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 11 through 20 of 372.00

• 

  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.

• 

  NOT WORTH IT!!! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By crsl67 - August 11 - 5:54 pm

  This 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.

• 

  Design Flaw - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Gary - July 28 - 5:57 am

  02 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

• 

  Same problems as everyone else - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Brian Apple - July 7 - 8:47 am

  Well, 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.

• 

  ITS Junk - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By xpd154 - July 5 - 3:28 pm

  it was great the first year, but i could have bought a new car with of how much i have payed to get things fixed on it. we also have a 1997 Nissan Altima and it is rarely fixed but our ford every 3 moths it in the shop. ITS A LEMON!!! I will never drive a ford again even if it was given to me. right now the rear heat doesnt work and makes a thumping noise, there is a massive computer problem, windshield fluid drips from the celling, the radio or cd player doesnt work ( and i have 6 cds stuck in it) there is a wheel bearing problem and it grinds, AND THAYS JUST AT THIS POINT IN TIME! DONT BUY ONE!!

• 

  Worst Car I ever owned - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By CT Mom of 2 - June 23 - 9:46 am

  Bought the 2002 Fod Explorer brand new from the dealer. Only 55,000 miles on in. The past year we had to replace the transmission (3k) and all wheel bearings at 400 each. Going broke. Will never buy a Ford again. This is by far the worst car I have ever owned.

• 

  fixed or repaired daily - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By rick - May 21 - 7:17 pm

  The looks and the 4.6 shifted me to buy this big piece of junk, I owned limos with the 4.6 that got over 300k with no problems, so I brought this xlt, my mechanic hugged me and said we might as well be family now, so many problems with this suv. Omg. Maybe Ill be lucky, nope 111,000 miles tranny acted up, Wayne county Ford pa, said we dont bother rebuilding that tranny, new 1 $4,600, . Installed, rear wheel bearings, broken springs, alternator, rear seal, a/c gets warm then boom overheats twice... Uhaul refuses to let this car be used to tow, my sable can LOL, to all who love there explorers good luck cause your gonna need it, my last Ford

• 

  Wished for better - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By MIBobG - May 16 - 5:25 pm

  I had owned the previous model Explorer and liked it. Pluses for this model included a nicer ride with less cornering sway, a bit roomier interior. Cargo space is excellent for hauling all kinds of camping gear. Only initial downside was that the car is noisy on the highway. That having been said, the car has been a turkey. Transmission #1 failed at just past the warranty mileage for a $2.5K repair. Now that transmission is failing at the same point - perfect planned obsolescence. By 80K miles I had to replace all four wheel bearing sets, and both rear springs. Had several expensive cases of engine oil leakage which required replacing engine seals. Interior trim falls off. On & on.

• 

  Last Ford I will ever buy - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By done with ford - April 10 - 2:37 pm

  This is my second Explore and I should have learned from the first one which lived up to the name “Exploder” (at about 120,000 miles I was dumping anywhere from $500 - $1500.00 per month in to it just to keep it running). My 2002 Explorer appears to be even worse. Just passing 91000 miles of nothing but city street travel I have replaced the internal components of the steering column twice which cost to date $3000.00 and the rear bearing for $600.00. The transmission has slipped since day one and I don’t want to know what that will cost to repair, the rear differential seals are leaking and the front bearing are starting to go. I am getting rid of the vehicle this weekend! Its Doge for me!

• 

  Will Never Buy Again! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By sonybomb - March 7 - 6:54 pm

  Problems since day 1. Replaced all 4 wheel bearings, door ajar light is on all the time and there is no door open! Peeling clear coat around windows. Now tranny is slipping like crazy, cant wait to get rid of it as soon as I pay it off!