Overview & Reviews

The 2002 Ford Explorer has been overhauled in an attempt to make it more carlike than ever before. Among the improvements are a 2.5-inch-wider stance and 2-inch-longer wheelbase for improved handling and roominess, a new independent rear suspension that improves ride and handling, while at the same time accommodating an optional third row of seats, larger door openings with a lower step-in height, an optional side curtain airbag system and an optional Reverse Sensing System.

• Available third-row seating, independent rear suspension, powerful engines, attractive new exterior design.

• Everyone and his uncle has one, driving characteristics are still pretty truck-like.

User Reviews:

Showing 101 through 110 of 372.00

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  Four Time Explorer Owner - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By MLF - November 14 - 8:56 pm

  I have owned four new Explorers: 94, 96, 98 and this 2002. Always liked the size, perfect for my needs. Never had any serious issues and up until recently, the 2002 was by far my favorite. Much better ride and handling. However, have had emissions problem that dealer & Ford cant seem to resolve. Exhaust has had strong sulfur smell that is intolerable. Dealer claims to have resolved now. Also, just had 4WD control module fail. Warranty repaired. They rented me a 2004 Explorer while mine was in shop; transmission very, very jerky. Always been loyal customer but beginning to lose faith and confidence in Ford Explorer. Since out of warranty, considering trading to different brand.

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  2002 Explorer is a Lemon - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Kassie - November 14 - 2:00 am

  After 3 attempts at transmission repair and 4 times having the rear rack and pinion replaced we finally had to file under the lemon law. The engine would rev high and then lurch into gear, and eventually O/D light flashes and would completely loose 2nd and 5th gears. Ford supposedly flew field engineer down but still unable to get it resolved. NO more Fords for me!

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  So far so good - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By DBOWEN - October 14 - 10:00 am

  We were looking at another minivan when I suggested to my wife an SUV. She liked the idea of a 3rd fold-down seat for storage and 4WD. We looked at the expedition but it was too big and settled on the Explorer. This car is fun to drive. ALthough less room than a minivan, it handles great and the kids love to ride in it. I looked at other SUVs and they just werent safe enough. Explorer is alot of car for the money. Wife loves to drive it now too.

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  FORD HATER - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By FORDHATER - October 11 - 10:00 am

  WHERE SHOULD I START? OIL LEAKS I HAVE HAD 3 OF THEM ALL FROM THE SAME AREA. THE BACK WINDOW EXPLODED AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE REAR GATE, ALL JUST BY CLOSING IT. THERE IS STILL A HARSHENGAGEMENT/STUDDER WHEN ACCELERATING. AND FORDS CUSTOMER SUPPORT SUCKS. IF YOUR LOOKING TO BUY AN EXPLORER YOU SHOULD THINK AGAIN

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  Problems with 2002 Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Wade Troutman - October 4 - 7:04 am

  Ford let my Explorer out of the factory with some strange problems. High beams stay on-cant fix without replacing steering column (dont use high beams, and if I forget and use them I have to disconnect the battery to turn them off). Replaced noisy wheel bearings at 70K. Power window motor on rear drivers side door out at 30K. Door ajar light on and off since 10K (gave up taking it to dealer after three visits). AC/heater floor vents leak. Transaxle seals replaced at 90K. Rear passenger side turn signal out at 100K. Lights work, but turn signal doesnt work. Clear coat started peeling on the passenger side of the vehicle in 2007. I am tired of the nagging little problems..

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  2002 xlt 4wd explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By rbreeden - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Overall good vehicle; however, have had some transmission problems. Gas mileage is pretty bad.

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  Its been a year now -- no regrets - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Goose bumps II - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my LTD Explorer a year today and Ive had to say this has been the best Truck ever. Rides nice, handles well, fuel is what Id expect from a V8 19 in town and 24 on the highway. Not one factory repair as yet.

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  great package - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By prmonse - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I steped up from a Sports car, because I needded more space and comfort. I wasnt dissapointed, this vehicle is roomy comfortable, relatively quite on the road, inspite huge wheel package, easy to drive. New shape is very handsome, thats what attracted me in the first place, although interior on my XLT looks plain and a little plasticly. The XLT package is a very desiarable package, the wheels alone are worth it. The deal maker was the great ford price, I got mine out the door with the aftermentioned XLTpackage, leather seats, 6 CD 80 watts sound system for 29 thousand and change.

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  Pay the Price for High Mileage - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By jm - August 20 - 6:00 pm

  Have put on 35K/year but at a price. First rear tie rods, then transmission, then rear wheel bearing, then front wheel bearing, then rear end, then emergency brake 2 times and now at 174K the rear end needs to be replaced (again) along with the rear springs. This is from the same company that makes the Crown VIC. 200K and going strong. My expecatations were too high for this vechile. When it was brought for major failure the dealership didnt bother to do any diagnostic work. Just replaced it. Now based upon what i have read here. I can see why!

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  Not to my expectations - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By mosinoi - August 12 - 9:27 am

  I have a 2002 Explorer, which I bought in 2001, when the new line first came out. Transmission was bad from the time I took it off the lot, brand new. The dealer could not fix it, and last year 166,000 miles later I put in a new transmission. I also have the "door ajar" light problem, even though the door is closed. The drivers rear wheel bearing broke about three years ago, now the passengers side broke, too, at 192,000. I guess for the mileage it has it has served me pretty well. But I was expecting to get a lot more from this care for the price I paid ($32,000). I would not buy a Ford car again, thats for sure. Ill go with the German imports.