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 31 through 40 of 372.00

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  the money pit! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By lisa - March 10 - 7:52 am

  I fell in love with the "look" of the explorer xlt, and had always heard that Ford built a good vehicle. Everything started out great. But, around 70,000 miles that all started to change. I have replaced 6 wheel bearings, rebuilt the transmission, changed window switch, the interior lights works only when they want too, heat doesnt work anymore, volume knob is broken, clicking noise coming from dash, 4x4 doesnt work, trim started fading to quick, leather seats dont hold up, rear passenger door wont lock and after all this the transmission is going out again. Dont waset your money on what is now known as the Ford exploder.

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  Extremely reliable - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By robt - March 4 - 4:50 pm

  Purchased this car new and have had VERY few problems. Computer went out at 130,000. Bearings could stand to be replaced now (still on original set), I change the oil myself with high grade (purple magic) oil and 10K filter regularly at every 10K miles. Changed differential and coolant for first time last week. I have never serviced the sealed transmission on a mechanics advice. What more can I say. I couldnt kill this thing if i wanted. I would take it to Alaska tomorrow.

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  Great Mid-size SUV - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By KCAttorney - February 6 - 12:26 am

  Bought this SUV with V6 in summer of 2007 with 95K miles on it. Sold it in November 2009 with 130K miles to a friends daughter who just turned 16. It still looks great, interior & exterior. Only repairs during that time were 2 rear wheel bearings and the rear AC door actuator. Other people complain about having to repair items like wheel bearings at "only" 90K miles. Come on, be realistic. Once a car gets over 50K miles, its going to need repairs from time to time. This SUV offers a great overall package. Ive had 3 Explorers now and had good luck with all 3. They arent perfect, but Ive had several other SUVs also, and the Explorer is a great truck. Thats why Ive owned 3.

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  very good truck - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By big_guy - January 26 - 12:29 pm

  very nice to drive not exactly used for normal things but took every thing i put it through got it with 33000 on it and now have 230000 and still going

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  didnt even get 70,000 miles - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Ed C. - January 26 - 9:16 am

  Ford puts out another horrible product. This is my secnd ford explorer, my mistake, first one 1998 engine failed 70,000. Culdnt afford repair so took advantage of a special offer and purchased a brand new 2002 one. Well after paying it off and enjoying only one car payment in this economy, after only 67,551 miles this engine died. I will never purchase Ford product again. Reliability terrible Ford service terrible, ford customer service center.. terrible.

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  02 explorer xlt - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By DLW - January 23 - 3:48 am

  We have had this explorer for ten years. We have had know issues what so ever. We have taken our explorer on multiple long trips. We have got as much as 21 mpg. A little uncomfortable but over all feels like you are driving a car.

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  Brake Downs - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Dan - January 11 - 11:09 am

  I bought this suv with 36000 on it. I have replaced all four wheel bearings at a cost of around $450. a piece. That started at 46000. The four wheel drive modual went out at 87000, cost 490. It just turned 90000 and guess what? The transmission went out, cost 3,550. I have driven Fords for over 35 years and this is the worst luck I have ever had and of course Ford wont help, I ask the dealer about the tranny at a local dealership and he almost laughed. Not sure but was told the parts are made in Mexico! Go figure! Oh the heated seats also quit last year. Guess I dont need a seat warmer anyway, and I forgot the lift gate shocks, I replaced all four of them.

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  I love this car. - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By gina - January 8 - 1:48 pm

  This is my second Explorer and I would buy a third one. This car has been amazing with very little work needed.

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  Love it - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Alan - January 5 - 8:41 pm

  I bought this truck with 100 miles back in 2002 i have had 2 problems at around 112,000 miles the tranny went in 2008 then a few thousand miles later the alternator went besides that well maintained and runs great have about 128,000 and still trucking love my ford.

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  Extreme dissappointment - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By stretch - January 5 - 11:52 am

  Ive been a Ford man all of my life until now. Should have read the reviews before I bought it. What a mechanical piece of crap. Afraid to even drive it, wondering what is going to need repairs next. Door ajar light comes on for no reason, 4X4 is locked in low. Was going down the road at about 25mph in 4 auto when low locked in. Thought I had dropped the motor and tranny on the ground with the violent shifting that occurred.Im just glad no one was behind me when it happened. Rear axle bearing noise, front wheel bearings bad, broken panel under rear window.It seems my vehicle has all of the problems combined that Ive read on this and similar websites.Ford should be ashamed of themselves.