2003 Ford Explorer

This is my first SUV. I had always admired the Ford Explorer since it first came out in the early 90's. For the most part it was always a little out of my price range or I would have purchased one much earlier.

I'm kind of an impulse personality type and didn't do much research on SUV's prior to making this purchase. I certainly didn't do any research on four wheel drive and All wheel drive systems. I didn't realize the inherent limitations that comes with a Part time 4wd system as found on the Explorer Sport. From what information I've been able to gather(after I bought the Sport) from other more knowledgeable Ford people, the Sport had a 4x4 Auto mode between the '96 and '00 model years but eliminated it beginning with the 2001 model Sport's. The 4x4 auto mode could be used on dry pavement or in the rain. I have no idea why Ford would have discontinued this feature.

After looking at the Honda CRV and Element, I was pretty sure I wasn't interested in either of those. They seemed cheap inside and way too expensive for what you were getting.

I test drove the Ford Escape, but compared to the Sport, it seemed really cheap inside. Its throttle was touchy. The car seemed to jump when the gas pedal was barely touched. For the approximately $2,000 price difference, the Sport seemed like a much higher quality vehicle.

So far I've had the Sport for about a month and I've only put about 700 miles on it. I Love it. I really like the high driving perspective. I can now see over all the Minivans on the road. The 5-speed o/d automatic transmission shifts very smoothly and quietly. The ride, both in city and highway is exceptionally quiet and smooth for a truck based SUV. I've read other reviews of this vehicle where they downgrade it because of the bumpy ride. I don't know what they're comparing it too? Perhaps a passenger sedan.

Gas mileage is running about 13.5/gallon city. Haven't had any appreciable highway driving yet. Interior seat comfort is exceptional. Room inside is excellent although my wife and I are both under 5'7". Handling is nimble and turning radius is really tight. Brakes seem really good but I'm not an expert in this area.

I was a little disappointed when I learned that the 4wd mode could only be used off road or on Snow and ice. However, that being stated, I would only be looking to employ 4wd in snow and ice anyway.

I really like the overall quality of this Ford vehicle.