2004 Ford Explorer XLS 4.0 V6 from North America

Summary:

Get Gapped. 4.0 V6

Faults:

Had to have the transmission replaced at 148,000 miles.

Had to have the engine replaced at around 155,000 miles.

Sunroof doesn't close all the way; leaks a lot of water.

Blend door is stuck so no heat.

A/C only works on max, does not work on 3, 2 , or 1.

Volume knob works, but when you try to turn it down it will randomly turn up the volume as if it's glitching.

The small window door on the trunk does not open.

Exhaust leak.

Sounds like a chain hanging under the back whenever I go over a bump.

Transmission seems to get out of gear when you stop, and you have to rev the truck to around 2500 RPM and it'll jolt back into 1st gear.

General Comments:

The car is good. Does burnouts, but it needs to be on a bit of gravel. Takes off pretty quickly, barely stays in front of a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado LTZ 5.3 V8.

Beats a 2004 Toyota Sequoia easily.

Gets in front of a 2009 Nissan Xterra, but the Xterra catches up after 40 mph.

Basically, what I'm trying to say is even with the 4.0 V6 you can still have fun with it. Engine is completely stock.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th September, 2023

7th Sep 2023, 19:48

Basically what you are trying to say is that you beat the living daylight out of this vehicle, which probably played a big role on why the engine and transmission were replaced.

9th Sep 2023, 00:02

A typical experience with second generation Exploder.

Bummer.

De-contenting has its risks.

Our best engineers are killing people.

Our second tier engineers design Fords.

2004 Ford Explorer XL 4.0 from North America

Summary:

I regret my choice of vehicle

Faults:

Heater core, ignition coil, fuel pump, catalytic converter.

General Comments:

I will never ever owned a Ford vehicle again in my life. The name Ford fits the problems, found on road dead, fix or repair daily. Ford was warning us, but we buyers ignored the acronym and its meaning. They knew we would experience all these problems, yet they manufactured them any way. My uncle always told me before he died, to never waste my money on a Ford product. Sorry, I did not listen.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 3rd May, 2015

3rd May 2015, 18:07

At almost 10 years old and 146K miles you can't expect new-car reliability. I haven't bought Ford for about 30 years, but I'm sure a new one would be as reliable as most other makes.

3rd May 2015, 20:46

Really!! You bought a vehicle with 146K miles on it, and it... (gasp) needed repairs!

And Ford was "warning us" with those stupid tired acronyms, but you didn't listen to them (or your dead uncle)?

4th May 2015, 00:25

Catalytic converters are not supposed to last a vehicle's lifetime.

6th May 2015, 06:05

Heater core, fuel pump, ignition coil, catalytic converter. Not bad at all for a 146,000 mile aging Ford product. Given the age and mileage, it's considered a clunker by most standards. Usually found on a buy here-pay here lot.

2004 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0L from North America

Summary:

LEMON

Faults:

Auto trans blew up; front and rear wheel bearings bad; front ball joints bad. LEMON.

General Comments:

This SUV was poorly designed mechanically and expensive to repair. But it runs good with decent power. I am a dealer, and lost my shirt on this vehicle. $1500 for used trans and many other parts to repair.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 23rd June, 2011

2004 Ford Explorer XLT 4.6 liter from North America

Summary:

A cool babe magnet

Faults:

Nothing!

General Comments:

I love this truck. I got a great deal at a family owned used car lot for $10,000.

This Explorer has the same 4.6 liter V8 as in my previous car, which is a 1997 Thunderbird. In the SUV, the motor seems more gutsy.

I bought this truck because even though my T-Bird has been a great car (I wrote a review on it as well) it was beginning to cost me more on repairs. Not only that, the car is really not meant for more than two people!

I have only had the Explorer for only a week, but you better believe I will hold on to this one! I have always wanted an Explorer. Now I finally have it in my color (Medium Wedgewood Blue). After I make a few payments, I will be installing a Flowmaster exhaust.

I could not be happier!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th November, 2009