FORD Explorer 2003-2005 Photos, engines & full specs

Ford made a decisive step forward with introducing the Explorer's third generation since it developed it on an entirely new platform.

The need for a family SUV that could offer enough comfort, good loading capacity, and decent off-road abilities led Ford in designing the third Explorer generation from the ground up. It ditched the Ranger chassis used for the second generation and introduced an entirely new concept with independent suspension in all corners. That was something unseen in its segment. The only other off-road vehicle that featured a similar technical solution was the Hummer H1.

Ford's design team was inspired by the Expedition's range look and carried over the same shape for the headlights and grille. The customers appreciated its massive appearance, even though they knew that it wasn't a hard-core off-roader. Its corner-mounted turn-signals and two-tone body color made the car looked more upmarket. A set of side steps was on the options list to ease the vehicle's ingress and egress.

Inside, the carmaker is installed, depending on the trim level, cloth or leather seats, and room for up to five passengers. Its wide cabin made room for three occupants on the back seats without any hip or shoulder room issues. On the dashboard, Ford arranged a clean layout with bigger dials for the speedometer and tachometer. Four additional gauges showed information for the fuel level, coolant temperature, oil pressure, and charging.

Ford installed a new platform under the body with independent suspension in all corners tuned to offer more comfort for its passengers. Under the hood, the carmaker installed three engine choices with rear or all-wheel drive.