NBX - The next Explorer to buy?

[Bwana Bob]

"Forget the Explorers, they're cars now"


Yes, that makes me sad. I have a 92 XLT and it is a truck! Ford tried not to alienate the 4x4 truck fans when they redesigned the Ex, but something had to give. They had to dispel the "rollover image" (undeserved, IMHO) and make the ride and appearance appeal to John and Jane consumer who really want a family station wagon that happens to have 4wd. The results are what you see.

My 92 is getting old, but I don't know if I'd replace it with another Ex. Still wouldn't want to jump ship to Jeep or Toyota! I wouldn't want to leave the Explorer forum!

The NBX looks interesting, but the basket would have to so I could carry a canoe.

Admittedly, I don't go off road except for the occasional dirt road or field, but here in NJ where the potholes grow ever bigger and more numerous, and snow plowing is marginal at best, I feel that a 4x4 with some off-road capability is still a good idea.

Maybe I should keep the Ex for the heavy hauling and get something smaller and more comfortable, but still 4x4 for the commute. Anybody have experience with the Escape or Subaru Forester?


Bwana Bob

 

[sunbum]

Yeah.. my X is pretty clean.. but I was worried about age/not sure how much rust exists and if it would be worth putting a lot into the engine when I could get something new and start out a lot bigger... that 160hp start point is depressing with this 4x4 4DR XLT, but it will be tough to give it up.

I went to the dealership today and I'm SOL... I'd have to order the NBX as:
a) 1-2 are actually on the lot
b) they dont have a V-8, and I dont think had the 3.73 Slip...
c) no leather, no sunroof...

Ugh... sunroof will cost $1K but I HAVE to have it... I'd feel closed in otherwise.
My plight continues... I'm interested in how much the supercharger would cost/boost me... I just want to be up in the 230hp range and I may be happy???

 

[Steven68504]

I actually bought a 2003 Explorer NBX on March 1st, 2003. So far I love it. It has the V-8. In June I had the thing totally loaded down with 5 people and all our luggage and gear. Drove from Nebraska to Utah and back with all 5 of us. (Nearly 3000 miles). The Load Warrior rack came in very handy as we had that completely full. The vehicle handled nicely off road on some trails we did at Capitol Reef National Park (which I highly recommend to anyone). Milage was about 19.5 mpg. Not bad for a 4x4 V-8. Then just a couple weeks ago I pulled a 19 foot boat a total of about 1600 miles. Pulled it great. And got nearly 15 mpg. Like I said, so far I love mine. I do have the off-road package. I love the interior as it is extremely easy to clean up. Believe me, that thing was full of dirt and mainly red dust from the Utah desert and you can't even tell it was dirty. My understanding and this makes sense to me anyway, is on the 2004 NBX the off-road package will be standard and not an option. I had a hard time finding an NBX with the off-road option around here. But, also on the 2004 the Load Warrior rack will not be standard. I never thought I'd use that rack but no way 5 of us could have made it without it.

 

[udmsvt]

was i reading that right, the V8 4x4 is 4c4 not AWD, AND has the control trac 2-speed trasfer case????

dude, i didnt know you could get a 4WD V8 in the ex!

 

[Steven68504]

Yes, the 2003 V-8 comes in either 2wd, AWD or 4x4 control trac. NBX comes only with 2wd or 4x4. AWD is not available on the NBX. I should also mention, the sunroof was not an option for the 2003 NBX but will be for the 2004 NBX.

 

[03ExplorerSPT]

sunbum, I know what you mean about having to have a sunroof. My old X didn'thave one but now every car that I get will have one. What Ford makes you pay for it is a rip. The Escape sunroof is only a $585 option whereas mine was an $800 option and it's half the size of the one in the Escape. At least on the 4-door model the roof still is only $800 and is bigger than the one in my Sport.

 

[Bwana Bob]

Stick for NBX?

Will a manual trans be available for the NBX?


I didn't see a manual trans option on the Ford web site, except on the Ex sport, which I understand is being discontinued. Seems that if you want a stick, you have to buy a Ranger.

 

[sunbum]

Thanks for the info... perhaps I'll wait for the 2004. Maybe then I won't have to "order" mine... I have to have the V-8, Sunroof, and 3.73 Slip...
Sounds like a nice rig though... good luck with your '03.

My only disappointment is the look of the back end... pretty much the same on XLT/XLT/NBX, but I'll cope. heh

Cheers.

 

[AndyCap]

Sunbum I am buying that exact truck!! I walked into the dealership last night and that is what they had. Love at first site!! This was a great thread for me because I got a lot of info I was wondering about.

One question I have though. What is the weight allowance on the rack? anyone know?

 

[sunbum]

I believe it was like 45-60lbs.. which didn't cut it for me with two kayaks, and the way I drive.
I'll hopefully be transferring my old rack to the new one, and I'll let them have the factory rack(s). Maybe I'll take the new cage and sell it though, we'll see how the deal goes when I do...
I am enjoying not having a car payment a lot though, and as much as I want the newer beefier NBX... I may hold out a lil longer, we'll see. It's the only Explorer I'd buy at this point though. Although mine is clean, the hell I've been through trying to squeeze some extra HP is frustrating and I just don't know how much more I want to sink into it versus just getting new.

Good luck with yours and I'm glad this thread helped you. I wish I had more info or could get some but I am totally swamped at work and traveling like 3 of the next 4weeks... nuts!

 

[kkreit01]

I like the NBXs because you don't see that many around here. I've only seen one on the road. It was a bright yellow one and a 65 yr-old white haired lady was driving it. LOL!

 

[AndyCap]

Thanks bro. I asked the manager at the dealership and he gave me this blank look - lol. I am a carpenter and was hoping to actually use the basket instead of having it just for looks. I am considering one of those racks you can plug into the trailer hitch. That way I can carry a job box and just drop and run.