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 211 through 220 of 372.00

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  So Far, So Good - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By bh_okedoke - December 2 - 9:00 am

  Just bought the vehicle on 03/06/02. So far, everything is ok... Runs well, and this unit seemed to be put together pretty tightly (manufactured 01/02). One thing to note if you are concerned about safety. The superior crash test ratings are based on models manufactured after 10/29/01 - read the fine print on the Ford site - I asked the dealer about this, and they confirmed there was a change made to some frame components, whatever that means?

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  Think Twice - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Kevin Kolff - November 18 - 7:53 am

  I have owned three Explorers since 1991 and I can guarantee this will be my last Ford Vehicle. I have had so many problems with my 2002 Explorer, where do I start. AC went out at 38K, tranny replaced at 60K, rear tailgate plastic strip cracked at 39K, clear coat on all plastic parts gone, interior door material coming unglued, power steering pump replaced 71K, power lock motor replaced 66K. These are only the major problems; the list of the smaller problems is too long to list.

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  BEST EXPLORER IVE HAD - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By RON G - October 31 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS MY 3RD EXPLORER SINCE 1990, AND ITS THE BEST. THE RIDE, THE QUALITY, THE WHOLE PACKAGE IS SO IMPROVED. BEFORE I BOUGHT MY EXPLORER, I CHECKED OUT THE CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. AFTER THE TEST RIDE AND CHECKING OVER THE VEHICLE, I RAN BACK TO FORD AND ORDERED MY EDDIE BAUER, WITH THE V-8. IM VERY PLEASED THAT I DID. THE TRAILBLAZER WAS SMALLER AND JUST DIDNT HAVE THE QUALITY OF THE EXPLORER. IF YOU ARE AN OWNER OF AN OLDER EXPLORER, TAKE THE TIME AND CHECK THE NEW ONE OUT.

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  V8 Helps a Lot - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By 0% - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Purchased the XLT with a V8 and towing package. Plenty of low end power and smooth acceleration. Leather interior is very comfortable and 3rd row seating is a definite plus for loading kids and friends at the same time.

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  Solid SUV - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By jlongn01 - October 25 - 2:20 am

  Has a nice ride with decent acceleration for an SUV. Good interior space - the third row seat is a nice feature although it doesnt fold completely flat which is a little annoying. Is a good tow vehicle and has been reliable.

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  Dont make a mistake! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Mom of 2 boys - October 22 - 5:53 pm

  We bought our 02 Explorer used in 04, thinking that since we were buying from a Ford dealer, we would have Ford standing behind its product. Wrong. The car looks good, but it is a piece of junk. The rear differential has been fixed twice already (at $1000 a pop), and it still has the roaring coming from the rear end that these 02 Explorers have become famous for. Ford really should issue a recall about this. If you do your research, youll find so many owners with this same problem, and Ford wont fix it. They are simply interested in selling their cars, not having great customer service afterwards. Sorry to say, were among the legions who have now sworn off Fords forever.

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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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  Great Value - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By WMKL - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Weve had our 2002 Explorer 4x4 with the 4.6l V8 for a bit over two years and almost 40,000 miles. It has wonderful steering, is very stable under all conditions, is totally reliable, and very quiet. The truck is easy to drive with a very small turning circle. Two years on I still love this car.

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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.