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 71 through 80 of 372.00

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  No major problems either - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Happy too - October 17 - 1:43 am

  I have to agree that many people that do not have problems do not post, however I am shocked to see all the negative ratings. I have had my Explorer for 3 years now and it has been in the shop twice for a very minor cosmetic issue, nothing engine related. Ford didnt charge me a dime either time and they were both past warranty. I have 92,000 miles on my Explorer (I drive a lot of miles as you see) and I have been nothing but happy with it. The only reason I am on this site is to look at cars for better gas mileage. I have no intention of getting rid of my Explorer.

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  Not-the-Ford I Expected - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By AcuraMDXinFuture - September 20 - 2:00 am

  PROS: Nice overall design with lots of room for trips. Looks nice in driveway. Is great for off-roading! NEGS: Message Center on dash is invisible when sun is shining from left and/or you are wearing sun glasses!!! Horn is hard to sound when most needed!!! Hit the wrong area on the wheel and you hear nothing! Transmission is clunky and, in my case, needed to be rebuilt at 55,000 miles!!! I could go on but Im sure you sense my disappointment with my Explorer. In brief, an Extended Warranty Policy is essential to cover electronic & transmission failures!

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  emmision problems - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By WORRIED - September 18 - 10:00 am

  I drove for six months with the "new engine smell", I thought, to find out the catalytic converter was bad. Had to wait a week to get a new one. Back to dealership for that only to have service engine soon light come on. Now it has a bad oxygen sensor. Wait again for that to be replaced. Picked it up and now the idle is bad and it is back in the service dept. I dont know if this is a sign of a "lemon" or a bad service department. But my original excitement is starting to wane.

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  Probably not with the $$ - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Roadtripper - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Several issues from the start, power seats broke, stereo didnt work, moon roof track broke, auto seat adjustment broke and this was all with the first 5,000 miles. Power steering replaced at 20,000. Purchased extended warranty to 75,000. Started taking to dealer at 56,000 for sound of gear grinding. Dealer unable to locate problem for 5 visits. At 75,500 dealer locates problem and refused to cover, new differential, $1,000. Ford states it is up to dealer as to coverage. Automatic transmission needed replaced at 76,000. Probably 80% of driving is highway. Not a dependable vehicle.

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  The Last Ford Product Ill Ever Own - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Rocko - June 23 - 12:46 am

  The problems with this 4 door 4wd XLT started exactly 2 months after the warranty expired. First I took it back to the dealer for a recall on the back window. They replaced the rear window and when I went to pick up the vehicle the back window exploded into a million pieces. Since then the rear wiper motor, front wiper motor, drivers power window switch, front brakes, and 4 tires have had to be replaced. All the repairs came out of our pocket. The dealer and Fords "Customer Support Center" were a joke. Ive had Nissans before this and it looks like Im going back.

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  $2,300 in Repairs - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Jennings - April 21 - 12:50 pm

  I purchased mine used in October 2004. Put 11,298 miles on it. I had freeze plug corrode out & my warranty would not cover them; they claimed I had improperly maintained the vehicle which I have documentation to prove otherwise. Anyway, I had something else happen right as I was leaving the mechanic from having the freeze plugs fixed & the motor blew within 1/2 mile. Had to put whole new motor in it out of pocket. Have been without the vehicle for 3 weeks now. Had been to a Ford service department in town in Aug. & they did not notice coolant was "rusty" when inspecting it. Make sure you keep an eye on coolant color, even if its not "time to check it" so you dont have costly repairs like me.

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  Great car - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Bill Carter - April 15 - 9:53 pm

  I bought this car in 2003 with 19,000 miles on it. Knock on wood but it has been perfect! No problems with anything. I went to test drive a 2007 Tahoe yesterday and returned feeling like my Explorer was much easier to drive and will not be buying that Tahoe. I have absolutely no allegience to Ford or Chevy or anyone (my wife drives a BMW) but this car has been as trouble-free as my Honda was.

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  Drive Train Problems - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By fmcenery - April 8 - 10:00 am

  have had replaced the right rear bearing, and then the rear differential, and then the left rear bearing. Still sound like drive train problems. look to have more problems. love the rest of the car.

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  BAD TRANNY - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By DAVE-O - February 12 - 2:00 am

  Car is great, esp with the v8!. At 38k, the transmission completely failed. I thought it was a phenominal vehicle until this. As soon as the warranty was up, the transmission took a dump, and this car was not driven roughly. $3,000 for ford to get the car running again.

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  Becoming Disenchanted - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By BC - November 23 - 4:53 am

  Loved this vehicle when I first bought it. First sign of trouble after only 3 months - rear pinion seals were shot and leaked. Have had to replace 4WD computer and idler/air valve. Now, with 90,000 on the car & I am told 3 out of 4 wheel bearings have to be replaced. Funny how they all went at the same time. ABS light goes on & off, as does the service engine soon display even though I am told by the dealer that the brakes are fine, and the service light is only a dummy code. Paint is starting to come away in different spots near the roof line. Leather is coming off of the steering wheel and leaving bare spots. I bought this car because of prior reviews, but now wished I hadnt.