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 51 through 60 of 372.00

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  impressed - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By scott wheatman - October 8 - 2:00 am

  i am extremely impressed with what ford did with the new explorer. when i first heard about the new design with an IRS i assumed it would be an oversized station wagon like some of the comprtition.but it wasnt! its still a truck;that rides as good as the others and has an impressive amount of saftey and comfort options for the money. keep it up ford.

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  7 years w/few issues - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Tolland Mc Murray - September 27 - 10:28 pm

  On the hole, this has been a decent family truckster for seven plus years. Major issues have been the leaking rear differntial and an alternator that quit on the freeway during rush hour. Transmission now starting to slip a bit at 87000 miles. Has been great in the snow and on other lnog-distance trips, good combination of passenger room and stuff hauling ability. I have been very pleased with my Explorer, look forward to having it for many more years.

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  has been a great SUV! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By MGGDTW - September 27 - 9:02 pm

  Cant believe hearing about all the probs people have been having with these! Very happy owner here. Owned since new,112k miles on my 4 door 2WD 4.0 V6 as of now. Rear axle replaced at 30k under warranty. Front suspension components were all replaced finally at 100k. Some AC components were also replaced. No continuous or nagging problems. Took a 6500 mile road trip from Detroit to Death Valley and back without a lick of probs back in 05. 123 degrees at Furnace Creek and AC kicking ice cold. Great for the long haul!

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  Used to like Fords - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Give Up on Ford - September 10 - 7:30 pm

  Ive had problems with my 2002 XLS since I purchased it. The rear gate would not latch and they had to replace the whole gate. It took All American Ford a week to do that. Front driver side door leaks when driving on highway during rain shower. The transmission constantly slips and thumps in and out between gears at low speed. Noisy cab at speeds in excess of 55 mph. The interior dash lights come on and off for no apparent reasons. Dealership claims there are no problems. I dont like the cheap plastic bumper. It is like a bug magnet. Not very roomy interior for a driver that is 64" either. Overall, I had a Ford pickup truck before the EXPLODER and I think that mechanically, Ford missed it!

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  Good not great - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Cakeman - September 7 - 1:40 pm

  Good reliable vehicle, nice ride, plenty of room for packages and large items. Good all around, nothing exceptional.

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  LOVE MY SUV - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By LadyC85 - August 29 - 3:08 pm

  Ive only had my car 2 months but I love it I drove it from Missouri to California and back which is a total of 3,700 and had no problems but my brakes needed to be replaced once we got to California it drives just as smooth and quiet as it drove when we bought it.....I guess the only problem I have with it is the six disc CD changer sometimes gets stuck and its hell getting the cds out

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  Death Mobile - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Deane - August 25 - 3:57 pm

  This is the worst car I have ever owned it is dangerous, expensive & unreliable. It started with fractured paint (over the whole car. I was told by Licardi Ford, where it was purchased, that I had the car repainted not true!),the small back hatch exploding in my face, I then went on to replace: bad brakes,dropped transmission, broken front axle, broken rear axle, electrical system twice,the doors periodically go out of alignment & not close properly, and, when it rains, it rains in the car. Theres more but why continue this is bad enough.

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  Wheel bearing nightmare - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Paul Becker - August 17 - 8:41 am

  Its obvious now that Ford has a real problem with the wheel bearings on the Explorer. Today, I am having the 4th wheel bearing replacement on my Explorer. Right rear (once) Left rear (twice) and today, Left front (once). It seems inevitable that the next to go is the Right front. What a complete pain and drain on the wallet with each replacement costing $400. Other issues include body hardware and a way underpowered engine.

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  love the safety and room but the engine. - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By gerri - August 16 - 10:48 am

  Purchased my ford explorer xlt brand new. I love the safety of it. The comfort is great but the engine yuk. Ive replaced the transmission once already. Slowly parts start to go. Fords attitude was your warranty is up nothing we can do!! I would buy it again only if the quality of the engine and trani were better. And use better parts all around!! I love to buy american but lets see the quality and customer service get alot better!

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  Biggest Mistake - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Biggest Regret - August 13 - 9:59 pm

  Loved exterior so much compulsive buy. Biggest Mistake I ever made. Friends had been driving Fords for years no problem. mine Blew spark plugs. Dealer wanted 3000 to replace heads. Luckily private mechanic repaired for 800. Only prob, it kept happening. 3 of 8 cylinders blew over a year so in all 2400. Trans problems too. I have to say it never stranded me and I put 147000 on it in 3 yrs. With blown spark plug engine ran and got me to safety.Replaced rear Bearings, and Brakes froze in "applied" position. This warped rotor, melted brake lines, and ruined pads. 700 in repairs. A PLUS though after going offroad and air borne into small river (knee deep in water upon exit)it never tried to flip