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 161 through 170 of 372.00

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  Bearing(s) Down - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By chennung - November 3 - 7:34 pm

  When I moved to the US in 2002, I was so proud I bought an American SUV, contrary to my friends who bought Japanese cars. True, the first 5 years were without any problem. Last month, noise from the front drew me to the dealer. Diagnosis: front AND rear hub bearings worn out, diff pinion and bearings also to be replaced -- total $ 2750. I wish I had read the reviews before...hub bearings issue definitely bearing down on Ford Explorer. If this is such a widely known issue, am not sure why Ford is not replacing it for free -- ...one would think that an SUV would have strong bearings. My second car which I bought this month is definitely not a Ford. Ford has lost its bearings.

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  No major problems here - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Happy With It - October 29 - 10:00 am

  I think the reviews are pretty tough on sites like this because more often than not, it is the people who have problems that seek out to put up a review. Anyway, love my Explorer - just right size, not to big or too small. Tows like a champ with the healthy V8. Only two minor issues - squeaky front suspension and the airbag warning light came on. The dealership replaced the bushings on the front suspension and replaced a sensor for the airbag - no problems since! I think the transmission definitely could be improved. I sometimes find it slipping into gear after moving from park to drive or reverse, but once again, not the end of the world. Im happy!

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  Not So Reliable - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By mnmatches - October 23 - 10:00 am

  - 5 trips to the dealership because of faulty ABS parts. - Flakey transmission (it sometimes does not pull into neutral when stopping and nearly kills the engine) - Good inital braking ability but VERY poor lifespan for roters (second pair in as many years of ownership)

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  2002 Explorer review - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By richard stover - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Replaced an 83 Explorer. I have been very impressed with the ride, comfort, and design.+

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  Tranny and Rear Differential Blues-20K in 4 yrs - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By John - October 5 - 8:33 am

  Bought this wonderful driving vehicle new for around $29K and smiled. Rear differential and tranny failed at 60K: $1,300 for the rear diff, $3,600 for the tranny. Appealed to Ford to stand behind their product and correct these obvious design defects: Ford says "Sorry, out of warranty". Do a search on "02 Explorer Problems" and you can spend the afternoon reading about people with the same mechanical failures who received no support from Ford. Car is now worth about $9K trade in. Im sick. Worst part is, this is a nice car ... if only Ford would stand behind it. This is my 4th Ford. As patriotic as I am, I will not throw more money into another depreciation dog with ridiculous reliability problems.

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  Fun Ride - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By goseaski - September 27 - 6:53 am

  One nagging problem with moon roof leaking, three times to dealer for repair. Better then it was, still drips on a few occasions.

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  Transmission problems - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By lambdds1 - September 25 - 6:20 am

  Have had numerous problems with transmission.

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  Chevy Guy - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Chevy Guy - August 10 - 10:00 am

  I finally gave in and bought this Ford SUv for my wife and kids. What a surprise and pleasure it is to drive. the V8 is almost too powerful for what I need but great to have when you need it.

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  I would get one if I were you.... - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Explorer Man - June 14 - 2:00 am

  I traded my 2000 XLT V8 for my 20002 V8 XLT Explorer. What a difference..The interior while a little plain is much more roomy. The 4.6 V8 is much more smoother than the old 302 mustang V8. Over all I would stongly recommend one of these. My only complaint at the time that was I could not get the Mach sound system, and driving lights with a XLT. Ford must have listened to my survey, they have since made these two options available

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  getting tough to keep buying American! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Kilbrie - May 29 - 8:36 pm

  I bought my Explorer with 19k on it. The front bushings were replaced as well as a spring tensioner on the timing chain (it sounded like a diesel above 2500rpm). But these were covered under warranty so I was fine with them. Then at 44k, the transmission took a dump! Thank goodness I had an extended warranty but I still had to deal with the insurance company and the transmission shop ... 6 weeks later my truck was done. Now the rear end is humming quite loud and the transfer case is leaking somewhere. The wind noise is getting worse every day. I had a Taurus wagon that had over 200k miles on it and had less wind noise and no leaks. I keep vehicles for a long time ... but not this one!