I have had the car for a year now and done 20,000 km. So far I have had no trouble at all. I plan to take part in the upcoming Drive UAE off-road and test the vehicles 4*4 performance. Also great with picking up relatives/friends from the airport...literally can take up to 3 large suitcases, 2 boxes and a couple of carry-ons.

I have had my second explorer for six months now. can't comment on maintenance, because other than oil changes, it hasn't needed anything.

Ford Explorer has been accepted in the UAE market. Unlike in Saudi UAE population either go for Japanese cars or German Cars (the rich segment) but American cars weren't popular here. However, recently the trend has been changed. People look at the money they pay and the service they get. Comparing the Explorer to Pajero I would recommend that Explorer is a good car since it has lot more power than Pajero.

Until recently the best car I had ever owned was a 2.0l Volvo and I always thought I'd never find anything to compare to the old girl, but the Explorer? Wow, this really is a beast of a machine. Yeah, ok, the fuel consumption is enough to make King Midas blanch, but it's not that much compared to running a diesel Mitsubishi 4x4 and it's a lot different to the same-old L200 crowd.
It has to be the cheapest proper 4x4 family (without trendy crew cab and stupid load cover) vehicle on the market and less than 1/2 the price of a similar age Discovery. So do the sums comparing diesel prices here in the UK and paying over the odds for a Disco to paying peanuts for an all-comforts car with a little less MPG and petrol costs less than diesel too!
So what do you want? Trendy 4x4, or the ultimate in non-girly curvy V6.
Mine runs on duel-fuel petrol/LPG which makes it really good value to drive - make sure you do your homework on the system installed though and make sure it's the right one.
Yes, it really can outrun some of the boy racers out there, but if you're running on unleaded, racing off the mark is gonna cost you.
I simply love the beast, I love the driving position and the smooth auto box.
Towing in this car is simple, with cruise control and auto box, all you have to do on the motorway is set speed and steer. Unit stability with a medium sized caravan is wonderful, I've only experienced snaking a couple of times and that was when I'd sneaked up to 70 when overtaking.
Many people are a little scared about buying these, they hear stories about roll-overs, about Firestone tyres and stuff, about high fuel consumption, about faulty cruise control units.
In fact the car industry in the UK seems to have written these vehicles off as (to quote Parkers) 'over-sized, over-chromed and over here' a strange sentiment when you look at the new Range Rovers.
The Ford Explorer gets the thumbs-up from me (at least mine does) It also gets the thumbs up (and the occasional leg up) from the wife - she is a touch short, bless her!
I'm not saying don't buy the competition, I'm just saying don't write the Explorer off.

A lovely, lively, fun vehicle to drive. This SUV has blown away many boy racers at traffic lights. It tows very well and fuel consumption remains the same as driving solo. I have also been pleased with it's reliability. Parts are not available through Ford Dealers but are readily available if needed from Specialist Auto Parts of Yeovil www.specialistautoparts.com at very reasonable prices. Unfortunately due to family expansion I now need a seven seater vehicle that will do the same job - a hard act to follow!

Ford says to get spares for my Ford Explorer XLT from dealer in the States as they not stocked in the UK, as there is little demand. Danger anyone buying a car that was registered new in 1996 -2003. They were made around 1996 - but due to the tyre problems, were dumped in Europe.

The Ford Explorer XLT is a very capable offroad vehicle. I have taken this thing all over the mountains and desert of southern california with little problem. The truck is very nice inside and has a lot of room. Great stereo.

On the other hand, when it is muddy or snowy, the explorer doesn't do very well, even with good AT tires. I have been forced to turn back with only 1ft of snow on a hill. When it is muddy the truck loses grip easily and does not feel stable.

Maintenance is a problem. Mine has had two transmissions and I am currently experiencing problems again. Aside from the transmission, I have had an inordinate amount of reliability problems with this vehicle and would not buy another one.

2003 Ford Explorer XLT V8. We have just recieved our first service at 3500 miles. It hasn't had a problem whatsoever. Previously I had thought ford hadn't made a good explorer since the early 90's. I owned a 92. But I was wrong. This is the best explorer ever. It outhandles every suv out there, and provides an overall safety that inspires confidence on the road. The interior is luxurious with the leather package. The sun roof is a two way moon and sun roof. Brilliant theft protection with each key having a computer chip in it to prevent people from hot wiring, and a great passive alarm system for those pesky jockey boxers. The theatre lighting, and lights under the door mirrors for night time lighting is convienent, and plain looks cool. They added a chrome grill for 2003 that give the face a real aggressive yet classy look. The rear window opens with the remote and is very low so my height challenged wife has no problems putting groceries in the back without opening the full hatch. I can whole heartedly recommend this vehicle to my friends and family. Money well spent.

OVERALL THIS FORD EXPLORER IS MY NUMBER 1 PICK OUT OF ANY SUV I'VE HAD. I DON'T PARTICULARLY LIKE THE OLDER MODELS OF THE EXPLORER BUT THIS NEW 2002 ONE SEEMS TO BE THE TOP OF THE LINE FOR FORD. I ESPECIALLY LIKE ALL THE ADDED SAFETY FEATURES. IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR A GREAT SUV FOR FAMILY OR FOR YOURSELF THE FORD EXPLORER XLT IS THE WAY TO GO.