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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  The Blue Coach - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Honest review guy - October 4 - 8:41 pm

  Bought the 02 in 04 with 17k on it. It is now 2015 and I have 110,000 miles on it. I have had a couple of recalls that were fixed, but didnt seem too serious. I have always changed the oil at about 5k intervals and it still runs smooth and great. In Oct. 2014< i had to have the transmission rebuilt. The problem occurred suddenly: Please do research about this because there is too much to say. Ford needs to works on this and hopefully they have for newer models. And it was 3,000 bucks to rebuild it at a Ford dealership. I still lack confidence in the fact that this problem will arrive in the future out of nowhere. I must mention that there was at least a 3 month waiting list for a new transmission if that gives the answer away for this vehicle. I just hope that I will get another 100,00 miles from the rebuilt transmission. The interior is just fine, comfortable, and fairly rugged. I must admit that I really love this vehicle because it drives so well and does excellent in the Colorado snow. If I go to 200,00 miles without any tranny problems I would say that this was the best bag for the buck. And I plan to do just that if I can. Overall, though, this is a great Four wheel drive vehicle thats been very reliable in every way except for the transmission issue.

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  2002 Ford Explorer xlt - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By stevieray573 - February 9 - 2:18 pm

  I bought this vehicle used 3 years ago. Currently has 115,000 miles on it. two years ago, rear differential started to whine (very common problem on this vehicle). I was told by several sources that the rear will last anywhere from 1,ooo to 1o,ooo miles and will cost a few grand to replace. Two windows died during the past winter (one was the motor, the other was the track). This vehicle will coat alot to maintain. If you can get over the rear differential problem, it is a good vehicle that will get you anywhere (I have taken it off road a few times, and the snow & ice of PA has never stopped me). Also, the little problems seem to add up alot!

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  2002 Ford Explore Limited 4.6L V8 - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By carguy03 - July 9 - 10:08 pm

  Purchased this vehicle in October 2010, and really liked it, but after I drove it for a while, I realized that I didnt have enough leg room, Im 64". The Explorer had a lot of power, and would get you where you needed to go!

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  BIG time TRANNY issues/Bearings also - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By tracydeech - April 28 - 9:48 am

  Mine was a demo when I bought with few miles on. Absolutely loved it for the first 6 years. 09 is or 08 is when I saw problems. The heat/AC went out. And then the wheel bearing started going (every 6-8 months one would need fixed) It has around 120k miles on it. Tranny died 3 weeks ago!-and on top of that 2 more wheel bearings need fixed on it plus tie rods. AND it is a gas guzzler! Its paid off but it is still costing me lots to keep it! So I have a LOVE/HATE relationship with my explorer. Goes GREAT in snow(only reason why I would consider keeping).Im going for a more economical vehicle now.

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  Reliable SUV - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Louise - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Bought it used in 2007 with 112K, few things had to be tuned, one ball joint replaced. Since 2007 only had to change battery and tires. CD changer does not work right, climate control has a mind of its own. Currently got 155k, rides OK. I drove it across the country several times, comfortable, enough room for everything.

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  Switched to a Chevy - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Switched to a Chevy - October 21 - 2:00 am

  This was the 2nd Explorer that I had owned. Traded my 2000 in because I liked the body style of the newer Explorers. Never had any issues with the old one. I absolutely loved the 2002 Explorer, at first! It is a piece of crap. Looks and rides nice but replaced numerous wheel bearings and the transmission was clunking and shifting so hard at around 25 mph that my kids kept asking me what I was doing. CD player stopped ejecting CDs. Driver side window motor needed replaced. Leg room in back for 3rd row seat very cramped. If this vehicle would have held up I would have kept it forever. Got rid of it before we had to replace the transmission. Got a Chevy Tahoe, which I LOVE!

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  Only had two problems - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By only one problem - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Great SUV. love the 4x4. use it all the time. Only had 2 problems. 1) Passenger side external rear wheel bearing went out. $400 fix. 2) Brake pedal position sensor. $200 fix. No problems with tranny. I do pull a 1000 pound utility trailer a few times a month. I spend the time and money to have all maintenance done on schedule. I have about 117,000 miles on my 2002 explorer xlt. Take care of it and it will take care of you.

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  160,000 & like new - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By George - October 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought this truck with high miles & you would never know it had that many miles. Fun to drive, tons of room, reliable & looks good on me. Plastic trim inside & out is faded. Easy fix with a few cans of plastic seal matched color paint. Fine machine.

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  Poor Transmission - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Sergio - August 6 - 9:25 pm

  I bought the Explorer Limited and have been satisfied with it except for the transmission. During the warranty phase (5 yr/50K mile) Ford repaired the transmission but at 87K the trans had to be rebuilt. Again at 103K the trans was repaired by Ford Dealership (this time Ford paid) and they claim the fix it part as recommended by Ford Detroit was installed. I have lost confidence in my Explorer. Has someone had similar experiences w/ their transmission and will this fix it be good for another 80-100K miles?

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  3rd XLT - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Tim - April 11 - 8:31 pm

  Have had three Explorers since the first in 91, No unusual trouble with any of them. The latest, a 2002 has been with us the longest 103,000 + miles. Just replaced the rear struts, the only other real expense was tires at 75,000 miles. Bought all 3 new and was pleased with every one. Quality is job one - well done!