Year

The midsized Explorer was introduced in 1991. In our early tests, the 4.0-liter V6 provided leisurely acceleration. Handling was sluggish, and the ride was bumpy on all but the smoothest roads. A 1995 redesign brought a better ride, along with improved handling, braking, and controls. A 5.0-liter V8 was added in 1996, and a more refined SOHC 4.0-liter V6/five-speed automatic combo was introduced for 1997. Front side air bags and a reverse sensing system were added to the options list in 1999..