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2003 Ford Explorer Full Review
Date Published: 8/14/08
Also in the 2003 Ford Explorer Review:
2003 Ford Explorer Review
All-wheel drive and a DVD entertainment system are newly available on America's best-selling SUV for 2003. Explorer is available with a 3rd-row seat for 7-passenger capacity and comes with a V6 or V8 engine and a 5-speed automatic transmission. Available with either engine is rear-wheel drive; Ford's ControlTrac 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement; and, for '03, all-wheel drive. The AWD system is shared with the similar Mercury Mountaineer, and unlike ControlTrac, does not include low-range gearing. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard and Ford's AdvanceTrac antiskid system is optional. Explorer is among the few midsize SUVs with independent rear suspension. Torso side airbags are unavailable, but the optional head-protecting curtain side airbags cover the 1st and 2nd seating rows and are designed to deploy in side impacts and rollovers. New for '03 is the NBX model with a roof-mounted cargo basket, unique paint and trim, and a soft-lined cargo area with storage bag. The optional DVD rear-seat entertainment system is available only with the 3rd-row seat. For '03, XLT models get a chrome-finish grille and steel-look interior trim. Added midyear was an optional Centennial package with unique leather upholstery and special trim. Ford also uses Explorer's 1995-2001 vintage design for the Explorer Sport 2-dr wagon and Sport Trac 4-dr crew cab (see separate report).
Competition
New to the class this year, Honda Pilot has taken the lead as a Best Buy. It offers ample cargo space, seating for eight passengers, all-wheel drive with a locking rear differential for added traction, and above-average refinement. Toyota Highlander is our other Best Buy, chosen for its on-road competence, convenience, and attractive pricing and design.
Our Recommended choices feature more-traditional SUVs: Ford Explorer, GMC Envoy, and Toyota 4Runner. For 2003, all now offer optional V8 engines and--with the exception of 4Runner--three rows of seats.
Our Recommended choices feature more-traditional SUVs: Ford Explorer, GMC Envoy, and Toyota 4Runner. For 2003, all now offer optional V8 engines and--with the exception of 4Runner--three rows of seats.
News
Despite new competition, Explorer repeated as America's best-selling SUV in 2002, posting a 4.3-percent year-to-year gain. The 2-dr Sport wagon and 4-dr Sport Trac pickup figure in the calculations, but we suspect the increase comes almost entirely from the just-redesigned 4-dr wagon, which should see no major change for the next few years. Owing to Ford's current turnaround efforts, a hybrid powertrain option for Explorer has apparently been put on hold, perhaps cancelled, as a cost-saving move.
Explorer will have some in-house competition for 2005 in the Freestyle, a 7-passenger crossover wagon built on an all-new platform that will also serve Ford's new 2005 Five Hundred midsize sedan. Once known as the CrossTrainer, Freestyle will be sized between Explorer and the smaller car-based Escape. It will offer rear drive and all-wheel drive, a modernized 3.0-liter "Duratec" V6, and two newly developed automatic transmissions: a continuously variable unit (CVT) or a conventional 6-speed. The Freestyle FX concept at the 2002 Detroit Auto Show is likely very close to the production model, so expect conservative styling that's more Escape than Explorer. We'll have more details soon, so keep checking back.
Explorer will have some in-house competition for 2005 in the Freestyle, a 7-passenger crossover wagon built on an all-new platform that will also serve Ford's new 2005 Five Hundred midsize sedan. Once known as the CrossTrainer, Freestyle will be sized between Explorer and the smaller car-based Escape. It will offer rear drive and all-wheel drive, a modernized 3.0-liter "Duratec" V6, and two newly developed automatic transmissions: a continuously variable unit (CVT) or a conventional 6-speed. The Freestyle FX concept at the 2002 Detroit Auto Show is likely very close to the production model, so expect conservative styling that's more Escape than Explorer. We'll have more details soon, so keep checking back.
2003 Ford Explorer Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger and cargo room | Fuel economy |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Test V8 Eddie Bauer 4WD did 0-60 mph in 8.4 sec; expect the same for a V8 AWD Mountaineer. Ford says V6 Explorers and Mountaineers do 0-60 in 10.2 sec. In practice, both V6 and V8 furnish modest acceleration from a stop, but build speed quickly. Surprisingly, no great difference in throttle response between the two engines in the 40-55-mph range. Towing capacity is 3280 lb; the optional towing package raises it to 5400 lb with the V6, 7160 with the V8.
| XLT 4WD, V6 | Limited 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
| 4 | 5 | 4.9 |
Test V8 Eddie Bauer 4WD did 0-60 mph in 8.4 sec; expect the same for a V8 AWD Mountaineer. Ford says V6 Explorers and Mountaineers do 0-60 in 10.2 sec. In practice, both V6 and V8 furnish modest acceleration from a stop, but build speed quickly. Surprisingly, no great difference in throttle response between the two engines in the 40-55-mph range. Towing capacity is 3280 lb; the optional towing package raises it to 5400 lb with the V6, 7160 with the V8.
Fuel Economy
Extended-use 4WD V8 XLT Explorer averaged 15.1 mpg in mostly highway driving during its 8885-mi. test. A similar example averaged 14.1 with more city driving. Test 4WD V6 Eddie Bauer Explorer averaged 17.1 mpg. Expect Mountaineer to mirror these numbers. Ford and Mercury recommend regular-grade fuel for both engines.
| XLT 4WD, V6 | Limited 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
| 4 | 3 | 3.7 |
Extended-use 4WD V8 XLT Explorer averaged 15.1 mpg in mostly highway driving during its 8885-mi. test. A similar example averaged 14.1 with more city driving. Test 4WD V6 Eddie Bauer Explorer averaged 17.1 mpg. Expect Mountaineer to mirror these numbers. Ford and Mercury recommend regular-grade fuel for both engines.
Ride Quality
Somewhat trucky, though reasonably compliant and laudably devoid of sloppy motions. Mountaineer's stiffer shock absorbers make it more stable than Explorer on dips and swells, but slightly less absorbent on rough pavement.
| XLT 4WD, V6 | Limited 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.4 |
Somewhat trucky, though reasonably compliant and laudably devoid of sloppy motions. Mountaineer's stiffer shock absorbers make it more stable than Explorer on dips and swells, but slightly less absorbent on rough pavement.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Capable, but typical of truck-type SUVs, some body lean in turns and, compared to a car, somewhat slow reaction in quick directional changes. Mountaineer has sharper steering feel than Explorer, but both have a relatively compact turning circle for good low-speed maneuverability. Only V8 Explorers are available with Ford's AdvanceTrac antiskid system, a laudable feature designed to apply individual brakes to prevent sideways skids, which can lead to rollovers. Explorer and Mountaineer have strong stopping power, though brake-pedal effort slightly high.
| XLT 4WD, V6 | Limited 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 3.5 |
Capable, but typical of truck-type SUVs, some body lean in turns and, compared to a car, somewhat slow reaction in quick directional changes. Mountaineer has sharper steering feel than Explorer, but both have a relatively compact turning circle for good low-speed maneuverability. Only V8 Explorers are available with Ford's AdvanceTrac antiskid system, a laudable feature designed to apply individual brakes to prevent sideways skids, which can lead to rollovers. Explorer and Mountaineer have strong stopping power, though brake-pedal effort slightly high.
Quietness
Wind and road noise unobjectionable, and low for an SUV. Engines intrude only under full throttle, though V8 is quieter than V6.
| XLT 4WD, V6 | Limited 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
| 4 | 5 | 4.1 |
Wind and road noise unobjectionable, and low for an SUV. Engines intrude only under full throttle, though V8 is quieter than V6.
Controls
Bold, clear gauge markings. Most controls illuminated and within easy reach, with welcome capability to operate air conditioning in all air-distribution modes. Dashboard layout shared with Mountaineer, and cabin materials are of good quality, but the Mercury's brushed-aluminum-look trim is dressier than Explorer's color-coordinated plastic.
| XLT 4WD, V6 | Limited 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6.1 |
Bold, clear gauge markings. Most controls illuminated and within easy reach, with welcome capability to operate air conditioning in all air-distribution modes. Dashboard layout shared with Mountaineer, and cabin materials are of good quality, but the Mercury's brushed-aluminum-look trim is dressier than Explorer's color-coordinated plastic.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Plenty of room on comfortable seats. Standard tilt steering wheel and available memory seat help custom-tailor the driving position. Adjustable pedals optional on Explorer and standard on Mountaineer help shorter drivers sit farther from the steering-wheel airbag. Outward visibility good, though the available rear-obstacle-detection system adds a measure of safety when backing up. Available running boards too narrow to provide a solid step when exiting the vehicle, but wide enough to require stretching over.
| XLT 4WD, V6 | Limited 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
| 7 | 8 | 6.3 |
Plenty of room on comfortable seats. Standard tilt steering wheel and available memory seat help custom-tailor the driving position. Adjustable pedals optional on Explorer and standard on Mountaineer help shorter drivers sit farther from the steering-wheel airbag. Outward visibility good, though the available rear-obstacle-detection system adds a measure of safety when backing up. Available running boards too narrow to provide a solid step when exiting the vehicle, but wide enough to require stretching over.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Three adults can squeeze across in the 2nd row, where there's generous head room and better knee and foot clearance than in most midsize SUVs. However, seat is divided into three segments, and each can feel narrow and confining. Third-row seat cushion is low to the floor and pancake-flat, but head room is expansive and leg space surprisingly good. Second-row seats tip forward in a single, easy motion, but access to the 3rd row is still for the young and/or limber.
| XLT 4WD, V6 | Limited 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 5.4 |
Three adults can squeeze across in the 2nd row, where there's generous head room and better knee and foot clearance than in most midsize SUVs. However, seat is divided into three segments, and each can feel narrow and confining. Third-row seat cushion is low to the floor and pancake-flat, but head room is expansive and leg space surprisingly good. Second-row seats tip forward in a single, easy motion, but access to the 3rd row is still for the young and/or limber.
Cargo Room
Large hatch glass opens separately, dips low into tailgate for easier loading. But glass releases only via keyfob, lacks its own pulldown handle. Tailgate itself weighty to open or close. Cargo room tight behind the 3rd-row seat. Third-row folds almost flat with the floor for more space, but process can be awkward. Rear bay is wide, tall.
| XLT 4WD, V6 | Limited 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 7.8 |
Large hatch glass opens separately, dips low into tailgate for easier loading. But glass releases only via keyfob, lacks its own pulldown handle. Tailgate itself weighty to open or close. Cargo room tight behind the 3rd-row seat. Third-row folds almost flat with the floor for more space, but process can be awkward. Rear bay is wide, tall.
Value within Class
Explorer is a more-than-competent overall performer with an unmatched array of useful features: available V8 power, 7-passenger seating, adjustable pedals, curtain airbags, DVD entertainment, rear-obstacle detection, and antiskid system. Mountaineer's higher sticker price brings more-expressive styling and slightly sharper handling feel, but, in all, Explorer is the better value.
| XLT 4WD, V6 | Limited 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
| 8 | 7 | 5 |
Explorer is a more-than-competent overall performer with an unmatched array of useful features: available V8 power, 7-passenger seating, adjustable pedals, curtain airbags, DVD entertainment, rear-obstacle detection, and antiskid system. Mountaineer's higher sticker price brings more-expressive styling and slightly sharper handling feel, but, in all, Explorer is the better value.
Total Score
| XLT 4WD, V6 | Limited 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
| 57 | 58 | 51.2 |
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 35 | |
| Average Score | 51 | |
| High Score | 66 |
2003 Ford Explorer Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/13/2003
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| XLS V6 4-door wagon, 2WD | $26,285 | $23,924 | $645 |
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| XLS V6 4-door wagon, 4WD | $28,510 | $25,904 | $645 |
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| XLS V6 4-door wagon, AWD | $28,510 | $25,904 | $645 |
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| XLS Sport V6 4-door wagon, 2WD | $27,460 | $24,970 | $645 |
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| XLS Sport V6 4-door wagon, 4WD | $29,685 | $26,950 | $645 |
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| XLS Sport V6 4-door wagon, AWD | $29,685 | $26,950 | $645 |
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| XLT V6 4-door wagon, 2WD | $29,025 | $26,363 | $645 |
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| XLT V8 4-door wagon, 2WD | $29,825 | $27,075 | $645 |
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| XLT V6 4-door wagon, 4WD | $31,250 | $28,343 | $645 |
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| XLT V8 4-door wagon, 4WD | $32,050 | $29,055 | $645 |
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| XLT V6 4-door wagon, AWD | $31,250 | $28,343 | $645 |
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| XLT V8 4-door wagon, AWD | $32,050 | $29,055 | $645 |
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| XLT Sport V6 4-door wagon, 2WD | $30,200 | $27,408 | $645 |
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| XLT Sport V8 4-door wagon, 2WD | $31,000 | $28,120 | $645 |
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| XLT Sport V6 4-door wagon, 4WD | $32,425 | $29,389 | $645 |
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| XLT Sport V8 4-door wagon, 4WD | $33,225 | $30,101 | $645 |
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| XLT Sport V6 4-door wagon, AWD | $32,425 | $29,389 | $645 |
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| XLT Sport V8 4-door wagon, AWD | $33,225 | $30,101 | $645 |
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| NBX V6 4-door wagon, 2WD | $30,200 | $27,408 | $645 |
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| NBX V8 4-door wagon, 2WD | $31,000 | $28,120 | $645 |
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| NBX V6 4-door wagon, 4WD | $32,425 | $29,389 | $645 |
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| NBX V8 4-door wagon, 4WD | $33,225 | $30,101 | $645 |
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| Eddie Bauer V6 4-door wagon, 2WD | $33,100 | $29,989 | $645 |
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| Eddie Bauer V8 4-door wagon, 2WD | $33,900 | $30,701 | $645 |
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| Eddie Bauer V6 4-door wagon, 4WD | $35,325 | $31,970 | $645 |
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| Eddie Bauer V8 4-door wagon, 4WD | $36,125 | $32,682 | $645 |
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| Eddie Bauer V6 4-door wagon, AWD | $35,325 | $31,970 | $645 |
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| Eddie Bauer V8 4-door wagon, AWD | $36,125 | $32,682 | $645 |
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| Limited V6 4-door wagon, 2WD | $33,975 | $30,768 | $645 |
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| Limited V8 4-door wagon, 2WD | $34,775 | $31,480 | $645 |
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| Limited V6 4-door wagon, 4WD | $36,200 | $32,748 | $645 |
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| Limited V8 4-door wagon, 4WD | $37,000 | $33,460 | $645 |
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| Limited V6 4-door wagon, AWD | $36,200 | $32,748 | $645 |
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| Limited V8 4-door wagon, AWD | $37,000 | $33,460 | $645 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
XLS
Powertrain
4.0-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, visor mirrors, map lights, cargo-management system.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear liftgate, rear privacy glass, roof rails.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Class II trailer-hitch receiver, 4-pin connector, full-size spare tire, 235/70R16 tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
XLS Sport adds to XLS Sport:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system w/alarm, step bars.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
235/70R16 white-letter tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
XLT adds to XLS:
Powertrain
4.0-liter V6 or 4.6-liter V8 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, 6-way power driver seat, keypad entry, overhead console, automatic day/night rearview mirror, outside-temperature indicator, compass, illuminated visor mirrors, cargo cover, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Deletes: step bars.
Alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
XLT Sport adds to XLT:
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Step bars.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
245/65R17 all-terrain white-letter tires, machined alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
NBX adds to XLT Sport:
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rack.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Front tow hooks, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
Eddie Bauer/Limited adds to XLT:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, 6-way power passenger seat, driver-seat memory, steering-wheel radio and climate controls, power-adjustable pedals w/memory, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated power mirrors, Audiophile AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, universal garage-door opener.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
2-tone paint (Eddie Bauer), monotone paint (Limited), running boards.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
245/65R17 all-terrain white-letter tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Centennial Pkg.
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Eddie Bauer/Limited
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$995
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$846
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Two-tone leather upholstery, unique interior trim, badging, Centennial Gift Pack (watch, keyfob, leather cover for owner's manual). Requires black paint.
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Off-Road Pkg.
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4WD XLT Sport, 4WD Eddie Bauer
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$185
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$158
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4WD NBX
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$145
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$123
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Skid plates, front tow hooks (XLT, XLT Sport, Eddie Bauer), special suspension, 225/70R16 all-terrain tires (XLT).
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Class III/IV Trailer Towing Prep Pkg.
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Eddie Bauer/Limited, NBX, XLT, XLT Sport
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$395
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$336
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Limited-slip differential, Class III hitch, 7-wire harness. NA XLS, XLS Sport.
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Powertrain |
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Limited-slip differential
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XLS, XLS Sport
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$290
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$247
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NA AWD.
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Safety |
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Front and 2nd-row curtain side airbags
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Eddie Bauer/Limited, NBX, XLS, XLS Sport, XLT, XLT Sport
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$560
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$476
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Antiskid system
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Eddie Bauer/Limited, NBX, XLS Sport, XLT, XLT Sport
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$795
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$676
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Includes Class III/IV Trailer Prep Pkg. Requires 4.6-liter V8 engine, power-adjustable pedals.
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Rear-obstacle-detection system
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XLT, XLT Sport, 4WD NBX, Eddie Bauer, Limited
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$255
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$217
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Tire-pressure monitor
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AWD Eddie Bauer, Limited
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$150
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$128
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Rear DVD entertainment system
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Eddie Bauer/Limited, NBX, XLT, XLT Sport
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$1,295
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$1,101
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Includes wireless headphones. Requires AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, 3rd-row seat, rear air conditioning and heater. NA XLS, XLS Sport.
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Rear air conditioning and heater
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XLT, XLT Sport, NBX, Eddie Bauer, Limited
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$610
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$518
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Requires folding 3rd-row seat.
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Power sunroof
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XLT, XLT Sport, Eddie Bauer, Limited
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$800
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$680
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Power-adjustable pedals
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XLT, XLT Sport, NBX
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$120
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$102
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AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
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XLT, XLT Sport, NBX
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$510
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$433
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Leather upholstery
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XLT, XLT Sport
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$655
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$557
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Includes 6-way power passenger seat.
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Folding 3rd-row seat
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XLT, XLT Sport, NBX, Eddie Bauer, Limited
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$670
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$569
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Includes 40/20/40 split folding 2nd-row seat. Deletes cargo cover.
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Running boards
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XLT
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$395
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$336
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Roof rack cross rails
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XLS, XLS Sport, XLT, XLT Sport, Eddie Bauer
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$45
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$38
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Special paint
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Limited
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$200
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$170
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2003 Ford Explorer Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Ford Explorer 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 113.8 |
| Overall Length, in. | 189.5 |
| Overall Width, in. | 72.1 |
| Overall Height, in. | 71.4 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4434 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 88.0 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | 1431 |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 22.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.9 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.9 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.9 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| sohc V6 | sohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 4.0 /245 | 4.6 /281 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 210 @ 5100 | 239 @ 4750 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 254 @ 3700 | 282 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
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| 5-speed automatic | 15/21 | 14/19 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Ford Explorer 4-door wagon |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 3 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/100,000 | Focus only. |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
Also in the 2003 Ford Explorer Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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