2003 Ford Explorer Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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No major changes marked the launch of the 2003 Ford Explorer, except for one: 5-speed manual transmission was no longer an option offered in the main Explorer line (it was still available on the Explorer Sport Trac SUV/pickup hybrid, though).
Trim choices for the 2003 Explorer included XLS, XLT, Eddie Bauer, Limited, and a new NBX trim, which focused on storage, with a roof-rack and specially designed cargo area. Four-wheel drive was an option on the XLS, XLT, Eddie Bauer, and NBX trims, and standard on the Limited trim; all-wheel drive was an option on all trims except for NBX.
The '03 Explorer continued to outsell the competition, even after twelve years on the market. Buyers and reviewers praised the roomy interiors and the agile handling (agile by sport-utility vehicle standards, at least).
Engine offerings were the same as in 2002: buyers of the '03 Ford Explorer had the choice of a 4.0 liter V-6 or a 4.6 liter Triton V-8. Gas mileage maintained its middle-of-the-pack position, with 14-17 mpg city and 19-21 mpg city, depending on model.
User reviews for 2003 Ford Explorer
Write a review2003 Ford Explorer Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.55
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.55 · Locking differential: center
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.55 · Limited slip differential: center
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.55
Exterior Features
Front bumper color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color
In Car Entertainment
Video system: DVD player
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Safety
Parking sensors: rear
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.55
In Car Entertainment
Video system: DVD player
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.55 · Locking differential: center
Exterior Features
Front bumper color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color
In Car Entertainment
Video system: DVD player
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Safety
Parking sensors: rear
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.55 · Limited slip differential: center
Exterior Features
Front bumper color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color
In Car Entertainment
Video system: DVD player
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Safety
Parking sensors: rear
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.55 · Locking differential: center
In Car Entertainment
Video system: DVD player
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags
Audio System
6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.55
Exterior Features
Front bumper color: accent color · Rear bumper color: accent
In Car Entertainment
Video system: DVD player
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Safety
Parking sensors: rear
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.55
Exterior Features
Bumper color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear bumper color: body-color
In Car Entertainment
Video system: DVD player
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Safety
Parking sensors: rear
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.55 · Locking differential: center
Exterior Features
Front bumper color: accent color · Rear bumper color: accent
In Car Entertainment
Video system: DVD player
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Safety
Parking sensors: rear
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags
Audio System
6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.55 · Limited slip differential: center
Exterior Features
Front bumper color: accent color · Rear bumper color: accent
In Car Entertainment
Video system: DVD player
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Safety
Parking sensors: rear
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.55 · Locking differential: center
Exterior Features
Bumper color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear bumper color: body-color
In Car Entertainment
Video system: DVD player
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Safety
Parking sensors: rear
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.55 · Limited slip differential: center
Exterior Features
Bumper color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear bumper color: body-color
In Car Entertainment
Video system: DVD player
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Safety
Parking sensors: rear
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
