2003 Ford Explorer Sport Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The 2003 Ford Explorer Sport was a lame-duck model; Ford had announced its plans to discontinue the two-door Explorer Sport, which no...
The 2003 Ford Explorer Sport was a lame-duck model; Ford had announced its plans to discontinue the two-door Explorer Sport, which no longer really had any unique selling qualities in an overcrowded SUV marketplace.
The flagship Explorer was still selling like mad, and the smaller Escape had pretty much eclipsed the Explorer Sport's market share, so the guys in Dearborn decided they'd pull the plug after the 2003 model year.
With this in mind, there were no significant changes made to the 2003 Explorer Sport. Two trimlines were offered, XLS and XLT, rather than the selection of options packages that had been available in previous model years. Buyers also had a choice of rear-wheel or four-wheel drive.
The '03 Ford Explorer Sport wasn't distinguished by its power; its 4.0 liter, single overhead cam V6 put out 205 horsepower and 240 lb.-ft. of torque. Gas mileage clocked at 15 mpg city, 20 mpg highway.
The short half-life of the Ford Explorer Sport ended not with a bang, but a whimper. It really was the little SUV that got left behind.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport appreciate its stylish design, confident handling in various conditions, and reliable performance. Many drivers like the powerful V6 engine and good handling, especially in snowy weather. However, some have reported issues like stalling and noted that the back seating can be inconvenient due to the two-door design."
Ecellent braking, steering control is good too, love the exterior design, interior hasnt changed much(had a 95) gas mileage is ok, i get about 15-17 MPG Great to drive, didnt have any problems in the snow this past winter went were I wnated it to go without bogging down at all
July 10, 2009it's the best ford suv, because brings a 4.0l engine, the top speed its limitated to 140km/h but the acceleration is so agresive, it's very confortable to drive and, in off road tracks it has a very good response.
October 27, 2009Great SUV, nice style, handle pretty well, v-6
May 20, 2008What owners say
Ecellent braking, steering control is good too, love the exterior design, interior hasnt changed much(had a 95) gas mileage is ok, i get about 15-17 MPG Great to drive, didnt have any problems in the snow this past winter went were I wnated it to go without bogging down at all
July 10, 2009it's the best ford suv, because brings a 4.0l engine, the top speed its limitated to 140km/h but the acceleration is so agresive, it's very confortable to drive and, in off road tracks it has a very good response.
October 27, 2009Great SUV, nice style, handle pretty well, v-6
May 20, 2008been a great suv. really reliable and drives great. 4.0L V6 gets good gas milage. Has had only one fit and finish problem with the console lid. I think it looks great inside and out! Friends dislike getting into the back seat as it is a 2 door.
November 8, 2009This is my second Ford Explorer Sport and I like the looks and the confindence of the ride in snow but I do not like the stalling I am having now.
June 25, 2007Trims & specs
Base MSRP $27,560 | Seating 4 |
Engine 4.0L 203 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 16 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $24,480 | Seating 4 |
Engine 4.0L 203 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 16 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $25,535 | Seating 4 |
Engine 4.0L 203 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 15 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $22,515 | Seating 4 |
Engine 4.0L 203 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain RWD |
