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 111 through 120 of 372.00

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  Worth the money - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By firsttimeford - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought mine when they first came out around 7/01. Have 20K miles on it now. At first, there were many squeeks and rattles around the drivers door. Dealership "fixed" 7 times. Theyve gone away now. Comfortable ride and good handling. V6 adequete. Likes to shift to 5th gear too easily. Worth a test drive. Paid 26100 for XLT Leather, third row, V6, premium sound.

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  Definite Keeper - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Tyson - February 22 - 8:43 pm

  Great interior features. I have the dual temperature controls and stereo is excellent. I was pleasantly surprised by the fuel mileage for such a heavy vehicle 5600 pounds(18 mpg combined). Road feel was solid and easy to drive which is a wife factor.

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  Just what I was looking for - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Tom H. - February 17 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased this vehicle yesterday. Love the new design. Much more room overall inside. Comfortalbe seating all the way around. *I read one of the reviews about the rear window exploding. Thats my only concern.

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  READ this BEFORE you buy - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Donna - January 27 - 4:23 am

  I LOVE my Explorer, BUT, beware before you buy one. Make sure you buy the extended warranty as mine expired in 3 years. I have only 26,900 miles on it and heres the diagnosis I just got from the service department. It needs drive chain replaced at a cost of $878.00. It needs clutch packs in the rear end differential at a cost of $800.00. It needs solenoid packs in the transmission at a cost of $800.00. It needs a fuel dampener at a cost of $240.00. WHAT on EARTH? I drive and maintain my vehicle as well as I did my own children. Ford engineers arent doing their job. I was told they recalled the 97-99s on the drive chain but apparently they didnt fix the problem for the future ones.

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  Ford Review 02 Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By dan - November 3 - 3:43 pm

  Comfy on highway. Great in high snow. 210hp is a little weak, high revs, transmission slip, smooth ride, oil turns black faster than normal.

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  making me a believer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By ford is cool - October 10 - 10:00 am

  Fix Or Repair Daily has been the rep. for FORD in my mind. Reliability is yet to be judged since Ive only driven this car 600 miles. Apart from that, great car and no problems so far. Like the spartan functionality of the XLS better than the other trims. All the necessary options for cheap compared to other midsize SUVs. Quiet at hwy speeds, good acceleration, good maneuverability especially in tight parking spaces. Like the high ride height. Aggressive styling is a plus. After driving Japanese cars all my life, this car is restoring my faith in American automobiles and is turning me into a Ford fan.

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  La 2002 Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By rteutsch - October 5 - 10:00 am

  Still have a steering problem Ford has not been able to correct. Been at dealership 4 times for same problem.

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  Good Car - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Taylor - September 30 - 4:03 pm

  I love driving my SUV but it has been plagued with problems. All were fixed by the dealer under warranty. They gave us an extended warranty to compensate for all the problems. However, the transmission has been slipping for over a year and the dealership cannot duplicate the problem to fix it. I agree with the other posts. If Ford has had so many complaints about the transmission, they should recall it to encourage customer satisfcation and future sales.

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  More trips to the shop than I expected - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By DML - August 30 - 2:00 am

  In two years I have been in for service many times.Every 2 months it just wont start until the 3rd time and has even died while in drive a couple times-no fix yet,had the A/C blender replaced-it was either really hot or cold,backdoor child lock was stuck on lock-couldn’t get out from inside- replaced,rear window motor went out (maybe used 10 times)-replaced, and I just had the half shaft replaced.I buy new to avoid trips to the mechanic, but that really has not worked this time.

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  Still Loving It, Except For... - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By MBC - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Since Day 1, I have loved everything about my Explorer-it’s roominess, style, sound, handling, and more. 3rd row seat is great, although it may pinch your hand when lowering it from behind. Only 2 complaints; First, I keep finding plastic covers around my car that have come off where the seats are bolted to the floor; must be pretty useless since they have experienced only gentle use. Secondly, the front seat belts have gradually worn away some of the plastic framing at the seat belt adjustment location.