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 1 through 10 of 372.00-
Do NOT buy a 2002 Ford Explorer!!! - 2002 Ford Explorer
By joseph980 - January 30 - 8:53 pmThe 2002 Ford Explorer is junk! Even Ford will not stand behind it. Lets see: New Transmission ($3k), new front and back timing tensioners ($2700), new wheel bearings ($400 each), new wheel springs ($400 each), new window regulators ($380 each), new back window ($800), new 4X4 module ($500), new fuel pump ($750), front suspenion things, work on the electrical system several times ($$), new O2 sensor, etc, etc. Its paid for but the problems started around 80K miles. Ford really made a POS. I know I am forgetting some repairs, there were too many. Quality is NOT job #1 at Ford. Time to buy foreign.
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good in formula bad in practice - 2002 Ford Explorer
By tompnoid - March 29 - 11:09 amFord has built a truck with all wheel drive to help with horse power and grip when riding on wet roads awesome right?? no... a great idea in a lab isnt always practical in real life mine has 89k on it and needs a new transmission i went to a shop the other day and asked a guy about price said i have a 2002 ford explorer he goes wait look over there see all those boxes those are transmissions for 2002 ford explorers. you cannot build a full time 4 wheel drive vehicle that is this heavy and have only a 4.0 l v6 powerplant. this would of been a great vehicle with better gas milage and no trannsmission issues had they only put in a button to let u disengage the 4 wheel drive.
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Well is this it? - 2002 Ford Explorer
By vue5531 - January 1 - 2:50 amI have a 2002 Explorer Limited, but I have the V-8 model, and all I can say is that I absolutely hate this vehicle. The interior is of poor build quility, its not roomy, comfortable, or very attractive. I am 67 and also have a Saturn Vue and it has so much more interior room.The ride is absolutely terrible. You feel every bump and crack in the road. The transmission has gone out twice since Ive owned the car, electronics work when they want to. I think that if your going to spend near $43k like I did (brand new), you can buy so many other vehicles that are much better and cheaper, and with less problems. The only good thing is the power the V-8 produces.
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Break Downs - 2002 Ford Explorer
By Dan - May 1 - 2:50 pmWith less than 90,000 miles, I have replaced four wheel bearings, rear coil springs and struts, four wheel drive module, "Transmission" and now the starter. This is the worst ford I have ever owned, and Ford will not stand behind any of my break downs. I have owned fords all my driving life and this is the last one. I have over $6,000.00 in repairs to this vehicle in just under a year.
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What a RIP OFF! - 2002 Ford Explorer
By Rachael - March 25 - 2:16 pmI have had problems for the past 2 years w/ this vehicle. I have replaced 3 wheel bearings w/ in the past year and now they are loose again. I have the infamous rear panel crack, replaced fuel pump, replaced intake manifold, replaced fuel line, had starter problems, rear passenger door does not lock, door ajar light will not stop (WD40 is a temporary fix). I am afraid to drive it because the check engine light is always on. This truck is high maintenance. Ford Motor company does nothing to help. Basically every month I make a payment I feel like I am being robbed. CHECK OUT ALL REVIEWS BEFORE BUYING THIS SUV.
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Extreme dissappointment - 2002 Ford Explorer
By stretch - January 5 - 11:52 amIve 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.
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REALTOR - 2002 Ford Explorer
By bruce - December 27 - 10:47 pmAfter 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 pmI 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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Rattles and stalls - 2002 Ford Explorer
By Junk - October 8 - 2:00 amSince 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
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Used to like Fords - 2002 Ford Explorer
By Give Up on Ford - September 10 - 7:30 pmIve 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!
