2004 Ford Explorer consumer reviews

My Explorer was left to me in my friends will I knew the truck for a few years before inheriting it and except for 1 thing have had NO problems with it other than normal maintenance and I LOVE this truck and have no intention of getting rid of it unless I ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO... and then I would still be hesitant about it ! It's always started and drove excellent especially in snow !!! My truck has 90600 miles it was given to me at 75000 miles ... only negative is that before I got it my friend needed to replace the transmission due to losing reverse (literally out of nowhere) WE were both stunned about it .... I wish I could check the transmission fluid by a dipstick too !

This is a one owner car, my uncle brought it brand new for about $36k in 2004, it’s now 2023 and it has 52k miles on her! She had work done, this is only beside he never drove it! Beyond what repairs he fixed, from lack of driving it, it’s one heck of a reliable car, it’s in great shape, fully loaded, even in this age, it still like really nice! The 4x4 mode is awesome in the snow and icy conditions, the engine starts like a baby every time, it was passed down to me, and I’ll keep it until I’m old an gray! Even if I get a newer car, I will still keep it! It has 52k original miles, in 2023! Would make no sense, the KBB value is worthless, knowing how well it was maintained! I would suggest if you can get a lower mileage explorer, that has its paperwork, I would recommend this vehicle! Remember, I witnessed this truck from 2004 till now, 2023 worked like a dream boat! There’sa few minor issues with the headliner starting to sag, but again that’s age, living in New York with all that moisture, beyond that it’s three thumb👍👍👍

Purchased this car used with a completely dead engine. We did two engine replacements, but later found out that we likely only needed to do one because there was a very small issue we didn't notice at first that I guess had a chain reaction and prevented the entire engine from working. This car has defeated me many times. Particularly in the wintertime, it gets cold and refuses to start, and often has problems at stoplights moving again. I'm sure the air conditioning worked at one point but it doesn't anymore, nor does the heating; which makes this care miserable to drive in hot or cold weather. The power windows have needed to be repaired many times. I must say, it's when it's 101 degrees, the air conditioning is broken and you can't even roll the windows down. It also makes going through a drive through pretty embarassing. The front windows are now working, back windows are not. The sunroof leaks in the rain and drips into the celing light. After getting some repairs it drives fine though. I haven't had problems starting it since last winter. Here's to hoping it gets me through this winter lol.

Ok So I Currently Own A 2004 ford explorer XLT All time 4 wheel drive. I Loved it when I first got it Then About A Year After Having it because it had been pre owned, the timing jumped about 100,000 miles. Now when this happened I was told go to the junk yard and find another motor. Well I went to the junk yard and out of every ford explorer there which by the way was like 15 of them there. Not one of them had a motor in it that had not jumped time. Now usually if u get lucky and these trucks jump a few teeth , u might be able to buy the timing kit and replace just those timing components and be ok, but alot of times what happens is when a tensioner that is mechanic fails the chains can no longer spin so the valves get stuck open in whatever position they are in and the pistons are still going up and down and collide with the valves. Causing unfixable damage to the pistons valves and in some cases completely destroying the motors. In my opinion the timing components should be recalled. Jus saying. Other than that and a few transmission problems truck is great

This Eddie Bauer Model has all the bells and whistles that one could want. It is a clean body - no rust - and interior. I am only selling it because my wife bought me a new car - otherwise I would keep it.

This car has been my favorite car ever. The visibility is so great, you can see all around you at all times. All seats will lay down for tons of hauling space or you can fit 7 passengers safely and comfortably with add'l storage in back of the 3rd row.

Has some issues but 99% all repaired. One issue - a "dragging sensation" when cornering in traffic. ANY SUGGESTIONS ? I'm ready to bring it to the most reliable Ford shop in my area.... MacDonald Motors.

This truck was bought used and I drove her up to 160,000 miles. I put a lot of money into her to keep her running, but her motor and transmission are still good and still running. The body rusted out pretty badly and all the component under the truck, but she's a runner and still going. Great to drive in the winter and I loved the telescoping gas and brake pedals!!!

Total junk. My biggest problem has been the driveline. Had 3 wheel bearings replaced. That repair lasted less than 10k. Replacement of rear wheel bearings is a nightmare. Differential whines. Axle seals leak. Half shafts go bad. U joints replaced. The Eddie Bauer version heater sucks. Loud fan little air. AC comes on when I select defroster in the winter. Rear panel cracked.. Visor mounts cracked. Constant strange noises. Hopefully getting rid of this lemon tomorrow.

Great price for SUV on a budget. Good in snow . Third row seating or more room for tools or groceries. Nice family SUV without spending to much