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 321 through 330 of 372.00-
Transmission failure at 67k miles! - 2002 Ford Explorer
By KHill - November 11 - 3:30 pmI have always bought Fords, but this Explorer has really turned me off to them. At 67k miles the check engine light came on and within a day, the engine would not shift into 3rd gear. My mechanic has had a lot of 2002/2003 Explorers brought in for the same problem. (I guess Ford decided to try an enclosed transmission for these 2 years and found out it wasnt a good idea). Unfortunately they are not doing a recall because according to them it is not a safety issue. I think driving on the freeway without being able to accelerate over 20 miles an hour would definitely be a risk. So moral of the story is if you want to risk it and buy one, make sure its got a new transmission. Sorry Ford!
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Ford Review 02 Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
By dan - November 3 - 3:43 pmComfy 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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Poor Performance - 2002 Ford Explorer
By Frank Cuca - November 1 - 9:46 pmBeware of 2002 Ford Explorers with new rear suspensions. After numerous trips to the dealership, the noise was corrected with replacement parts. Now that the vehicle is three years old, the noise is back, and is not covered by the original warranty. It seems the aluminum housing used in this model, rather than the traditional cast iron, has created the problem due to expansion and contraction with heat.
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Ford Explorer = Absolute Junk! - 2002 Ford Explorer
By Steve - October 23 - 11:46 pmAn absolutely horrible vehicle from the start. This 2002 was actually a replacement for a 2001 that we went lemon-law with. The 2002 started off with a defect in the rear hatch, the plastic cracked. Then over the past year the following have been replaced: all 4 Rotors; all 4 sets of brake pads; the e-brake cable; the 4x4 transfer case; the transmission (yes, transmission!); the rear axle seals; need I continue?
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making me a believer - 2002 Ford Explorer
By ford is cool - October 10 - 10:00 amFix 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 amStill 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 pmI 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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2002 Explorer is a Lemon - 2002 Ford Explorer
By fordjunk - September 22 - 6:00 pmWhen we purchased our 02 Explorer in 03, we were so happy we found an affordable SUV with plenty of room, power and comfort. Little did we know it was an ABSOLUTE LEMON! Luckily, we purchased the extended warranty that covered the MANY problems we had within the first couple years of ownership. The vehicle now has about 87,000 miles on it and the transmission IS COMPLETELY SHOT! $3,100 later, we are wishing we had spent the extra money and bought a Toyota.
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Hate this Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
By unhappywith Explorer - August 30 - 2:00 amIve had nothing but problems with this truck. The interior lights never go on!! when the car sits and you open the door- nothing-darkness. ive taken it to get looked at several times and no one can help. The driver seat track has already been replaced but still the seat moves when you come to a quick stop or turn. Also several of the interior handles and cargo nets have broken.- as well as the homelink receiver. I would love to dump this SUV but the trade in value isnt close to what I still owe!! Never will I buy another Ford- for the high end model- Im more than disappointed
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More trips to the shop than I expected - 2002 Ford Explorer
By DML - August 30 - 2:00 amIn 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-couldnt 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.
