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 61 through 70 of 372.00-
HAVE A CRACK UNDER THE REAR WINDOW??? - 2002 Ford Explorer
By Bakemama - August 13 - 3:29 pmI see so many people posting about getting a crack on the body below the rear window, sometimes under the rear wiper. I had that on my 02 Explorer Limited in 05, but had it fixed asap as it was a recall issue. So if your dealer says they cant fix it... thats a bunch of bull. As for my Limited, I dont have it any longer, and wish I still had it! I have a huge commute and couldnt afford the gas when it went up to $5 a gallon, so traded it in for a sedan. Am now looking to get rid of the sedan and find another Explorer. The limited trim and features were excellent and I converted more GMC/Chevy and import guys that hated Fords with it. Also worth noting, never had any mechanical probs with it
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NOT WORTH IT!!! - 2002 Ford Explorer
By crsl67 - August 11 - 5:54 pmThis vehicle is nothing but problems! Transmission slips, had rearend replaced once already, car dies while driving. In hot weather car will not start no one can tell me why. Have had electrical problems. This car isnt worth the aggravation.
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Satisfied Owner - 2002 Ford Explorer
By bladerunski - August 8 - 2:00 amOriginally set out to purchase a GMC Envoy SLT 4x4, but was more impressed with the Explorers ride quality, drivers seating position, and cargo area...have used the Explorer for numerous road, camping, and skiing trips...very good gas mileage considering the size and weight...4.0L V6 provides ample power around town, but struggles with four adults + gear on mountain grades and passing on two- lane highways...have to run the A/C on cool days (mid/upper 60s) because the manual mode warms outside air too much, even when set at 60.
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Terriffic Truck - 2002 Ford Explorer
By grmsky - August 6 - 10:00 amI have nothing but good things to say about my Explorer. I feel very safe in it which is very important when traveling with babies. I have never had anything go wrong with the vehicle. It drives great in the snow and even with AWD, I still get about 18 mpg around town as I dont do much highway driving.
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Wheel bearings, brakes and computers - 2002 Ford Explorer
By Mhammer - July 31 - 12:17 pmVehicle gets a surprising 19 mpg on highway. AWD is great in snow, mud and beach sand. Sound system is awesome as well as front/rear AC. Easy entry and great visibility. But Ford really blew it underneath. I have replaced both wheel bearings front (once) rear (twice). Rear struts and springs after both springs broke. Emergency brake pad and cable twice. All four brake calipers twice as they froze up. As for the cars brains, I had to replace a very expensive security system computer module, as well as the courtesy light system computer. All this with only 71,300 miles and only one driver. My old Izuzu Trooper went 163,000 miles until the engine failed. Just brakes and a clutch there.
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Breaks My Heart - 2002 Ford Explorer
By Sad Ford owner - July 30 - 8:28 amI loved this SUV and still do but after a wheel bearing went out and I almost lost the back wheel at 70 miles and hour (thank god the break kept it on the car). I then had the transmission start acting up, they quoted me quite a chunk to fix it, it has the delayed engagement of gears when you first put it into gear. Also the rear axle case leaks and has for quite some time. I looked up these issues and they are far to common. I hate to say it but since it is so hard to find manual anymore I guess Im heading to a car... a Honda and it hurts because I have always believed in ford but I cant take a hit like this again so hooray for cash for clunkers.
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Design Flaw - 2002 Ford Explorer
By Gary - July 28 - 5:57 am02 Explorer 70K Needs rear springs/struts, replaced front bearings and hubs, needs rear bearings. Has the big old crack down the rear another one of many design flaws. This truck has never towed or hauled a thing
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great - 2002 Ford Explorer
By zach - July 21 - 12:50 pmThis vehicle is fun to drive and can accelerate very quickly. It has a 5.0 v8 in it and can tow up to 9,000 lbs. It gets around 18mpg so gas isnt that great in it.
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2,000 mile review - 2002 Ford Explorer
By RockvilleMan - July 19 - 2:30 pmNo problems to report on my 4x2 XLT, the only option I decided on was the side impact airbags. It has been responding like a charm. No glitches yet. The lower entry has paid off. No complaints from the mother in law regarding how high it is. She gets in and out without complaints and no need for running boards.
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Same problems as everyone else - 2002 Ford Explorer
By Brian Apple - July 7 - 8:47 amWell, my problems seem to not be a coincidence compared to others. Ive had wheel bearing problems since I got the car and the strip under the rear window has a crack. Ive had this car towed once because the wheel bearings failing in the front almost killed me on the interstate. I cant believe it has such an average high rating on this site. The V6 is one of the weakest on the planet. If Cadillac can get 306 hp out of 3.6 liters, why does Ford manage 210 hp from 4? They still use the same crappy V6 and the mileage is pretty terrible too. Oh, and the ride is rough and the open differential is also terrible. If you have one wheel on mud and one on pavement, youre going no where.
