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2004 Ford Explorer

Overview
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Vehicle Highlights

Information shown for entry-level SUV.

MPG: - Max Seating: 7
Engine: V6, 4.0 Liter Transmission: Automatic
Country of Origin: United States Country of Assembly: United States

2004 Ford Explorer Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating
7.4
Out of 10

Based on 986 Ratings for the 2002 - 2005 models.

Review this car
  • Value
    7.7/10
    Quality
    7.7/10
  • Reliability
    7.9/10
    Performance
    8.0/10
  • Comfort
    8.2/10
    Styling
    8.2/10

This truck does it all for me Eddie Bauer V8

By Ford Truck lvr (CA) on Monday, February 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 110,000

10 8.0
overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating
8/10
Value
9/10
Reliability
7/10
Quality
8/10
Performance
8/10
Styling
7/10
Comfort
8/10

Pros: "Will do it all, haul people, cargo, lots of power"

Cons: "Bad reviews info screen too dark in daylight"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"I choose the 2002 explorer even though i have heard about all the problems, owning all fords my whole life i felt like i couldn't go wrong. I purchased it used from a ford dealership with 68,000. I have owned this vehicle for 4 years, eddie bauer v8 all wheel drive. I was a little apprehensive about this purchase, but i have to say that 4 years later i am very happy, only minor problems, i have put on 45,000 miles in four years, from highway driving, light off road/sand-dirt, and snow. I have heard alot of bad reviews about transmissions, and other serious problems, maybe im lucky, i have not experienced any of the major problems, i maintain it very well, changing major fluids before recommended intervals sometimes in the crucial areas like trans, transfer case, coolant. It is very fast, lots of extra power with the v8 that you don't get with the v6, i guess only time will tell!"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

This was my baby!

By Mimi (KY) on Thursday, December 20, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 205,000

10 10.0
overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating
10/10
Value
10/10
Reliability
10/10
Quality
9/10
Performance
10/10
Styling
10/10
Comfort
10/10

Pros: "Dependable, Roomy, Handles Great, Safe!"

Cons: "Gas mileage, 3rd row hard to enter/exit"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

Passenger Side view of mine

"200,000 and engine still purrs like a kitten! Everything handles as if it only has a couple thousand instead of a couple hundred thousand miles! If you take care of these cars, they will last! I'm 5 ft tall. I bought this because, while not the smallest, it was so easy to drive. The adjustable seats that raise for height and go forward for length are awesome. Mine also had the optional foot pedals adjust, so the pedals moved up instead of me having to sit right on top of the wheel. So worth the money. We have a big family, but I didn't want a van. The third row seats allow me to seat three adults and four carseats! A note on the third row seat-not easy to get in and out of, but I never sat there :) so it didn't bother me. But once you were in them-very comfortable. Just had some guy slam into the side of my car while I was driving about 40 mph. It messed up the whole side of the car. Everyone had belts on - no injuries at all. It handled very well and while he pushed the car and it spun completely around into the other direction. It never even leaned or felt like it would tip over! It started right up and drove home also! (Though I think there might be frame damage) Overall this car is so easy to drive and has so much room. Its dependable and I always felt safe. Will definitely buy another! And I recommend highly to you!"

10 people out of 10 found this review helpful

Passenger Side view of mine

Bought new..Dependable..Deep discount ..Good value

By SOX (OH) on Saturday, November 10, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 104,000

10 9.0
overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating
9/10
Value
10/10
Reliability
10/10
Quality
8/10
Performance
10/10
Styling
9/10
Comfort
9/10

Pros: "Decent price, easy to drive, Mostly American"

Cons: "Failures , repair work"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Third Explorer XLT..Warrenty work--Front lower ball joints--Rear pinion gear--Also replaced Radiator and front pinion seal at 100,000..Other than that, a real work-horse for my wife and a good traveling vehicle..Simple to work with--Just right for the wife; not complicated to operate effectively..Goes great in deep snow-4X4..Decent mileage for full sized 4X4.."

10 people out of 11 found this review helpful

Great but could be better.

By Austin (ID) on Friday, November 02, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 160,000

10 7.0
overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating
7/10
Value
8/10
Reliability
9/10
Quality
8/10
Performance
6/10
Styling
6/10
Comfort
5/10

Pros: "Decent for the price, Great for new families."

Cons: "Material quality, Gas mileage."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"It is a great entry level SUV if you are looking for one. Optional 3rd row seating is great for hauling those extra friends around. I have owned mine for about 1 year, and love it, but to an extent. It drives great. Has a decent amount of power under the hood in the 4 L. V6. Handles great and does great in the rough weather. The only thing that I find wrong with the vehichle is the quality of the materials. Some of the interior and exterior plastic fades horribly in the sun, I have the grey interior and it fades to a nasty grey/white. The plastic grey exterior styling that runs along the outside of the car fades to that nasty color also. It makes it look cheap and run down (easily fixed if you are capable of painting with paint that can easily be removed or peeled off, PlastiDip is a great product. That way it will not affect the value of the car.) Other than that, you get what you see, a Ford SUV. It has the handling of an SUV, and the gas mileage of an SUV."

7 people out of 7 found this review helpful

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