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 41 through 50 of 372.00

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  CLUNK TRUCK - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By DAVE (KENTUCKY) - December 29 - 2:00 am

  AFTER PURCHASING THE EXPLORER I NOTICED A CLUNKING NOISE AND A HOWLING NOISE IN THE REAR END THAT WOULD DRIVE YOU CRAZY. THE TRUCK HAD 45000 MILES ON IT. WITH NO EXTENDED WARRANTY I PAID $1200 DOLLORS TO GET IT FIXED,WELL PARTIALLY FIXED, IT STILL HAS A CLUNK AND A SLIGHT VIBRATION WHEN TAKING OFF. IF YOU BUY ONE "GOOD LUCK". DAVE (KENTUCKY)

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  REALTOR - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By bruce - December 27 - 10:47 pm

  After 50k Trans 1 replaced, after 90k trans 2 replaced,after 60k trans 1 replaced and after 100k trans 2 replaced. Also after 100k push button 4WD failed to work - altough only used 7 or 8 times. We call it the EXPLODER! rather than Explored. Now driving a $ Runner!

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  Worst vehicle ive ever owned - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By MichaelWall - November 25 - 9:12 pm

  I bought this Exploder from my grandparents best friends in 2007. It had 69000 miles on it when i bought it for 7000 dollars. At 79000 miles the 4wd went out, right after that the o/d light would blink the airbag light would stay on and the service engine light came on and wouldnt go off. I serviced the vehicle regularly and and 84000 miles the transmission went out. I paid the dealership 4300 dollars to get a new tranny and now im at just over 89000 miles and its back at the dealership getting the 2nd tranny put in it! I will never buy another ford ever again. I you wanna read more, google "02 ford transmission problems and see for yourselves

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  LOVE IT - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By PFN - November 20 - 10:00 am

  We love the vehicle far more than we thought we would. It is a joy to drive.

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  Last Ford I will ever buy - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By luvencl - November 17 - 6:16 am

  I have driven Fords all my life but this 2002 is the worse experience I have ever had. First to go was the rear AC, kept getting a click noise. Had it replaced under warranty, but then it went bad again just after the warranty ran out. Then had stereo also go bad. CD player got stuck, then 2 months later, volume would just start to get loud with no control touching. Master brake cylinder replaced at 42,000, and then the oxygen sensor, door trim @ same time. Then one very cold morning, I go to my car and notice a huge crack in the hatch below glass. I called the police because I thought someone tried to break into my SUV. Found later that others have the same problem. I am done with Ford!

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  Love the improvements - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By DeputyDan - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I had a 1993 Explorer and got unbelievable service from it. Changed to a 2002 after searching for a car but just couldnt find anything that we liked as well as our old Explorer. Am running the XLT with V-8 and love the power and ride. Did have the "shattering" lift gate panel problem but dealer fixed it. (They had a service bulletin explaining the problem) Dealership has been great with follow-up since sale. I dont know if all Ford dealers are as good as mine but mine is great. I havent run it a full year yet but love the ride, power and auto 4wd. Puddle lighting is nice and overall a nice looking ride.

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  Solid vehicle - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Paul - November 6 - 6:48 pm

  I been putting plenty of miles on this vehicle and she holds up strong. Am currently pushing 170,000 miles and have not had to put any major cash into maintenance. Would highly recommend this suv to anyone out there looking.

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  The Honeymoon ended quickly. - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Sean - November 4 - 5:03 am

  Bought new in 02. The new car smell, and the dealer gave me a great deal. Loved the remodel from old style (Traded in 00 sport). Then reality hit. First time on vacation entire rear glass door assembly broke from hinges and I caught it luckily. Then had fuel pump assembly and tank relaced. Both under warranty thank god. Then the rear door broke again. Then the rear door cracked below the windshield wiper assembly. The interior plastic grey trim along the top of the door front seat doors along the windows has seriously faded. The black exterior trim between the front and rear doors has also faded. It now has 103K miles after 7 years and I will drive this into the ground.

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  Reliable, good snow vehicle - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By CAJTBJ - October 23 - 10:00 am

  We frequently commute over snowy/icy Stevens Pass (WA State) during the Winter to get our mountain cabin. Our 02 Explorer has handled some pretty tough conditions easily (including a pretty rugged, snowy climb up our primitive driveway). We traded in our 97 Explorer for the 02. Though the 97 was fine, the new Explorers are a HUGE improvement. Much more drivable, comfortable, and safe.

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  Rattles and stalls - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Junk - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Since I bought this explorer its been in the shop for repairs 5 times for 3 to 4 days each time. It has rattles in the dash, steering column and rear window. It hesitates when going into trafic. The alternator has been changed along with the left rear view miror.The rear end hums at 50 to 60 mmh. Ford said this is normal, I disagree and plan to sell the thing. JUNK