2003 Ford Explorer

The 2002-2005 Ford Explorer is the third generation and represented the most significant engineering change in the model's history to that point, replacing the live rear axle with an independent rear suspension. Engines were the 4.0-liter SOHC V6 and the 4.6-liter Triton V8, paired with a five-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive was standard with part-time and full-time four-wheel-drive systems available. A third-row seat became available for the first time, and the two-door body was spun off as the separate Explorer Sport Trac and Sport models.

The independent rear suspension improved ride quality and allowed a lower third-row floor, directly addressing the packaging limits of the previous generation. The body was also substantially stiffer. The fourth generation that arrived in 2006 kept this architecture and concentrated on refinement and durability improvements.

As a used buy, this generation is affordable but requires careful inspection. The SOHC V6 timing chain cassettes remain the defining mechanical concern, and the rear cassette in particular is expensive to service. Rear differential and independent rear suspension bushings wear on higher-mileage examples. Transmission durability on the five-speed automatic is mixed and service history matters. The 4.6-liter V8 avoids the timing chain issue and is generally the more durable choice in this generation.