The 2004 Ford Explorer can be costly to maintain and refuel, and, unless the previous owner never missed an oil change, it probably won’t make 250,000 miles. But you’re going to have a hard time finding an SUV this good for under $3,500.
Is the 2004 Ford Explorer a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – The 2004 Explorer is pretty mediocre overall, but the truck-like towing and low price earn it an extra point.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials feel cheap, but the ride is still smooth and you’ve got more space than you’re likely to need.
- Reliability 6/10 – The 2004 Explorer is a bit of a crapshoot. If the previous owner did their job, you could fly right past 250,000 miles. If not, you might be lucky to pass 200,000.
- Safety 7/10 – Decent crash test scores, dated technology.
- Gas Mileage 6/10 – 16/21 miles to the gallon, city/highway, wasn’t great for a mid-size SUV even back in 2004.
- Value 7/10 – When you consider the low price tag, it’s easy to forgive a lot of the Explorer’s glaring issues. If you just need a beater to get you through the year, you could do a lot worse.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2004 Ford Explorer?
Consumer Reports found the 2004 Explorer to be adequate, but unimpressive in a year with way too much competition, suggesting that Ford hadn’t done enough to improve the V6 or off-road performance.
Kelley Blue Book users have found the 2004 Explorer to be fairly reliable overall, and fun to drive, with decent engine power, but many drivers point out that the transmission only lasts so long if you are very, very attentive.
Edmunds liked the ride and the handling, recommending the V8 for peak performance. They found the cabin design a bit bland and cheap-feeling, and note that the fuel economy is pretty bad even for a 2004 SUV.
What Common Problems Does the 2004 Ford Explorer Have?
At 477 reports, transmission issues make up about a third of the 2004 Explorer’s 1,403 driver complaints on file with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Problems range from stiff shifting to lurching and jumping, with one driver reporting that shifting into reverse takes up to seven seconds.
With 445 on file, there are nearly as many structural complaints on file as there are transmission complaints, with drivers reporting that the roof tends to rust prematurely around the rivets, and that interior parts like sun visors may simply melt or become brittle and snap right off.
Drivers have reported a flimsy build quality throughout, beyond just the interior accessories. Windows are known to pop off the rack and fall into the door, and rear lift gate windows may explode right out of the frame.
The 2004 Explorer has 5 recalls on file with the NHTSA, which sounds like a promisingly low number, but with so many complaints on file you may wonder why there aren’t a few more recalls in effect.
How Long Will the 2004 Ford Explorer Last?
You should expect to hit at least 200,000 miles in a 2004 Ford Explorer, with plenty of drivers reporting 250,000 and up. But you’ll find just as many drivers reporting that they didn’t even reach 100,000 miles. With excellent care the transmission might just go the distance, but you can’t be sure how well the previous owner kept the vehicle, and the Explorer seems especially sensitive to skipped transmission fluid changes.
RepairPal report an average annual maintenance cost of $732, with new rack and pinion systems being the most expensive common fix, starting at around $1,358.
I have really not experienced any maintenance issues outside of normal wear and tear and preventative type mechanic work. It has been a very reliable truck especially considering it's age
It’s had the transmission replaced once and then a few other small replacements; but so far pretty reliable
It seems to be pretty reliable. I haven't had too many issues with it. Well all the power windows are wonky, three of them don't work of the four.
This vehicle doesn't have many major problems. It does vibrate a little once you get to 70 mph but apart from that, no major issues.
Yes. My truck is reliable. I haven't had many problems with it since I bought it. I purchased my car a year ago
The 2004 Ford Explorer is reliable but does have some cosmetic problems. The panel below the liftgate window cracked on the outside from top to bottom. Also the roof console fell off, dangling by the wires inside infrastructure was totally broken in many pieces
This car is very reliable, I have never had any issues with it. The one time I did have an issue the Ford team was able to fix it right away.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is pretty good for a 2004 SUV. Entry level models come with a CD player, and the high-end Limited includes a six-disc CD changer.
Safety technology is adequate given the SUV’s age. You have dual-stage airbags and full anti-lock brakes, but this was 2004, so the BeltMinder ding is about as high-tech as it gets here.
Is the 2004 Ford Explorer a Good Value?
The 2004 Explorer is a pretty good value, even with the maintenance concerns. A mid-range XLT typically lists at around $3,463, which is a couple thousand bucks cheaper than a comparable CR-V, and less than half the cost of a 2004 Toyota 4Runner.
That said, the cost evens out a bit after a few years of maintenance and refueling, and the Explorer is the least likely of the bunch to cross 250,000 miles. But if you just need something affordable right now for commuting and grocery shopping, the Explorer’s price is hard to beat.
What are the Different Models of the 2004 Ford Explorer?
The 2004 Explorer is offered in five basic trims, from the entry level XLS to the high-end Limited.
The base XLS features:
- CD player
- Manual air conditioning
- Remote keyless entry
- Power windows and door locks
Next up is the XLT, which adds:
- Fog lights
- Lumbar support in the front seats
- Cruise control
- Leather wrapped steering wheel
With the mid-range NBX you’re adding:
- 6-way power driver seat
- Black leather wrapped steering wheel
- Black exterior styling with roof rails and side step bars
Lower trim levels have access to power adjust seating with the Premium package.
In addition to the specialized branding, the Eddie Bauer edition features:
- Leather seat trim
- Heated mirrors
- Dual zone automatic air conditioning
- Heated front seats
The top-tier Limited adds:
- Audiophile sound system with 6-disc CD changer
- Power adjustable pedals with memory
- More leather throughout the trim
What Engines Come In the 2004 Ford Explorer?
- Ford starts you off with a respectable 4.0 V6 engine producing 210 horsepower and 254 lb.-ft. of torque. This will tow around 5,400 pounds, depending on your options. This is configured in rear wheel drive and paired to a 5-speed automatic transmission.
- Next up is a 4.6L V8 delivering 239 horsepower and 254 lb.-ft. of torque. Flex fuel capable, all wheel drive, and paired to a 5-speed automatic, the V8 can tow up to 7,160 pounds, which gets us close to full-size truck territory.
What Colors Does the 2004 Ford Explorer Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2004 Ford Explorer?
The 2004 Ford Explorer is very comfortable with 54.2 inches of hip room in the back. The suspension earned favorable reviews on release, and has generated few complaints since then, so the ride should still be as smooth today as it was twenty years ago.
Cheap-feeling interior materials are the only real concern you’re likely to have here. Chipping plastic and torn cloth upholstery have the interior feeling more like a cozy dorm room than a luxury apartment.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2004 Ford Explorer Have?
With the seats up you’ve got 48.6 cubic feet of cargo space. Seats down, 86.2. That’s more than you’re likely going to need in a mid-size SUV anytime soon. If you want it any bigger than that you might as well buy yourself a moving van.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The 2004 Ford Explorer was the third model year of the 3rd Generation, running from 2002 to 2005.
2002: The 3rd Gen Explorer debuted as a five-door exclusive for 2002, owing to declining sales in three-door SUVs.
2003: Optional side-curtain airbags and rear wheel disc brakes were new for 2003, and the wheelbase was lengthened to 125.9 inches.
2004: New emission standards meant retuned engines for 2004, and the Explorer got a slick new grille, to boot.
2005: The stability control system got an overhaul for 2005, designed specifically to prevent rollover.
How Does the 2004 Ford Explorer Compare to the Competition?
The 2004 Toyota 4Runner outclasses the Explorer on longevity, being far more likely to pass a quarter million miles. It’s also more fuel efficient, and offers a 4.7L engine that outclasses the Explorer’s 4.6L. And it costs more than twice as much, on average.
It’s basically the same story with that year’s Nissan Pathfinder: It’s more fuel efficient, it delivers comparable performance, it’s more likely to pass 250,000 miles. And it typically lists at two thousand dollars more than a similar Explorer.
The 2004 Explorer has some issues with longevity, cheap feeling interior materials, and lousy fuel economy. But it’s hard to beat at this price.
Do Owners Recommend the 2004 Ford Explorer?
Yes. I have owned it for 15 years and it is still a work horse. It has been very reliable with only minor maintenance issues
Yes; has a salvaged title and a lot miles, but it’s been a good vehicle. It has very good accident ratings in my opinion, and has been reasonably reliable thus far.
Yes, it's a pretty good vehicle except it's heavy and doesn't have four wheel drive. I almost got it stuck on the side of the road once.
The 2004 Ford explorer is a great vehicle. After all these years it still runs well and it is reliable.
Yes. My truck is very well driven. It's good on gas as well. It has lots of room. It's good on mileage.
I have enjoyed this 2004 Ford Explorer for over 3 years to my satisfaction with a couple of problems, one being the roof console fell off and the outside panel on the liftgate where the back glass shuts cracked.
Yes, I believe that it is a great vehicle. It is safe, reliable, and always gets me to where I'm going without any issues. I have had this car for years and have never had any major issues. I would buy this car again.