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 51 through 60 of 372.00-
Our 4rd Explorer, but Qual. falls short - 2002 Ford Explorer
By caplanm - November 12 - 2:00 amThis is our 4th Explorer. From an engineering point of view, it is the best. From a quality and reliability point of view, it is the worst, and quite possibly, the worst new vehicle which has ever sat in our driveway. The styling is excellent. The ride, handling, and comfort are stellar.
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Transmission problems - 2002 Ford Explorer
By lambdds1 - September 25 - 6:20 amHave had numerous problems with transmission.
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I would get one if I were you.... - 2002 Ford Explorer
By Explorer Man - June 14 - 2:00 amI traded my 2000 XLT V8 for my 20002 V8 XLT Explorer. What a difference..The interior while a little plain is much more roomy. The 4.6 V8 is much more smoother than the old 302 mustang V8. Over all I would stongly recommend one of these. My only complaint at the time that was I could not get the Mach sound system, and driving lights with a XLT. Ford must have listened to my survey, they have since made these two options available
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getting tough to keep buying American! - 2002 Ford Explorer
By Kilbrie - May 29 - 8:36 pmI bought my Explorer with 19k on it. The front bushings were replaced as well as a spring tensioner on the timing chain (it sounded like a diesel above 2500rpm). But these were covered under warranty so I was fine with them. Then at 44k, the transmission took a dump! Thank goodness I had an extended warranty but I still had to deal with the insurance company and the transmission shop ... 6 weeks later my truck was done. Now the rear end is humming quite loud and the transfer case is leaking somewhere. The wind noise is getting worse every day. I had a Taurus wagon that had over 200k miles on it and had less wind noise and no leaks. I keep vehicles for a long time ... but not this one!
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Generic family traveler - 2002 Ford Explorer
By MARKSS - April 12 - 6:33 pmI have had my Explorer for a year now. It is very strong with the V8, but the down side is gas mileage. I get about 14mpg around town and about 17.5mpg on the highway. Everything works fine. There is nothing spectacular about my Explorer but it does what it was built to do, haul people. It isnt an offroad machine, but the automatic 4wd is great for Colorado winters. Really the only compaint I have is the flimsy back hatch piece just below the back window. I know many people who have broken that piece when closing the hatch window. I am lucky that mine hasnt broken yet. The 3rd row seat is surprislingly comfortable for short guys like me.
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The Ups and Downs - 2002 Ford Explorer
By Aaron - March 26 - 3:00 pmThe truck is an eye catcher. All of my friends and family like the looks. The powerful V-6 is fun. The ride is so smooth, friends say "its a long trip vehicle." There are a few downs though. The auto 4x4 is a good feature for people who dont know how to drive when things get messy. But for those of you that drive in the snow like myself, that feature takes away some of the joys of winter driving. Ive noticed it sends you into a broad-slide (all 4 wheels break lose) when sometimes you need the tail to slide and the front to keep traction on the road (a 2wd benefit). Like the new TrailBlazer, they should incorporate a 2wd feature. My rear defrost button activates a door ajar light. Whats that?
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XLS 15month 33k mile update - 2002 Ford Explorer
By tomx15 - March 20 - 2:00 amOwn a XLS V-6 w/Auto for 15months with almost 34k miles. Front seats not comfortable. Interior/exterior great design. Mileage is 17MPG none better w/70% hwy miles. Warranty service: replaced anti-lock brake sensor; crack in half tailgate under Ford logo - Whole rear window of tailgate is going to be replaced! Hope this thing lasts..
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No problems at 22,000 - 2002 Ford Explorer
By Joseph E - March 10 - 10:00 amTraded in an Escape for the Explorer. Escape was too small and went through a transmission in 6 months. Build quality of the Explorer was much better and havent had any problems with it. Very smooth ride. Dont recommend long trips if your stuck in the back seat.
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Twenty Years with Ford - 2002 Ford Explorer
By Gaffer - January 12 - 2:00 amIve owned Ford trucks for over twenty years and moved into the Explorer with the same expectations. The performance is good but the gas mileage is only a little better than my trucks. The seats and trim need improvement. They are adequate but for what the Explorer cost I expected a little more. While it handles well off the road, getting the mud from inside the doors is a hassle. Going through a car wash doesnt get it, you have to open the doors to really clean it off.
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So Far its OK - 2002 Ford Explorer
By Dave in Michigan - November 1 - 10:00 amReplaced a Ford Ranger Off Road with this car. What a difference in ride! This car rides like a luxury car in comparison. Very smooth so far. Had one problem with air bag light which dealer repaired.
