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

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  Extremely reliable - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By robt - March 4 - 4:50 pm

  Purchased this car new and have had VERY few problems. Computer went out at 130,000. Bearings could stand to be replaced now (still on original set), I change the oil myself with high grade (purple magic) oil and 10K filter regularly at every 10K miles. Changed differential and coolant for first time last week. I have never serviced the sealed transmission on a mechanics advice. What more can I say. I couldnt kill this thing if i wanted. I would take it to Alaska tomorrow.

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  Love it - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Alan - January 5 - 8:41 pm

  I bought this truck with 100 miles back in 2002 i have had 2 problems at around 112,000 miles the tranny went in 2008 then a few thousand miles later the alternator went besides that well maintained and runs great have about 128,000 and still trucking love my ford.

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  CLUNK TRUCK - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By DAVE (KENTUCKY) - December 29 - 2:00 am

  AFTER PURCHASING THE EXPLORER I NOTICED A CLUNKING NOISE AND A HOWLING NOISE IN THE REAR END THAT WOULD DRIVE YOU CRAZY. THE TRUCK HAD 45000 MILES ON IT. WITH NO EXTENDED WARRANTY I PAID $1200 DOLLORS TO GET IT FIXED,WELL PARTIALLY FIXED, IT STILL HAS A CLUNK AND A SLIGHT VIBRATION WHEN TAKING OFF. IF YOU BUY ONE "GOOD LUCK". DAVE (KENTUCKY)

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  Solid vehicle - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Paul - November 6 - 6:48 pm

  I been putting plenty of miles on this vehicle and she holds up strong. Am currently pushing 170,000 miles and have not had to put any major cash into maintenance. Would highly recommend this suv to anyone out there looking.

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  Reliable, good snow vehicle - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By CAJTBJ - October 23 - 10:00 am

  We frequently commute over snowy/icy Stevens Pass (WA State) during the Winter to get our mountain cabin. Our 02 Explorer has handled some pretty tough conditions easily (including a pretty rugged, snowy climb up our primitive driveway). We traded in our 97 Explorer for the 02. Though the 97 was fine, the new Explorers are a HUGE improvement. Much more drivable, comfortable, and safe.

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  7 years w/few issues - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Tolland Mc Murray - September 27 - 10:28 pm

  On the hole, this has been a decent family truckster for seven plus years. Major issues have been the leaking rear differntial and an alternator that quit on the freeway during rush hour. Transmission now starting to slip a bit at 87000 miles. Has been great in the snow and on other lnog-distance trips, good combination of passenger room and stuff hauling ability. I have been very pleased with my Explorer, look forward to having it for many more years.

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  Good not great - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Cakeman - September 7 - 1:40 pm

  Good reliable vehicle, nice ride, plenty of room for packages and large items. Good all around, nothing exceptional.

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  Biggest Mistake - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Biggest Regret - August 13 - 9:59 pm

  Loved exterior so much compulsive buy. Biggest Mistake I ever made. Friends had been driving Fords for years no problem. mine Blew spark plugs. Dealer wanted 3000 to replace heads. Luckily private mechanic repaired for 800. Only prob, it kept happening. 3 of 8 cylinders blew over a year so in all 2400. Trans problems too. I have to say it never stranded me and I put 147000 on it in 3 yrs. With blown spark plug engine ran and got me to safety.Replaced rear Bearings, and Brakes froze in "applied" position. This warped rotor, melted brake lines, and ruined pads. 700 in repairs. A PLUS though after going offroad and air borne into small river (knee deep in water upon exit)it never tried to flip

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  Terriffic Truck - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By grmsky - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I have nothing but good things to say about my Explorer. I feel very safe in it which is very important when traveling with babies. I have never had anything go wrong with the vehicle. It drives great in the snow and even with AWD, I still get about 18 mpg around town as I dont do much highway driving.

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  Wheel bearings, brakes and computers - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Mhammer - July 31 - 12:17 pm

  Vehicle gets a surprising 19 mpg on highway. AWD is great in snow, mud and beach sand. Sound system is awesome as well as front/rear AC. Easy entry and great visibility. But Ford really blew it underneath. I have replaced both wheel bearings front (once) rear (twice). Rear struts and springs after both springs broke. Emergency brake pad and cable twice. All four brake calipers twice as they froze up. As for the cars brains, I had to replace a very expensive security system computer module, as well as the courtesy light system computer. All this with only 71,300 miles and only one driver. My old Izuzu Trooper went 163,000 miles until the engine failed. Just brakes and a clutch there.