- Ford introduced the Explorer in 1991 as a compact sport utility vehicle. For its first 12 years, the Ford Explorer was available as a four-door as well as a two-door. In 2004, the Explorer two-door was no longer available. Since its debut, the Explorer has undergone plenty of changes but remains one of Ford's best-selling SUVs. The 2003 Ford Explorer was available in five models: XLS, XLT, NBX, Eddie Bauer and Limited.
- For the XLS model, the only engine available was a 210 horsepower, 4.0-liter V6 capable of 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway. This engine was available for the four other models, as well as a 239 horsepower, 4.6-liter V8 capable of 13 mpg city and 18 mpg highway. Each model came with a 22.5-gallon fuel tank which allowed for an overall range of about 300 to 400 miles.
- Each model of the 2003 Explorer came with a five-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. Overdrive allows the engine to achieve greater fuel efficiency while reducing engine wear. Save for the NBX, each model was available as rear-wheel drive, four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The NBX was available as rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. All five models came with four-wheel disc brakes and rack-and-pinion steering.
- The 2003 Explorer XLS supported seating for up to five people, while the XLT, NBX, Eddie Bauer and Limited models could carry seven people. Each model could carry a payload of about 1,400 lbs. The XLS model could tow a maximum trailer weight of 5,500 to 5,800 lbs., depending on the drive type. The other four models could tow 7,000 to 7,300 lbs. Each model came with a trailering harness and a trailering hitch.
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