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 21 through 30 of 372.00

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  one terrible vehicle - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By unhappy ford custome - January 1 - 2:00 am

  1) dash board vibration noise 2) loose driver seat track 3) front wheel rubbing on tire right turns 4) hard start when warm 5) cannot read dash board during some 6) day light conditions 7) loud chime ring when oil change not needed 8) loud chime ring when back tail glass open after driving a long time 9) cannot reach into center arm rest while driving-flawed design 10) no place to rest left foot while driving 11) difficult to find power seat switches on driver seat & heated seat button 12) poor gas mileage

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  Not a very good buy - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By bigrobrown - December 10 - 8:30 pm

  Really regret buying this car. It was my first purchase and I was extremely excited about it and didnt think to ask many important questions. To be a V6 it got really bad gas mileage and maintance is insane. Have had it in the shop for serious repairs like two days after the warranty expired. It does look nice in my opinion but thats all this car has. Keep your money and buy something else

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  Buyers Beware - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By xford - December 7 - 2:00 am

  The "Ford Quality is Job One myth". Our special order 02 Explorer arrived (after 2.5 months)with a failed transmission, it would either slip, slam or not shift. Ford had put 32 miles on it but apparently decided "dont fix it until the customer complains". After 3 days it still isnt fixed and the dealer is still trying to close the deal. Nice try Ford, but NO-SALE. After also having to replace an F150 engine last year at under 4000 miles, this 35 year Ford buyer is now enjoying his first ever Japanese vehicle.

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  disappointed & disgusted - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By horne - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Three weeks after purchasing the vehicle the computer failed and had to be replaced. The Valenti dealership in Mystic, Connecticut took a week and one half to discern what the problem was and install a new computer. The key was stuck in the steering post lock on three occassions which was among the numerous other failings of the vehicle. After 42,000 miles the transmission failed and due to the fact that I rely on the vehicle for my livelyhood and their insistance that it would take over a week to fix the problem I took the vehicle to Ammco.

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  2002 Explorer is a Lemon - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Kassie - November 14 - 2:00 am

  After 3 attempts at transmission repair and 4 times having the rear rack and pinion replaced we finally had to file under the lemon law. The engine would rev high and then lurch into gear, and eventually O/D light flashes and would completely loose 2nd and 5th gears. Ford supposedly flew field engineer down but still unable to get it resolved. NO more Fords for me!

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  FORD HATER - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By FORDHATER - October 11 - 10:00 am

  WHERE SHOULD I START? OIL LEAKS I HAVE HAD 3 OF THEM ALL FROM THE SAME AREA. THE BACK WINDOW EXPLODED AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE REAR GATE, ALL JUST BY CLOSING IT. THERE IS STILL A HARSHENGAGEMENT/STUDDER WHEN ACCELERATING. AND FORDS CUSTOMER SUPPORT SUCKS. IF YOUR LOOKING TO BUY AN EXPLORER YOU SHOULD THINK AGAIN

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  Pay the Price for High Mileage - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By jm - August 20 - 6:00 pm

  Have put on 35K/year but at a price. First rear tie rods, then transmission, then rear wheel bearing, then front wheel bearing, then rear end, then emergency brake 2 times and now at 174K the rear end needs to be replaced (again) along with the rear springs. This is from the same company that makes the Crown VIC. 200K and going strong. My expecatations were too high for this vechile. When it was brought for major failure the dealership didnt bother to do any diagnostic work. Just replaced it. Now based upon what i have read here. I can see why!

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  Another bad Ford - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By odd-job - June 12 - 4:55 pm

  I have a 2002 Eddie Bauer V8 Explorer, my second Explorer. Previous one was a 1997, and that one was much better. Ford came out with a new Explorer in 2002 that was much larger, more steady, but in my opinion, much more problematic. My transmission was replaced at 95k miles, the radiator was replaced at 90k miles, the car has overheated multiple times and left me stranded on the side of the road, the 6 disc in dash CD player sticks all the time and gets jammed, the transmission still slips, the rear seatbelts flap really loudly when the front windows are down, the drivers window motor has slowed down, the air conditioning is spotty, and the heater takes about 10 minutes to warm.

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  PoJ - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By ghokester - April 4 - 3:16 pm

  This is a true Piece of Junk. Transmission went just after the warranty expired, 37K miles, cost over $3K to replace. Now it is starting to clunk again. Rear hatch cracked, which amazed me until I started noticing them all around town with the same crack. There is also a leak back there that lets water stream in regardless of the number of times Ive had it repaired. Now its the rear wheel bearings that are singing to me so they need to be replaced, which the repair shop told me is a big job (read that expensive). Bought a new one in the early 90s that I drove 200K miles with a lot less repairs. If I could sell this lemon I would but the word is out, its a PoJ. Need more space...

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  biggest mistake Ive ever made - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Debra Horton - March 5 - 7:16 am

  I would not advise anyone to own one of these unless you have alot of money to spend on repairs!