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

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  2002 Ford Explorer XLT - WEIRD EXPENSIVE REPAIRS! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By prazb2jc - March 15 - 9:30 pm

  Purchased used in 2004. Clear CarFax, 1-owner, under 50,000 miles. 2 mths later Oil Leak, output seal leaking, replaced seal. In 06, replace leaking axle seals, May 07 loose front drivers side wheel bearings, rear noise inspected on lift, differential removed to find cause, replaced both front wheel bearings noise STILL there. June 07 vibration & noise, remove rear differential, disassemble, left carrier bearing and cup failed, discoloration of bearing, replaced pinion & carrier bearings & cups, replace axle support bearings and seals, replace pinion seal, replace left rear wheel bearing, replace speed sensors, just tip of the iceberg repair list. Not worth it - horrible riding!

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  Great until it hit 100k miles! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By chase2634 - June 9 - 5:34 pm

  Bought mine used in 2004 with around 30k miles. Aside from general maintenance this vehicle was great until it 100k miles. Wheel bearings, cracked rear panel out of the blue due to design flaw and now at 150k miles the transmission is on the way out. Just got the dreaded blinking over drive light and found out my new trans will cost about 2k.

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  Had been pretty good until - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By POEO - September 11 - 2:00 am

  Like most Explorers of this vintage, the transmission just went at 96,000 miles. Major slippage from 2nd into 3rd, now looking at a $2000+ repair. This is a very common problem so beware if you are looking at picking up a used one. Ford knows about it, but doesnt care too much. Looking to see if there is a class action lawsuit in the works as its not a question of if but when this problem will occur in these trucks. Had been a pretty decent car up until this, now crossing my fingers that this isnt the start of major issues to come. Before this I was considering another Explorer in 2012, now probably not as these type of major issues seem to continue to plague American made cars.

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  Junk - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Kern - August 23 - 12:37 pm

  I bought this slightly used with only 14k miles. Nice looking truck inside and out. But after only owning it a year, everything started going wrong. Interior lights shorted out and so did the mirror ext. lights. Coil spring went. Mechanic said it was a design flaw that fords knew about it. Wheel bearings all the way around at 40k miles. Power window problems at 50k. Then at 80, rear diff. and trans went so we got rid of it. It was a money pit. It still rode nice the day we got rid of it but too many repairs. My last Ford explorer purchase.

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  Heavy Duty Clutch! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By ranger Ed - June 30 - 6:43 pm

  The heavy duty clutch is a loser! The first one went out at approx. 60k. Then it went out in Feb 10 and I still cant get a replacement because Ford stopped making that clutch. I guess even they knew how bad it was. Im currently working with a clutch specialty shop in California to try and build a clutch from scratch.

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  Do Not Purchase - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By susanconn - June 17 - 8:33 pm

  This car has been nothing but trouble since we purchased it. The transmission has been rebuilt, wheel bearings replaced, and now the o/d off light is blinking, the service engine light is on and the ABS warning light is on. Apparently the o/d off light blinking means our transmission is not functioning properly again.

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  the money pit! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By lisa - March 10 - 7:52 am

  I fell in love with the "look" of the explorer xlt, and had always heard that Ford built a good vehicle. Everything started out great. But, around 70,000 miles that all started to change. I have replaced 6 wheel bearings, rebuilt the transmission, changed window switch, the interior lights works only when they want too, heat doesnt work anymore, volume knob is broken, clicking noise coming from dash, 4x4 doesnt work, trim started fading to quick, leather seats dont hold up, rear passenger door wont lock and after all this the transmission is going out again. Dont waset your money on what is now known as the Ford exploder.

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  Brake Downs - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Dan - January 11 - 11:09 am

  I bought this suv with 36000 on it. I have replaced all four wheel bearings at a cost of around $450. a piece. That started at 46000. The four wheel drive modual went out at 87000, cost 490. It just turned 90000 and guess what? The transmission went out, cost 3,550. I have driven Fords for over 35 years and this is the worst luck I have ever had and of course Ford wont help, I ask the dealer about the tranny at a local dealership and he almost laughed. Not sure but was told the parts are made in Mexico! Go figure! Oh the heated seats also quit last year. Guess I dont need a seat warmer anyway, and I forgot the lift gate shocks, I replaced all four of them.

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  Last Ford I will ever buy - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By luvencl - November 17 - 6:16 am

  I have driven Fords all my life but this 2002 is the worse experience I have ever had. First to go was the rear AC, kept getting a click noise. Had it replaced under warranty, but then it went bad again just after the warranty ran out. Then had stereo also go bad. CD player got stuck, then 2 months later, volume would just start to get loud with no control touching. Master brake cylinder replaced at 42,000, and then the oxygen sensor, door trim @ same time. Then one very cold morning, I go to my car and notice a huge crack in the hatch below glass. I called the police because I thought someone tried to break into my SUV. Found later that others have the same problem. I am done with Ford!

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  The Honeymoon ended quickly. - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Sean - November 4 - 5:03 am

  Bought new in 02. The new car smell, and the dealer gave me a great deal. Loved the remodel from old style (Traded in 00 sport). Then reality hit. First time on vacation entire rear glass door assembly broke from hinges and I caught it luckily. Then had fuel pump assembly and tank relaced. Both under warranty thank god. Then the rear door broke again. Then the rear door cracked below the windshield wiper assembly. The interior plastic grey trim along the top of the door front seat doors along the windows has seriously faded. The black exterior trim between the front and rear doors has also faded. It now has 103K miles after 7 years and I will drive this into the ground.