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

• 

  Wheel bearing nightmare - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Paul Becker - August 17 - 8:41 am

  Its obvious now that Ford has a real problem with the wheel bearings on the Explorer. Today, I am having the 4th wheel bearing replacement on my Explorer. Right rear (once) Left rear (twice) and today, Left front (once). It seems inevitable that the next to go is the Right front. What a complete pain and drain on the wallet with each replacement costing $400. Other issues include body hardware and a way underpowered engine.

• 

  love the safety and room but the engine. - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By gerri - August 16 - 10:48 am

  Purchased my ford explorer xlt brand new. I love the safety of it. The comfort is great but the engine yuk. Ive replaced the transmission once already. Slowly parts start to go. Fords attitude was your warranty is up nothing we can do!! I would buy it again only if the quality of the engine and trani were better. And use better parts all around!! I love to buy american but lets see the quality and customer service get alot better!

• 

  Its Cold Back Here - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Webslingah - March 28 - 2:00 am

  I recently took a 1400-mile trip and the second row seat is incredibly uncomfortable after about 500miles. Second, climate control, the driver sweats while the second row passengers freeze. I cant see the digital compass when driving. After about 5000miles the floor compartment handles are very flimsy, Ive already broken one. Its roomy, and comfy for the regular about town drive. The buying experience was horrible. There was a mistake in the incentives and I actually received an extra $500 off the price. When the finance guy realized it, he called me up,insulted me, and threatened to sue me if I didnt write him a check. Jerk!

• 

  Never again - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Bri - January 8 - 3:19 pm

  This was my first and last Ford purchase. I went with a newer and more expensive car hoping for better quality for my money, no such luck. I had the car no more than six months when the transmission went, costing me over two grand. Then just last month, not 6 months since the last time the transmission went again! Among many other problems this car has given me this has been the most expensive.

• 

  Needs Improvement - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Morgan - January 6 - 12:07 pm

  AC makes rattleing noise, in the garage twice for check engine light. Gas mileage stinks. As soon as 36 mo. warranty was up, the rear grease seal on the rear drive began to leak. Cruise control works sometimes. Ford means fix or repair daily.

• 

  Problems with 2002 Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Wade Troutman - October 4 - 7:04 am

  Ford let my Explorer out of the factory with some strange problems. High beams stay on-cant fix without replacing steering column (dont use high beams, and if I forget and use them I have to disconnect the battery to turn them off). Replaced noisy wheel bearings at 70K. Power window motor on rear drivers side door out at 30K. Door ajar light on and off since 10K (gave up taking it to dealer after three visits). AC/heater floor vents leak. Transaxle seals replaced at 90K. Rear passenger side turn signal out at 100K. Lights work, but turn signal doesnt work. Clear coat started peeling on the passenger side of the vehicle in 2007. I am tired of the nagging little problems..

• 

  2002 xlt 4wd explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By rbreeden - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Overall good vehicle; however, have had some transmission problems. Gas mileage is pretty bad.

• 

  Disappointed in DC - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By JRob - August 10 - 1:30 am

  Rear end noise caused the dealership to replace 2 axles and a drivetrain. Now they tell me my tires are "cupped." After reading other reviews I think this is a more serious epidemic. Plastic exterior on rear hatch cracked with freezing rain. ABS parts failure. Bubbling interior door panel fabric in cold weather. My wife threatens to leave me if I ever buy another Ford.

• 

  Too many problems for the price - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By julz - August 2 - 12:14 am

  Passenger window motor went out, cds get jammed in player. One cylinder (think thats what its called) went out at 55,000. Then appeared a long crack in the hatch rear trim (and no its not the liftgage that was recalled). Then at 70,000 miles I had to get my transmission rebuilt. My mechanic showed me the parts and told me they were crap. Trying to cut corners and save money I guess. Like Ford wasnt making enough off of $32,000. Then at 78,000 it happened again-and by the way I baby this SUV and do all maintenance as needed. Transmission again but this time my mechanic couldnt find the exact problem in the transmission- had to put a new catalytic converter in among some other parts. Geez

• 

  Nice Vehicle - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Bruce Frier - July 27 - 10:56 am

  We have enjoyed this vehicle for over three years. It recently has developed electrical problems which include the "Door Ajar" light coming on when no doors are ajar the anti-theft- alarm going off several times in the day and night for no reason when the car is locked giving us no choice but to leave the car unlocked power windows randomly not working and when a brief stretch of loose gravel caused the Control-Trac to go in to 4-Wheel- Drive-High we had trouble getting it to return to two-wheel drive.