2002-2005 Ford Explorer: Year-to-Year Changes

2003 Ford Explorer: All-wheel drive and a DVD entertainment system were newly available on America's best-selling SUV for 2003. Explorers again were available with a third-row seat for seven-passenger capacity, and came with a V6 or V8 engine and a five-speed automatic transmission. Either engine could work with rear-wheel drive, Ford's Control Trac 4WD (which could be left engaged on dry pavement), or for 2003, all-wheel drive. The AWD system was shared with the similar Mercury Mountaineer, Unlike Control Trac, it did not include low-range gearing. Torso side airbags remained unavailable, but the optional curtain side airbags covered the first and second seating rows, and were designed to deploy in side impacts and rollovers. For 2003, XLT models got a chrome-finished grille and a steel-look interior trim. A new NBX model featured a roof-mounted cargo basket, unique paint and trim, and a soft-lined cargo area with a storage bag. The optional DVD rear-seat entertainment system was available only with the curtain side airbags.

2004 Ford Explorer: Ford's antiskid system gained wider availability this year, offered with V6 as well as V8 models. Eddie Bauer and Limited editions could have new optional second-row bucket seats.

2005 Ford Explorer: A standard antiskid system, Ford's AdvanceTrac antiskid system with Roll Stability Control, and the loss of AWD availability mark 2005 for Explorer.