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 341 through 350 of 372.00

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  great suv - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By teckpart - April 17 - 10:00 am

  did not set out to by a suv but the new explorer realy caught my eye vast improvement over older models independent rear supension makes this suv i cut above nice driving quiet and smooth on open highway for my use 4.0L engine is fine great dealer prep and no problems since new good looks nice inside with a lot of nice xtras

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  Thanks for the Memories - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Higgy - April 12 - 4:06 am

  Purchased new in 2002. I have 64000 miles and have had the follow problems: rebuilt transmission twice, two power window motors replaced, two cracks on the back panel of the tailgate, airbag sensors not working properly, cruise dontrol stoped working, paint on the plastic panels between the doors coming off, rear end rebuilt. Currently making noise in the rear end going 45 to 55 miles per hour. Sunroof rattles.

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  Never Again!!! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By prat - April 8 - 10:00 am

  I took it into the dealer 3 times in the first year for transmission problems...hesitation, thumping noises, among other things. They were unable to find anything wrong any of the times. They acted like I was crazy. The week after my manufacturer warranty ran out (I did purchase the extended)the vehicle was almost unbearable to drive due to hard jerks, loud thumping noises and extreme hesitation, so I took it back again. Imagine, they found it this time! They had to send it "out" to a transmission place for repair! Of course now it cost me $500 even w/ext. warranty! It drove well for 1 week. I could go on and on but there are numerous other issues as well.

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  2002 Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Carl McClary - April 1 - 12:56 pm

  Unacceptable reliability from the start, beginning with malfunction of a/c vent linkage from floor to face, steering linkage rattle (replaced), leakage from map light, brake light switch, dealer spark plug malfunction, and poor transmission handle functioning. Have taken this vehicle in for repair far too often.

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  Traded In 1998 for 2002 - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By limbert08 - March 25 - 10:00 am

  The 2002 explorer is a significant upgrade to my old 1998 XLT. It almost feels like 2 different vehicles, the 02 has great handling and quieter engine. I got a used 2002 with 18,000 miles on it for less than $20,000. I think it was a fair deal

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  Pleased Customer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Andrew Donovan - March 21 - 7:26 pm

  The Ford Explorer XLT 4WD is a great vehicle. Perfect for family use. Roomy and comfortable. It can fit todays on the go lifestyle. Storage is more than ample. Comfortable, smooth ride and remarkably quite interior.

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  Not That Impressed :-( - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By king17 - March 12 - 2:00 am

  I have had the vehicle now for a little over a year and its already been in the shop 6 times. Its been everything from the paint fading to the back window breaking to the front end making an annoying clicking noise. I sorry to say that Im not really impressed with my first purchase of an SUV.

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  Very Disapointed - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Disapointed Ford Fan - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Im very disapointed in what the Ford engineers did to an awesome SUV. This is my third Ford SUV. They ruined the Explorer. It has car mirrors instead of truck mirrors. HELLO! IT IS A TRUCK, IT SHOULD HAVE TRUCK MIRRORS! Now in order to sit up high, you have to raise the seat all the way up, but then the rear view mirror gets in the way. I now HAVE to drive the recommended speed limit on a clover leaf. If I dont, I can feel the SUV lose traction. Teach people who are used to driving corvettes how to drive an SUV instead of giving a knee jerk reaction to the bad roll over publicity!!! People who knew how to drive trucks & SUVs werent the ones rolling it!

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  wish me luck! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By eric tangert - December 20 - 1:46 pm

  I sold a 94 Explorer with 140,000 trouble free miles so I could get a 2002 model. I like the styling and the smooth shifting 5R55W transmission. I bought this truck used with 49,000 miles on it, so it shows a little wear, but the price was right so I went for it. The 4.0 OHC V6 runs great and everything works and is tight. The rear gears whine a little at speed but I understand this is a common complaint. As I own a transmission repair facility, correcting any drivetrain problems should not be an issue for me. I would recommend an Explorer (used of course, love that low resale value) to anyone who wants a nice truck at a great price.

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  2002 1/2 Update - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By judy - December 16 - 10:00 am

  Purchased after trying many other SUVs both foreign & domestic. Fit our needs all around. Waited for the newer production model that included real bucket seats w/ a headrest, foglamps, leather wheel, & autodim mirror. Used info off the internet (edmunds & others) to get a great deal - $1000 under TMV!