Is 2004 a good year for Ford Explorer?

The quick take: 2004 is not widely regarded as a standout year for the Ford Explorer. It offered the rugged practicality buyers expected from the model, but reliability, fuel economy, and safety features were not as strong as some rivals in the mid-2000s. For budget buyers, a well-maintained example could still be appealing, but overall it sits behind more modern competitors and later improvements within the Explorer line.

To understand why, it helps to place the 2004 Explorer in its historical context. Ford kept the Explorer in its mid-2000s redesign cycle (the 2002–2005 generation), emphasizing space, towing capability, and off-road utility. By 2004, consumer sentiment balanced appreciation for its ruggedness with caution about aging technology, higher maintenance needs as miles accumulate, and a safety feature set that lagged behind some peers. This article examines the model year through three lenses—design and capability, everyday practicality and ownership costs, and safety/reliability perceptions—to answer whether 2004 was a good year to buy or own a Ford Explorer.

Design, capability, and what you got in 2004

Before weighing the pros and cons, here is a snapshot of the kind of vehicle the 2004 Explorer represented in the market. The model year carried forward a rugged, family-friendly SUV ethos, with seating for up to seven in some configurations, generous cargo space, and available four-wheel-drive for rough roads or light off-road use. It was built to deliver practical towing and versatile day-to-day usefulness, rather than cutting-edge technology or the latest safety gadgetry.

• Rugged SUV fundamentals: durable utility, ample interior space, and solid towing potential for its era.


• Multiple drivetrain choices: rear- or four-wheel drive options aimed at buyers who needed capability in varied conditions.


• Versatile seating and cargo configurations to accommodate families and gear alike.


• Conservative interior design focused on practicality rather than premium features.

In short, the 2004 Explorer delivered the core capabilities that defined the model for buyers prioritizing practicality and space, but it did not push into the realm of modernized comfort or advanced safety tech.

Pros and cons for 2004 Explorer shoppers

Pros and cons drawn from contemporary reviews and common ownership observations help illuminate what it was like to live with a 2004 Explorer. These points summarize the trade-offs that defined the model year.

• Pros: Strong interior space and seating flexibility; solid towing capacity for a mid-size SUV of its time; straightforward, utilitarian design that remains easy to maintain with a reasonable budget for parts.


• Cons: Average-to-poor fuel economy for the class; ride quality and handling can feel heavy compared with car-based crossovers; reliability and maintenance costs tend to rise with age and mileage; safety technology and crash-test features were not as advanced as some rivals.

Overall, these pros and cons suggest that the 2004 Explorer is best suited for buyers who value practicality and budget-minded ownership, provided they are prepared for potentially higher maintenance costs as the SUV ages and for a safety/tech package that lags behind newer competitors.

Safety, reliability, and ownership considerations

Safety and reliability are central to judging any used-car year. For the 2004 Explorer, buyers typically found that safety equipment and crash-test performance were adequate for the period but not class-leading. The vehicle benefited from Ford’s ongoing improvements in stability and protection, but it did not offer the most modern safety features available in some peers at the time. Reliability varied by individual vehicle history, with higher-mileage examples more likely to exhibit wear on the transmission, electrical systems, and suspension components. Ownership costs—including fuel, maintenance, and repairs—tushed higher as vehicles aged, which is a common pattern with older, larger SUVs.

For potential buyers, the key takeaway is to prioritize a thorough inspection, verify maintenance history, and consider the total cost of ownership (maintenance, insurance, fuel) over the ownership horizon. If you’re choosing among used Explorers from this era, a well-documented service history and a clean mechanical report are strong indicators of a better purchase.

Bottom line for shoppers

If you’re shopping on a tight initial price and want a rugged, spacious SUV with decent towing, a well-maintained 2004 Explorer can be a sensible used-car option. However, if reliability, modern safety features, and lighter running costs are priorities, you may want to compare with newer or more modern rivals, or look for later-model Explorers within the same budget.

Summary

In summary, the 2004 Ford Explorer was a practical, capable vehicle for its time, especially for families needing space and utility. It faced trade-offs typical of mid-2000s SUVs—average fuel economy, aging technology, and variable reliability as miles accumulate. For buyers, the best path is a careful, history-checked example with solid maintenance records, or broaden the search to newer models that offer improved efficiency and more contemporary safety features.

What year Explorer to stay away from?

You should stay away from the 2002–2006 Ford Explorer models due to frequent and expensive transmission problems, engine issues, and suspension wear. Other years to avoid include the 2016 and 2020 models, which have reported issues with electrical systems, faulty parts, and transmission problems. 
Model years to avoid

• 2002–2006: The third generation is widely considered the least reliable due to significant transmission failures, engine problems (like timing chain issues), and premature suspension wear. The 2002 model year has the highest number of overall complaints, primarily for its transmission. 
• 2016: This model year has been criticized for issues like faulty fuel tanks and suspension components, as well as poor rearward visibility and lack of interior storage. 
• 2020: As the first year of the current design, the 2020 model is noted for a high number of recalls, particularly involving transmission problems that can cause stalling and power loss. 

Other years with potential issues

• 2011–2019: This generation has drawn complaints about electrical system problems. 
• Early 2021 models: Some 2021 models built in late 2020 and early 2021 had issues, though later models made in late 2021 are generally considered more reliable. 

How many miles can a 2004 Ford Explorer last?

For a Ford Explorer, high mileage is typically considered to be between 200,000 and 250,000 miles. However, with proper care, many Explorers can surpass this range. Key factors include driving habits and regular maintenance.

What is the best year of Ford Explorer to buy?

The best Ford Explorer years to buy are generally considered to be 2009-2010, 2017-2019, and the most recent models like 2022-2024 because they offer a good balance of reliability and modern features. For those on a budget, the 2009-2010 models are solid choices from the fourth generation, while the fifth generation (2011-2019) saw a move to a more comfortable, unibody design. The current sixth generation (2020-present), especially the latest model years like 2022-2024, are also recommended for their reliability and technology. Avoid the 2002-2006 model years, which are known for major transmission, engine, and electrical issues. 
Recommended years

• 2009–2010: These models are praised for reliability and are a solid choice from the fourth generation. 
• 2017–2019: Within the fifth generation, these later years are noted for having fewer complaints and improved features. 
• 2022–2024: The most recent models are considered among the best for reliability and modern technology. The 2024 model is specifically noted for a clean slate of recalls compared to its predecessor. 

Years to be cautious of

• 2002–2006: These years are frequently cited for major problems, particularly with the transmission, engine, and electrical systems. 
• 2011–2016: While the fifth generation is generally good, owners report issues like a common water pump problem around 100,000 miles, which can be a costly repair. 

What to consider

• Maintenance history: For any used model, always check the maintenance records. This is especially crucial for models like the 2011-2016 years to see if the water pump has been serviced. 
• Pre-purchase inspection: Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection before buying any used SUV. 
• Warranty: Newer models (2021 and newer) are still under warranty, which can provide extra peace of mind. 

Do 2004 Explorers have transmission problems?

The 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006 models have the most Ford Explorer transmission problems. The other models offer a much better experience on the road with this valuable component.