Ford Explorer Mercury Mountaineer 2005 and earlier

mschmal

EXTERIOR CHANGES
• All-new Roof Rack system with raised side rails
• Pueblo Gold (G3) replaces Arizona Beige as primary Eddie
Bauer trim color on bumpers, cladding, wheel lip moldings
and running boards.
• Black G-Gloss (molded-in-color) replaces Medium Dark
Platinum on XLS and XLS Sport on bumpers, molding and
grille
• Colors Added:
— Dark Stone (T7)
— Ivory Parchment Tri-Coat Clearcoat Metallic (HC) –
(Limited only)
• Colors Deleted:
— Aspen Green Clearcoat Metallic
— Estate Green Clearcoat Metallic
— Ceramic White Tri-Coat Clearcoat Metallic
INTERIOR CHANGES
• 2nd Row reclining outboard seats in 40/20/40 seating
configurations
• MP3 capability and Sirius satellite radio compatibility added
to all audio systems (Late Availability)
• Warm Steel Metallic replaces Warm Steel Matte as interior
accent finish on XLT (no change to XLT Sport)
SAFETY CHANGES
• AdvanceTrac® w/Roll Stability Control is standard on all
units.
NEW PACKAGE CHANGES
New XLT Appearance Package (47X)
• Unique seating surfaces and matching door trim inserts
based on exterior color selection: Midnight Black "Impulse"
fabric with red accents or "Captain" Parchment fabric
(Parchment is Late Availability)
• Sparkle Silver step bars
• Sparkle Silver roof rails
• 17" Sparkle Silver cast aluminum wheel
• Available in 4x2 and 4x4 configurations

The big news is the ADVANCE TRAC system:
What is AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control?
Explorer continues its safety leadership with the introduction of AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control
(RSC) on all units. AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control, a segment-first exclusive feature, provides
active stability enhancement utilizing sensors to determine roll speed and roll angle. The system is
unique because it also monitors wheel lift and reduces the potential for a rollover event. If the system
detects that one or more wheels are about to leave the ground and a rollover is imminent, RSC triggers
the vehicle's standard electronic stability control system, called AdvanceTrac®, which reduces power
and/or brakes the necessary wheels to help settle the vehicle allowing the driver to regain control.

This was copied from Ford's order guide.

Mark

keeferb

Thanks for the info. Do you know if there are pricing changes?

ford624

Does anybody know if the Explorer will get a three valver per cylinder V8 for 2005?

ANT14

That's coming in for 2006, along with 6 Speed Auto... Front and rear styling will be redone as well, some interior modifications, new instrument panel, etc.

idntnvu

Did anybody else happen to watch that spot on TV the other night, on one of those 20/20-Primtime-60 Minutes type shows, where the Explorer was tested and was most likely to rollover compared with other main stream SUVs like the Chevy Tahoe? Just wonder if that has any credit to it.

stever

Here's a link about it:

NHTSA Rates Ford SUVs Poorly for Rollovers (Auto 123)

Steve, Host

idntnvu

Wow, how about that. It's not Suzuki or Mitsubishi anymore. And Ford thought they had a mess when the big Firestone deal happened.

ANT14

Give me a Corolla, at 30MPH and I'll show you how easily I can flip it I'm not shocked, and anyone who buys an SUV/Truck, should understand the limits of the vehicle... unfortunately we have a sue-happy society that lacks common sense... Not enough stickers on the vanity covers will make up for the lack of common sense I see on so many people daily. And what's sad, some of these people hold jobs that pay over $80K yearly.

idntnvu

Amen Brother!

nvbanker

First off, let me recall the credibility of 20/20, 60 Minutes, Dateline, and the like. Like when Dateline used incendiary devices to "prove" that a Chevy Truck will explode when t-boned. Why would anybody believe anything the media tells us anymore?

Secondly - it seems almost like a witch hunt on Ford. I'm at a loss as to why, but Ford sure seems to be singled out more than anyone else.

Lastly - I have driven SUVs since 94, and lots of Ford SUVs and I have never, NEVER, mind you, felt they were the least bit unstable in any situation. No doubt, they tip over, and as ANT says, so do sedans. I drive them carefully, and feel very secure in them. The most unstable vehicle I have ever owned, was an 86 Toyota Van, that was unstable over 60 MPH, especially in a wind.

Well, I'm not frightened by this news....not at all. And if I buy another SUV, I'll still strongly consider a Ford. They've been very good to me.

idntnvu

Amen.

atlantis2000

I am interested in a used 04 4x4 Explorer Limited 4.6L-265A V8. The price dealer give to me is $28,995. The SUV has about 6900 mile on it, and comes with the Ford Certified program (6 years 75000M P.T.). It has the following additional equipment:
17" chrome alum wheels
reverse sensing system
tire pressure monitoring system
Fed excise tax
quad seating
power moonroof
auxiliary climate control
3rd row seat package
chromed roof rack

Is this a good deal? Thanks for your input.

Another dealer offered me a brand new Eiddy Bower 4x4 4.6L V8 for $31,500 with the following options in addition to the standard options:
Safety canopy
pwer moonroof
auxiliary climate control
roof rail cross bars
reverse sensing system
3rd row seat package
original MSRP was $39605

is this a good deal? and which one should I choose? Thanks!

nvbanker

Personally, for the minor differential, and the additional equipment, I'd get the new Eddie Bauer. The additional warranty on the CPO unit would be nice, but you can always add the Ford ESP at the end of your factory warranty if you have any concerns about the truck at that point. And I worry just a tad about why that truck is back in the lot at 6900 miles......

nvbanker

they're great deals, by the way, IMO.

wijoco

"Secondly - it seems almost like a witch hunt on Ford. I'm at a loss as to why, but Ford sure seems to be singled out more than anyone else."

Because such a large percentage of their sales are SUVs. And of course we all have already agreed that the SUV is The Single Greatest Threat To The Planet. Therefore, it's perfectly acceptable to use fear-mongering tactics to try to stall SUV sales. The ends justify the means, of course.

Trevor Hoffman should be reprimanded by his employer for that article. To start, the title is an outright lie.
 "NHTSA Rates Ford SUVs Poorly For Rollovers."

The NHTSA rated the SPORT TRAC poorly (2/5 stars), not the whole Explorer line! The Sport Trac is based on the old Explorer design and is a very small percentage of Explorer sales. Yet, there are three different photos of the Sport Trac in that article, as if it represented the Explorer line.

These two links show the actual NHTSA data sheets on 2004 models. Compare the data to the intent of the article.

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/NCAP/Cars/2004SUVs.html
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/NCAP/RollRatings.cfm

Huh? The Explorer gets three stars in the rollover combined testing, equal to most of the other trcuk-frame RWD SUVs? But that's not what Our Man Trevor said? I'm confused!

(I assume the inclusion of the Mazda RX-8 as the most rollover resistant vehicle is kind of like the streaker running across the stage of a Shakespearean play? Is that news? Do we all rush out to buy $35,000 sports cars now for safety?)

Hoffman even gets the link wrong at the end of the article: it's "www.safercar.gov". Nice "journalism."

Now check out the dubious quality of the NHTSA data. On the second link page listed above, the Mountaineer and Explorer 2 and 4WD ratings are botched. You have to click the links to interpret the correct ratings because they mislabeled them on the main page. (The 2WD version is 6 percentage points worse than the 4WD). They use different terminology on the chart to mean the same thing (tip-up/tip and no-tip-up/no-tip), which is pretty sloppy. Check the asterisk beside the "no-tip*" rating on passenger cars. They didn't actually do the test!!! It is assumed based on lab measurements! Granted, most passenger cars won't tip under their test, but wouldn't it be more "scientific" to leave it N/A rather than post results of a test never done?

Now let's consider what they omit. For whatever reasons, I don't know, budget constraints or lack of manufacturer cooperation, the NHTSA doesn't test all vehicles. Only one Nissan SUV was tested (the car-based Murano), and one Toyota. BTW, check out the ratings for the Tacoma in the pickups section. Hmmm...that wasn't mentioned in the article? No other Ford SUVs beside the Explorer and Sport Trac are tested. Check out the minivans section...FOUR? My point is, how can any analytical piece of journalism make qualifying claims of "best" or "worst" based on data that is so very incomplete? Not very well.

nvbanker

Well stated.

mschmal

the cars most resistant to roll overs are the Mazda Miata and RX-8....obviously not practicle for all.

Mark

dan1

We just purchased an 03 Explorer Limited with 12k on it. It has everything you mentioned and also the DVD sytem. We paid aroung $26,500 with taxes. You might be able to get them down. The EB's are nice to but my wife didn't care for the two tone seats. Either way you will be happy with the truck.

dan1

Sorry just realized you are talking about an 04. I would go with the used Limited don't forget sales tax on a new vehicle will be a lot higher than a used.

deejayh

My V6 '93 Explorer just rolled to 200,000. I purchased it from the original owner in '96 with 47,000. She lived on a really steep hill, which may have been the reason for the 78,000 mile transmission rebuild. It's been thousands of miles towing a 1,200 lb camper and has seen plenty of highway and city driving. The interior is getting a bit worn, but I'm ready to buy something newer. Perhaps an '02 Explorer.

nvbanker

I still have my 94 Explorer with 140,000 miles on the original everything..... what a truck!

ls8

just purchased a new Eddie Bauer Explorer and it has a "SAT" button on radio faceplate. No one at dealer seems to know how/if I can get sat radio going. Call Sirius and activate, have dealer install kit, ?? anyone out there know?

nvbanker

No one at the dealer knew how to hook up the Satellite ratio option? Unbelievable!

mschmal

Just have a dealership or audio store install the Sat Radio Kit. you then subscribe i believe online.

Mark

1ruoregon

I just traded my Y2K Excursion for a 2003 Explorer XLT with the V-6 and Advance Track 4WD. I have read some of the postings on the Explorer before I purchased mine, buy I would like to know the "good, bad, and ugly" of this rig. I plan on keeping it until the wheels fall off, so any insight would be much appreciated!

chuck1

Congratulations on your purchase. I have an '02 with 29K on it. It is standard powertrain, not 4WD or advance track. The V6 is a good motor but it makes alot of noise, especially when cold. Problems to expect; the first thing is a rear end whine which is a wide-spread problem and Ford does not have a fix for. The rear end will start to whine between 25K and 30K at speeds between 50 and 65mph. Another thing is that the transmission seems to loose it's "crispness" at shifting after a period of time. Some on this board have changed the transmission fluid at 30K, even though Ford says it can go much longer between changes. The fluid needs to be changed either by a dealer or independent who is familiar with these since there is not a dipstick to use. Other than the above that's pretty much it. As far as I am concerned the Explorers are still the best "bang for your buck!"

nvbanker

I've not experienced either of the two problems mentioned above, in fact, I've experience no problems with my Explorer/Mountaineers of any import. I think they're awesome vehicles.

mschmal

 
 With th 5-speed automatic transmission,the automatic transmission electronically controls the shift feel by using an adaptive learning strategy.It is normal for a new transmission to shift firmly. This operation is considered normal and will not affect the function durability of the transmission. Once the vehicle is at operating temperature it may take several shifts at the same operating condition for the transmission to properly adapt. Over time the adaptive learning process will fully update transmission operation. The more varied the driving habits, speed and torque, the longer it may take to adapt but the more complete the process will be

Mark

roger341

I'm trying to decide on getting the 05 or waiting for the 06.

I've heard that the 06 will have lots of improvements including a bigger engine.

Anyone have advice on this? I currently have an 02 Ltd V8 with only 30,000 miles and am happy with it, but I don't have the auxiliary AC unit and wish now I had gotten it.

chuck1

I just put my '02 XLT w/4.0 SOHC 2WD in for the 30K service. I had a list that included eight items. Two of these items are on-going issues with the Explorers. The first is the "loss of crispness" shifting of the 5 speed auto tranny. I was told even though I know better that it was due for a transmission fluid change. I know how these things work, you have to give a little to take a little. Well, after they flushed and filled the transmission, they told me the "shift soldnoid" was bad. I was told they had so many of these complaints they now stock the parts in question. The next is the rear-end whine. I was told by the service writer that they did indeed hear it, but wasn't sure what it was. I was told they have replaced bearings and rear-ends to quiet this noise. Well, I called and was going to pick the SUV up and I asked about the "rear end noise" and they had wrote on the service receipt that "the sound was normal." Now in a all fairness my service writer was not working on Friday, so I yelled and asked how do we go from "it's a noise" we hear it to "normal". Needless to say I left it at the service department and will have a talk with the service writer Monday morning. I will not sign a receipt that says it's "normal" when I know it isn't. This does not protect me as it gets worse down the road!

keeferb

After 2 consecutive Nissan Pathfinder leases, we're considering the 05 Explorer as our next SUV. Does anyone know if the rear-end whine that seems to be so common is fixed for '05? Is it just the V6 that has this problem, or is it also the V8? It worries me when I read that dealers are saying "it's normal" or "we don't know what's wrong". I've had very few problems with my 2 Pathfinders, so as you might guess I'm a little leery about making the switch.

Thanks in advance for any info!

rbudn83510

hi, my rear passenger window just stopped working. I'm assuming it is the window motor. I have 2 questions....first...is there any other part that could of failed that would not let the window work and secondly, does anyone have any detailed instructions in removing the rear door covering so i can get to the motor?? thank you

ANT14

KEEFER,
Could you possibly wait till next year for your Explorer purchase? It gets a mild re-design with a more power V8 engine.

RBUNDN,
There's a site that you might be able to find accurate information on fixing that on your own, from Ford's personal techs. Do a websearch for FlatRateTech and they should be able to help you there.

chuck1

This is yet another common occurrence. I have an '02 (see previous post) and have had to have this part replaced as well. At the time my motor for the window failed, it was under a "national back order." I assume yours is out of warranty, since you want to try to do it yourself. However, since this is a known problem, if you are on good terms with your dealer they may be able to make a "good will adjustment".
Good luck!

nvbanker

I've had 5 Explorers/Mountaineers since 94. Still own 2. I've never had a bad one. No whines, none of the common problems noted here. I have to conclude that these issues are exceptional, not universal. I still maintain that the Explorer is the best SUV for the money on the planet. No, I am not Bill Ford!

chuck1

Good for you!
However, you have to remember there was a redesign in 2001. The new body style, the new suspension setup, the new motor, and lastly the new transmission. So, the vehicles you have owned are vastly different from the new ones today. In addition to this, every year it seems Ford does "cost cutting" on all it's models. It is quite evident on the Focus, (non-spoke wheels-now wheel covers on SE, Dashboard,single circuit rear lights, etc.) and on the Explorer, they have done away with color-keyed door handles on the XLT (mine has them) and if you want them you have to purchase a "appearance package" to get them. I am sorry to say, that this will be my last Ford. It hasn't been that Bad of an SUV (2002 XLT w/4.0 SOHC, 2WD). But with with all these little problems that creep up in exactly two years, I find it a pain and unacceptable. If gas prices continue to rise-it will be off to the Lexus or Acura dealership for a Japanese engineered car. It easy to see why Ford is in trouble if you look real close!

nvbanker

my profile, chuck, and you'd see that I have an 04 Mountaineer, and had a 94 (still do)a 97, 98 and an 02, so I'm well aware of when they redesigned the car.

I have nothing against Japanese cars either. But they decontent their cars just about as quickly, only in some cases they never content them to begin with. Like, for example, my Honda that had no passenger side power door lock switch - could only be locked from the driver's door. What a pain that was. They made them that way for years, maybe they still do. If a black door handle is a deal breaker for you, and you don't want to get the upgraded trim package, then I guess you gotta do what you gotta do. Meanwhile, I applaud Ford for making the only Domestic, and the first truck based SUVs, foreign or domestic with independent rear suspensions and folding 3rd row seats in them - a true engineering feat and one I'll not be without I can tell ya that. I've lugged my last 50 lb seat in and out of a truck if I can possibly help it! Plus, I hate going back to the Home Depot to pick up my seat after I had to leave it there to take the picnic table home that my wife just HAD to have.....

explorerx4

i have the rear gear noise, but it's only at about 50 mph, so it's not a big deal, although i wish it didn't make the noise in the first place.

chuck1

No, I didn't check your profile. It just seems to me that the quality control is very poor on the new Explorers. Here are KNOWN issues-Transmission soldnoid, rear end, rear power door motors, poor idling,(no fix for this like the rear end). All of the above problems are things that are KNOWN and I didn't make them up. If you have been lucky enough not to experience them, that's great, consider yourself lucky. Are they the best bargain out there for a SUV? Probably with the initial cost. However, my guess is that the Honda Pilot has the lower cost of ownership. (My guess... haven't looked it up!). Here is another issue-What do they decontent that you don't see? Like I said-single light circuit now in the tailight of the Focus. Do alot of people notice this? Probably not! But putting a single circuit back there compromises saftey when the bulb goes.

nvbanker

Then go buy your Pilot, pal, and live happily ever after. This really isn't the bash & rant board. No question, the Pilot is a fine rig. I'm just saying, I've had a lot of Fords, and a lot of Explorers & Mountaineers, and have experienced none of the maladies you referenced whatsoever. I'm sure they put out a klinker once in a while, everybody does - they're machines. I've owned a Honda, and it was an awesome little car. I still own an Infiniti, also a marvelous machine, very expensive to repair when it does need to be fixed, but fortunately, that's not too often. I remain convinced though, and I have lots of experience to back up my claim. Everything Ford makes isn't perfect, the their trucks and SUVs though, are usually out there in front in design, and tops in performance and quality as well. YMMV.

explorerx4

i don't recall seeing any other posts about unfixable poor idling, or rampant bad transmission solenoids. please correct me if i'm wrong. personally i think you have a less than forthright dealer. the shifting is better now, right?
like nv, i'm big explorer fan(big surprise). it's not perfect, but it's the best overall vehicle i've ever had, as far as overall satisfaction goes.

chuck1

Yes, the transmission after the flush and fluid replacement with solenoid repair now has the transmission shifting like it's "new again" very smooth. The rough idling is a common occcurance with the 4.0 V6. It not a severe bad idle, maybe 50 to 100 rpm's as you sit at the light. It was explained to me that it's a design flaw in the motor, something to do with the oxygen sensors on each side of the motor. I have seen this mentioned on this board as well. Don't get me wrong, I am not bashing the Explorer, I am not evening saying mine is a bad vehicle. I am saying that these problems in the number they are appearing is unacceptable and a pain in the you know where to get corrected. If you dont believe about the rear-end whine, bad trans solenoid, etc. do a google search-you will find the problems. As a matter of fact, ALL of these problems have been brought up on this board if you search for them.

nvbanker

The uneven idle can be dirty injectors too, and any engine can suffer from that if not properly maintained.

chuck1

2002 Explorer by rb123 Sep 30, 2001 (6:04 pm)
I owned a 02 Explorer for about 5 months, I posted once before on here about it, I did have a few problems with it bad brake rotors, rough idle , and a body mount went bad on it. The reason I got rid of so soon was I just didn't like it. ...

HERES A POST JUST FROM A QUICK SERACH............

cubes

I'd like to chime in here regarding the 02 model year Explorer/Mountaineer. We just turned in our leased V6 AWD Mountaineer after 35 months/38000 miles and besides the seat track that needed to be replaced, the thing was solid as a rock.

Could the 4.0 be a little smoother, I think it should be. It's not horrible by any means, but when you start comparing it to other V6's I guess it could use another level of refinement. Matter of fact if ours had the V8, we probably would have bought it. It was loaded, mint condition and we never got tired of the 2-tone blue which is not offered anymore.

That said, we bought an 04 Premier in Ceramic White, with the V8 AuxAir and DVD. It wasn't easy to find and we actually stumbled across four units at the last minute that were turn ins from the US Open Tennis Tourney. It had 1800 miles on it, but nice as new and 29,300.00 plus tax/tags. We are happy as pigs in you know what! The V8 has a nice rumble to it and I like the new single round exhaust tip over the oval one. Hopefully the mileage will improve with age like the V6 did.

When you sell 400,000 +/- units per year on a particular platform, you're bound to have a few problems, but they are a good bang for the buck and I would have to say from reading other forums, much less troublesome than some of the other offerings in this class.

troyben

I'd also like to chime in. Our 02 V6 AWD Mountaineer has been rock solid. We originally intended on getting an 02 Acura MDX. When we realized we couldn't touch it for less than MSRP & when we test drove it, the ride & interior felt like the minivan it's based on. We liked the interior & functionality of the Mountaineer better (plus the fact we could get it for $6K less). Now the MDX & Pilots are having all kinds of transmission issues; we have never regretted our decision.

cubes

Funny you mention the MDX. We need seven seats and at the time the choices were few in this size vehicle. I remember getting an email flyer from our local Acura dealer saying they were having a sale. Turns out their idea of a sale was MSRP and at the time the dealer installed add-ons were very pricey as well. Probably a very good vehicle in general, on Odessy on steriods. I think the 3rd seat, although wider, was short on leg room. If I remember correctly, even with the much better residual on the MDX, the payment would have been $80-$100 more per month. I couldn't do it and I don't regret it and am happy where I am.

troyben

Yeah, that year before we made our purchase, I was pleasantly surprised when I tried the 3rd row seat of the Mountaineer at the Chicago Auto Show. I thought it was extremely roomy compared to the MDX. My only complaint with the 3rd row on the Mountaineer is that it doesn't have a split fold like the MDX.

dan1

We test drove a Pilot before we bought our 03 Explorer and it did not impress me that much. Weak motor and bland styling. I am sure it is a great vehicle just not for us. I think the biggest turn off was the saleswoman. Talk about arrogant. She actually told us without laughing that if they did happen to get a used 03 in they would only be about $700.00 less than a new 04!

cubes

You hit it right on the head about the 3rd seat. It would be so nice if it was split. Well, I'm sure it will be when they do the re-design in a couple of years. I would also have liked memory on the mirrors.