2002 Ford Explorer Consumer Reviews

Do not buy

Written by: mbistoocool on 06/23/2008

Vehicle

2002 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Too many problems to recommend purchasing, trans, plug wires every year, oil pressure regulator, wheel bearings, timing chain tensioner, back hatch that cracked so many times don't bother getting fixed anymore, paint chipping on roof, many more. Very nice truck to drive and still love the look of it after 6 years, interior has held up very well. Too bad reliability is so poor. When it's not in the shop it is a great truck.

Favorite Features

6CD premium stereo, radio and climate controls on steering wheel that are easy to use, easy to drive, looks nice and interior is nicely designed.

Suggested Improvements

Talk to Toyota or Honda and ask them how to make parts that are reliable.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Another bad Ford

Written by: odd-job on 06/12/2008

Vehicle

2002 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 2WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I have a 2002 Eddie Bauer V8 Explorer, my second Explorer. Previous one was a 1997, and that one was much better. Ford came out with a new Explorer in 2002 that was much larger, more steady, but in my opinion, much more problematic. My transmission was replaced at 95k miles, the radiator was replaced at 90k miles, the car has overheated multiple times and left me stranded on the side of the road, the 6 disc in dash CD player sticks all the time and gets jammed, the transmission still slips, the rear seatbelts flap really loudly when the front windows are down, the driver's window motor has slowed down, the air conditioning is spotty, and the heater takes about 10 minutes to warm.

Favorite Features

More space, stereo and AC controls on the steering wheel, more smooth ride, and the 3rd row seats/bench in back is convenient.

Suggested Improvements

Improve the gas mileage: my V8 gets about 15 miles to the gallon. Use less plastic on the interior. The fake wood trim in the Eddie Bauer looks too fake. Design the seatbelts to hang so they don't flap loudly when the windows are down. Build better transmissions. Make the heater work better.

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Piece of Junk

Written by: TThompson on 06/03/2008

Vehicle

2002 Ford Explorer XLT 2WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Tranmission problems at 84K, rack & pinion, radiator, rear axle, power window, rear wheel bearings, the list goes on and now again the tranmission is slipping. We need a new transmission at 145K. Love the look, love the drive, but it's a money pit. This is my third Ford and never again. This will be a fourth transmission. I guess one never learns, but this time that's it. Four strikes and you're out.

Favorite Features

Interior, exterior look, drive

Suggested Improvements

Ford needs to do recalls on problem vechicles, might be too late!

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Good Car

Written by: AJackson on 05/14/2008

Vehicle

2002 Ford Explorer XLT 2WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I bought my Explorer on a lease return at 30,000 mi. Car has been great so far at 93,000 with no problems even with out reg. oil changes. Ford recalled the cracked liftgate. I would buy again.

Favorite Features

3rd row seat, puddle lights, keyless code entry

Suggested Improvements

None

5 out 6 people found this review helpful

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What the ????

Written by: Brazil08 on 04/26/2008

Vehicle

2002 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Have had problems with rear differential leaking since the first week we had it. It was used and past the warranty so we paid to have it repaired. It was leaking again in a month and is still leaking. We live overseas so I searched online for a diagram to match up with the Portuguese part terms to make sure I order the right things. I was shocked at the amount of websites I found with people having the same problem. Also had emergency brake removed last month and saw others with same problem. Radio has issues with CDs sticking and transmission feels like it's slipping. Have not had hatch crack. Squeeking sound from rear over bumps and in front when steering even though maint. is current.

Favorite Features

Beautiful exterior, roomy and comfortable interior. Really sharp looking SUV. I like the way it handles, love the leather interior, great long trip vehicle. Nice amount of storage room in back after folding down 3rd row seats.

Suggested Improvements

I can't believe Ford has not had recalls for these issues. Fix the problems, Ford! I know we won't buy another one.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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PoJ

Written by: ghokester on 04/04/2008

Vehicle

2002 Ford Explorer XLT 2WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

This is a true Piece of Junk. Transmission went just after the warranty expired, 37K miles, cost over $3K to replace. Now it is starting to clunk again. Rear hatch cracked, which amazed me until I started noticing them all around town with the same crack. There is also a leak back there that lets water stream in regardless of the number of times I've had it repaired. Now its the rear wheel bearings that are singing to me so they need to be replaced, which the repair shop told me is a big job (read that expensive). Bought a new one in the early 90s that I drove 200K miles with a lot less repairs. If I could sell this lemon I would but the word is out, it's a PoJ. Need more space...

Favorite Features

Color was nice. That's about it.

Suggested Improvements

Do a recall on the transmission and pay your customers for having to replace this French-built component. Do the same for the rear hatch breaking and the bearings. When a significant number of purchasers have the same problems, own up and accept responsibility. I will NEVER buy another Ford

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Blinded by Beauty

Written by: Jalen Jarrod on 03/08/2008

Vehicle

2002 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Not enough space to list my true feelings. Driver and passenger window motors fail. Driver and passenger rear wheel bearings fail about 6 months apart. CD player was the 1st thing to fail. Rear hatch was cracking. I thought that was a first until I came here. Transmission fails as it refused to shift into 3rd gear. Estimated repair cost was $1800-2200. Considered getting it fixed until I visited one of these sites. One person explained my troubles verbatim. He also continued to have problems after the repairs. Made a believer out of me as I traded the EB. I have owned Fords all of my adult life. When I trade my LS(great car by the way) I will never own another Ford. True story.

Favorite Features

The styling. The exterior beauty was matched by the interior. 3rd row seating was a must have for the wifey.

Suggested Improvements

Acknowledge that there is a major design flaw with the transmission.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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biggest mistake I've ever made

Written by: Debra Horton on 03/05/2008

Vehicle

2002 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I would not advise anyone to own one of these unless you have alot of money to spend on repairs!

Favorite Features

third row seat

Suggested Improvements

fix the springs,bearings,rotors,driveshafts,tra nsmission,so they last more than two years or 50,000 miles

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Very dissapointed

Written by: Going back to Chevy on 03/01/2008

Vehicle

2002 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

We bought our Explorer less than a year ago and it's at the Ford dealership again to have the transmission overhauled. Fortunately the first time the dealership paid for the cost of the repairs since it occured within the first 30 days of ownership. This time some of the cost will be picked by the extended warranty company. What happens next year when something else goes wrong with the transmission? I wish I had read the reviews on the 2002 Explorer before I purchased it. I would have thought twice about buying it. Normally I would not have bought a car that was five years old, but it looked so good and drove great. Appearances certainly can be deceiving. I'm afraid to see what's next.

Favorite Features

Looks good, handles well, comfortable, radio/cd player sound good.

Suggested Improvements

Transmission! Correct noise problem when the wind blows hard through the luggage rack, and vibration when only a back window is open and both of the front windows are closed.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Don't buy this vehicle

Written by: debbie d on 02/26/2008

Vehicle

2002 Ford Explorer XLT 2WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I bought this vehicle because the 1994 Explorer we had was a truly great vehicle, so we gave it to our son and upgraded to the 2002 XLT. Big mistake! This vehicle has been nothing but junk. If you have to make a hard stop, the transmission slips and then the vehicle stalls. We have had this problem since we have had it. Eventually I will get a ticket for not stopping on a yellow light, but I crowd the yellow so the vehicle doesn't die. The back air makes a terrible noise if you turn it on. Now the 4 wheel drive has stopped working. This vehicle only has 60,000 miles and I wish I could scrap it. I understand this model is notorious for transmission problems. Ford should do a recall!

Favorite Features

I love the third row seat. It is more comfortable than you would expect.

Suggested Improvements

Recall it for transmission problems

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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