Standout Trims
2003 HIGHLIGHTS
Full History Report
Buying a 2003 Ford Explorer?
7 recalls have been issued for this model year. Check its history before you buy.
A vehicle history report shows accidents, ownership history, and service records.
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Trim Levels
ALL 2003 FORD EXPLORER TRIMS
| Trim | Body | Engine | MPG | HP | Seats | MSRP | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XLSTop Rated | SUV | 4L | 16 | 210 | 5 | $26,285 | MyCar Score™58.9 | Look Up VIN |
| XLS Sport | SUV | 4L | 16 | 210 | 5 | $27,460 | MyCar Score™58.8 | Look Up VIN |
| XLS | SUV | 4L | 16 | 210 | 5 | $28,510 | MyCar Score™58.6 | Look Up VIN |
| XLS | SUV | 4L | 16 | 210 | 5 | $28,510 | MyCar Score™58.6 | Look Up VIN |
| XLT | SUV | 4L | 16 | 210 | 5 | $29,025 | MyCar Score™58.6 | Look Up VIN |
| XLS Sport | SUV | 4L | 16 | 210 | 5 | $29,685 | MyCar Score™58.5 | Look Up VIN |
| XLS Sport | SUV | 4L | 16 | 210 | 5 | $29,685 | MyCar Score™58.5 | Look Up VIN |
| XLT Sport | SUV | 4L | 16 | 210 | 5 | $30,200 | MyCar Score™58.4 | Look Up VIN |
| NBX | SUV | 4L | 16 | 210 | 5 | $30,200 | MyCar Score™58.4 | Look Up VIN |
| XLT | SUV | 4L | 16 | 210 | 5 | $31,250 | MyCar Score™58.3 | Look Up VIN |
| XLT | SUV | 4L | 16 | 210 | 5 | $31,250 | MyCar Score™58.3 | Look Up VIN |
| XLT | SUV | 4.6L | 15 | 239 | 5 | $29,825 | MyCar Score™58.2 | Look Up VIN |
| NBX | SUV | 4L | 16 | 210 | 5 | $32,425 | MyCar Score™58.1 | Look Up VIN |
| XLT Sport | SUV | 4L | 16 | 210 | 5 | $32,425 | MyCar Score™58.1 | Look Up VIN |
| XLT Sport | SUV | 4L | 16 | 210 | 5 | $32,425 | MyCar Score™58.1 | Look Up VIN |
| NBX | SUV | 4.6L | 15 | 239 | 5 | $31,000 | MyCar Score™58 | Look Up VIN |
| XLT Sport | SUV | 4.6L | 15 | 239 | 5 | $31,000 | MyCar Score™58 | Look Up VIN |
| Eddie Bauer | SUV | 4L | 16 | 210 | 5 | $33,100 | MyCar Score™58 | Look Up VIN |
| Limited | SUV | 4L | 16 | 210 | 5 | $33,975 | MyCar Score™57.9 | Look Up VIN |
| XLT | SUV | 4.6L | 15 | 239 | 5 | $32,050 | MyCar Score™57.9 | Look Up VIN |
| XLT | SUV | 4.6L | 15 | 239 | 5 | $32,050 | MyCar Score™57.9 | Look Up VIN |
| Eddie Bauer | SUV | 4L | 16 | 210 | 5 | $35,325 | MyCar Score™57.8 | Look Up VIN |
| Eddie Bauer | SUV | 4L | 16 | 210 | 5 | $35,325 | MyCar Score™57.8 | Look Up VIN |
| XLT Sport | SUV | 4.6L | 15 | 239 | 5 | $33,225 | MyCar Score™57.7 | Look Up VIN |
| Limited | SUV | 4L | 16 | 210 | 5 | $36,200 | MyCar Score™57.7 | Look Up VIN |
| Eddie Bauer | SUV | 4.6L | 15 | 239 | 5 | $33,900 | MyCar Score™57.7 | Look Up VIN |
| NBX | SUV | 4.6L | 15 | 239 | 5 | $33,225 | MyCar Score™57.7 | Look Up VIN |
| XLT Sport | SUV | 4.6L | 15 | 239 | 5 | $33,225 | MyCar Score™57.7 | Look Up VIN |
| Limited | SUV | 4L | 16 | 210 | 5 | $36,200 | MyCar Score™57.7 | Look Up VIN |
| Limited | SUV | 4.6L | 15 | 239 | 5 | $34,775 | MyCar Score™57.5 | Look Up VIN |
| Eddie Bauer | SUV | 4.6L | 15 | 239 | 5 | $36,125 | MyCar Score™57.4 | Look Up VIN |
| Eddie Bauer | SUV | 4.6L | 15 | 239 | 5 | $36,125 | MyCar Score™57.4 | Look Up VIN |
| Limited | SUV | 4.6L | 15 | 239 | 5 | $37,000 | MyCar Score™57.3 | Look Up VIN |
| Limited | SUV | 4.6L | 15 | 239 | 5 | $37,000 | MyCar Score™57.3 | Look Up VIN |
At a Glance
KEY SPECS
Body Type
SUV
MPG Range
15–16 MPG
HP Range
210–239 HP
Seating
Up to 5
Fuel Type
flex-fuel (unleaded/E85)
Drive Type
rear wheel drive
Dimensions & Comfort
SPACE & COMFORT
Based on the top-rated 2003 Explorer trim.
Exterior Dimensions
Length
189.5 in
Width
72.1 in
Height
71.9 in
Wheelbase
113.7 in
Interior Dimensions
Front Headroom
39.9 in
Front Legroom
43.9 in
Rear Headroom
38.9 in
Rear Legroom
37.2 in
Cargo & Capacity
Cargo Space
46.6 cu ft
Max Cargo
88 cu ft
Safety & Warranty
PROTECTION & COVERAGE
Safety Ratings
2003 Ford Explorer 4-DR.
NHTSA Overall
Not tested by NHTSAFrontal Crash
Not tested by NHTSASide Crash
Not tested by NHTSASide Pole
Not tested by NHTSARollover
★★★☆☆(3/5)Open Recalls
7 recalls
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program. nhtsa.gov/ratings
Warranty Coverage
Basic Coverage
3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain
3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Roadside Assistance
3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Family & Safety
IS THIS A GOOD FAMILY CAR?
Rear Seat Space
Rear headroom: 38.9″
Rear legroom: 37.2″
Car Seat Usability
- ✓Rear-facing car seat friendly
Always have car seat installation checked by a certified technician. Find an inspection station near you →
LATCH System
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) is required on all US vehicles from 2003 onward.
✓ LATCH anchors required
Cargo & Stroller Space
46.6 cu ft
Fits most full-size strollers
Common Questions
2003 FORD EXPLORER FAQ
How many recalls does a 2003 Ford Explorer have?▾
The 2003 Ford Explorer has 7 recalls on record with NHTSA. Always verify current recall status at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.
What is the fuel economy of a 2003 Ford Explorer?▾
The 2003 Ford Explorer gets 15–16 MPG combined depending on trim level and drivetrain configuration.
What is the best 2003 Ford Explorer trim to buy used?▾
Based on MyCar Score™ ratings, the XLS trim scores highest at 58.9 out of 100, balancing value, fuel economy, and specifications.
Is the 2003 Ford Explorer a good used car?▾
The 2003 Ford Explorer has an average MyCar Score™ of 58 out of 100. MyCar Score™ weighs NHTSA safety ratings, recall history, fuel economy, and value. Compare trims carefully before purchasing.
How much does a 2003 Ford Explorer cost used?▾
New MSRP for the 2003 Ford Explorer ranged from $26,285 to $37,000. Used prices vary by mileage, trim, and condition — run a free VIN lookup to check a specific vehicle.
Other Explorer Years
Other Ford Models