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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  No More Explorers For Me - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Brian - July 27 - 12:42 am

  This was my second Explorer. The first was a sport model and required a new transmission 250 miles beyond the warranty. The second was this 2002 fully loaded Limited V8 4x4 and I purchased the extended warranty. Around 300 miles short of the warranty expiring I had four valve lifters replaced and then a month later I took it in because the water level began to drop for no apparant reason. Cause: a cracked engine block and the whole engine needed to be replaced for $6K if not on warranty. I have driven Fords ever since I first got my license at age 16. My best car ever was a 1970 Mach I Mustang, but I wil never buy another Explorer. In fairness to Ford, my worst car was a Mercedes.

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  Be Careful Buying 02 Explorer XLS - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By FORGET FORD - July 6 - 12:20 pm

  This vehicle has been nothing but problems for me from day one. I am on the 4th set of hinges for the lift glass, with the first set breaking within a year and being told that I was lucky because it usually breaks the glass. Rear trim piece cracked do to manufacturing flaw and will not be fixed unless I pay. Transmission (XLS) has had problems due to flaw in design and had to have serviced. Luckily, caught problem before I had to replace transmission.

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  Piece of Junk - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By TThompson - June 3 - 10:17 pm

  Tranmission problems at 84K, rack & pinion, radiator, rear axle, power window, rear wheel bearings, the list goes on and now again the tranmission is slipping. We need a new transmission at 145K. Love the look, love the drive, but its a money pit. This is my third Ford and never again. This will be a fourth transmission. I guess one never learns, but this time thats it. Four strikes and youre out.

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  If quality is not an issue then buy one - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Jack - April 6 - 2:43 pm

  Today is a great day as I finally unloaded my Explorer for a new Lexus. I really liked the look of the Explorer however the parts quality is very suspect. Even though mine only had 50,000 miles the drivetrain acted as if it had 150,000 miles. How Ford could build a vehicle with such poor quality interior parts is beyond me. I guess thats why Toyota is eating their lunch.

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  Blinded by Beauty - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Jalen Jarrod - March 8 - 12:37 pm

  Not enough space to list my true feelings. Driver and passenger window motors fail. Driver and passenger rear wheel bearings fail about 6 months apart. CD player was the 1st thing to fail. Rear hatch was cracking. I thought that was a first until I came here. Transmission fails as it refused to shift into 3rd gear. Estimated repair cost was $1800-2200. Considered getting it fixed until I visited one of these sites. One person explained my troubles verbatim. He also continued to have problems after the repairs. Made a believer out of me as I traded the EB. I have owned Fords all of my adult life. When I trade my LS(great car by the way) I will never own another Ford. True story.

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  Dont buy this vehicle - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By debbie d - February 26 - 8:47 pm

  I bought this vehicle because the 1994 Explorer we had was a truly great vehicle, so we gave it to our son and upgraded to the 2002 XLT. Big mistake! This vehicle has been nothing but junk. If you have to make a hard stop, the transmission slips and then the vehicle stalls. We have had this problem since we have had it. Eventually I will get a ticket for not stopping on a yellow light, but I crowd the yellow so the vehicle doesnt die. The back air makes a terrible noise if you turn it on. Now the 4 wheel drive has stopped working. This vehicle only has 60,000 miles and I wish I could scrap it. I understand this model is notorious for transmission problems. Ford should do a recall!

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  DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Cindy - February 14 - 10:09 pm

  This vehicle has been nothing but a money pit $2700 transmission, $500+ tires $900+ roters/pads which rusted to something which drove the price drivers auto window switch replaced $$ now my hatch back CRACKED! Have you ever heard of a car cracking?? When I found out other 02 Ford owners experienced this, it just confirms what a piece of junk this car is. Did I mention it shakes when it runs about 20-30mph...cant wait to find out what that is! Oh, and the 16-17 miles per gallon is outstanding (yes, that is sarcasm)

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  Never another Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Bill - January 26 - 9:56 pm

  This is my second Explorer with a bad transmission, the first one was a 1996. When I wanted to have the tranny fluid changed my Ford dealer told me it wasnt a serviceable item. Funny, the owners manual says to change fluid every 30K miles. Also, at 75K miles the back wheel bearing went bad. I also had to have the rear axle seals replaced at 60K miles since I was leaking axle fluid on my garage floor. Brakes wear quickly as well. Too many problems to consider this vehicle dependable and/or economical. Will not buy or recommend another.

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  Will never own another Ford - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Tara - December 10 - 5:11 pm

  Bought this car brand new off the lot with 79 miles on. Now I know why they were trying to get rid of them. First transmission was put in at 24k miles, second transmission put in at 64k miles and its in the shop again with another transmission problem (second time this year). Im out around $6000 with transmission costs and rental cars. This is really not worth it, stay away. Because of this problem (and a few minor ones) I will not ever own another Ford again.

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  Sad to say I hate it! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Olt07 - December 6 - 11:17 pm

  I purchased my first SUV after having a neon. Others advised me against buying the first year of a model change. I loved having the SUV for 4wd in snow. However, when your control module does not work, I lost the love quickly. I have had it for 24,000 miles after buying at 61,000. Replaced wheel bearing, EGR sensor, 4WD Control Module, Radio, Front Differential Clutch Pack and shortly a $1200 rear end. Now I need to figure out when the best time would be to ditch this hunk of junk! Reliability and Build Quality is absolutely crap. I cannot sacrifice that for any amount of comfort or beauty. Considering all of these problems are "common" Id say-Stay away from the Ford EXPLODERRRR!!