2002 Ford Explorer Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

3.83/5 Average
372 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

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.

Pros:
  • Available third-row seating, independent rear suspension, powerful engines, attractive new exterior design.
Cons:
  • Everyone and his uncle has one, driving characteristics are still pretty truck-like.

User Reviews:

Showing 131 through 140 of 372.00
  • Good Vehicle - 2002 Ford Explorer
    By -

    Minor problems, fixed under warranty, rear axle seals needed replacing, shocks needed to be replaced after only 1 year, aside from those issues, its a really great vehicle. Tried to trade it in for a new one. Market Value is incredibly low, couldnt trade it in. I guess Ill have to keep it. Sorry FORD, no new sale here.

  • If quality is not an issue then buy one - 2002 Ford Explorer
    By -

    Today is a great day as I finally unloaded my Explorer for a new Lexus. I really liked the look of the Explorer however the parts quality is very suspect. Even though mine only had 50,000 miles the drivetrain acted as if it had 150,000 miles. How Ford could build a vehicle with such poor quality interior parts is beyond me. I guess thats why Toyota is eating their lunch.

  • PoJ - 2002 Ford Explorer
    By -

    This is a true Piece of Junk. Transmission went just after the warranty expired, 37K miles, cost over $3K to replace. Now it is starting to clunk again. Rear hatch cracked, which amazed me until I started noticing them all around town with the same crack. There is also a leak back there that lets water stream in regardless of the number of times Ive had it repaired. Now its the rear wheel bearings that are singing to me so they need to be replaced, which the repair shop told me is a big job (read that expensive). Bought a new one in the early 90s that I drove 200K miles with a lot less repairs. If I could sell this lemon I would but the word is out, its a PoJ. Need more space...

  • Blinded by Beauty - 2002 Ford Explorer
    By -

    Not enough space to list my true feelings. Driver and passenger window motors fail. Driver and passenger rear wheel bearings fail about 6 months apart. CD player was the 1st thing to fail. Rear hatch was cracking. I thought that was a first until I came here. Transmission fails as it refused to shift into 3rd gear. Estimated repair cost was $1800-2200. Considered getting it fixed until I visited one of these sites. One person explained my troubles verbatim. He also continued to have problems after the repairs. Made a believer out of me as I traded the EB. I have owned Fords all of my adult life. When I trade my LS(great car by the way) I will never own another Ford. True story.

  • biggest mistake Ive ever made - 2002 Ford Explorer
    By -

    I would not advise anyone to own one of these unless you have alot of money to spend on repairs!

  • grandmas explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
    By -

    Our 92 Caravan was getting tired and we decided to try the explorer having had ford trucks over the years. What a great vehicle! It has everything we need in a vehicle. Room,ride,power,do-dads,and quality. We love it!

  • Very dissapointed - 2002 Ford Explorer
    By -

    We bought our Explorer less than a year ago and its at the Ford dealership again to have the transmission overhauled. Fortunately the first time the dealership paid for the cost of the repairs since it occured within the first 30 days of ownership. This time some of the cost will be picked by the extended warranty company. What happens next year when something else goes wrong with the transmission? I wish I had read the reviews on the 2002 Explorer before I purchased it. I would have thought twice about buying it. Normally I would not have bought a car that was five years old, but it looked so good and drove great. Appearances certainly can be deceiving. Im afraid to see whats next.

  • Dont buy this vehicle - 2002 Ford Explorer
    By -

    I bought this vehicle because the 1994 Explorer we had was a truly great vehicle, so we gave it to our son and upgraded to the 2002 XLT. Big mistake! This vehicle has been nothing but junk. If you have to make a hard stop, the transmission slips and then the vehicle stalls. We have had this problem since we have had it. Eventually I will get a ticket for not stopping on a yellow light, but I crowd the yellow so the vehicle doesnt die. The back air makes a terrible noise if you turn it on. Now the 4 wheel drive has stopped working. This vehicle only has 60,000 miles and I wish I could scrap it. I understand this model is notorious for transmission problems. Ford should do a recall!

  • Great SUV - 2002 Ford Explorer
    By -

    Being the daughter two hard-working, blue collar workers, this SUV was a big investment for our family. Luckily, it has been a great purchase. The only thing that kinda hurts is the poor gas mileage, but we have been doing okay on long trips. Being 17, I really appreciate the audio system. Moonroof was a great addition, it really adds something. I have 2 siblings and we vacation for long periods of time (3 weeks, all driving), and the third row seat was GOD SENT. Thanks Ford for giving my family a car that Im not embarassed to be seen in, (BLEH CONVERSION VAN!)

  • DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY! - 2002 Ford Explorer
    By -

    This vehicle has been nothing but a money pit $2700 transmission, $500+ tires $900+ roters/pads which rusted to something which drove the price drivers auto window switch replaced $$ now my hatch back CRACKED! Have you ever heard of a car cracking?? When I found out other 02 Ford owners experienced this, it just confirms what a piece of junk this car is. Did I mention it shakes when it runs about 20-30mph...cant wait to find out what that is! Oh, and the 16-17 miles per gallon is outstanding (yes, that is sarcasm)

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