2002 Ford Explorer Sport Review
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Review
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Used Explorer Sport for sale
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Strong V6 engine, rugged styling, comfortable front seats.
Cons
- Not as versatile as most SUVs, hobby-horse ride, platform dates to 1990.
What’s new
Sixteen-inch aluminum wheels are made standard, along with an AM/FM/CD/cassette stereo. You now have a choice between an automatic or manual transmission with the base model.
Edmunds says
Put a fork in this one, because it's done.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Value 2WD 2dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.52 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$247/mo for Explorer Sport Value
Explorer Sport Value
vs
$204/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
Last year, Ford updated the two-door Explorer Sport with minor suspension and moderate styling changes. But an update wasn't enough. The Sport rides on the old Explorer's platform, which dates to 1990 and might become the subject of an intense NHTSA investigation. As we wrote after driving the revised 2001 Sport, "put a fork in this one." In other words, it's done.
Two-wheel- and four-wheel-drive models in a single two-door bodystyle are available, powered by a stout 4.0-liter SOHC V6 engine that generates 208 horsepower and 245 pound-feet of torque (203 and 237 with the standard manual transmission). This translates to decent, if unrefined, acceleration. A five-speed automatic is available.
Ford designers went for a rugged "No Boundaries" style for the Explorer Sport, blending the chiseled front fascia of the Sport Trac SUV/pickup thingy with flared fenders and lower body cladding. For 2002, 16-inch alloy wheels are standard. The Sport's short wheelbase, narrow track and high center of gravity mean that you'd better not take its name too seriously. This truck is ungainly, at best, under most driving conditions.
Buyers can outfit a Sport with four primary option groups: Convenience, Comfort, Leather and Premium Sport. Convenience includes cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote keyless entry and a cargo shade. Comfort adds a six-way power driver seat, cloth low-back bucket seats with an upgraded center console, rear climate and audio controls and an overhead console with compass and exterior temperature readout. Leather adds just that: leather upholstery. Go whole hog (and really, who wouldn't?), and the Premium Sport group gives you foglights, bright aluminum wheels, meatier tires (4WD only), tow hooks and the all-important side step rails for the maximum machismo look.
Inside, the Explorer Sport's front seats are surprisingly comfortable perches from which to while away time. The 50/50-split rear bench seat accommodates adults, but is a hassle to crawl into and out of. It can be folded flat to allow more space for cargo. Maximum cargo capacity is 71.4 cubic feet.
For safety, the Sport comes equipped with second-generation front airbags, and child safety seat-anchor brackets. The instrument panel features a snazzy gauge cluster with white dial faces and metallic plastic trim, but otherwise is identical to what's been installed in the Explorer since 1995. This year, Ford makes a stereo with both CD and cassette players standard. Optionally there's a Pioneer six-disc in-dash CD player, power moonroof, front side airbags and a limited-slip differential.
Logic and the law of product cycling dictate that Explorer Sport's days must be numbered. But as long as consumers buy them, Ford will keep building them. The Jeep Cherokee lasted 18 years. We don't think the Explorer Sport sports that kind of staying power.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Ford Explorer Sport.
5 star(51%)
4 star(39%)
3 star(10%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
41 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Great truck
Brian, 10/06/2015
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Premium 4WD 2dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
Bought my 2002 Explorer Sport in Sept 2001. Had a problem at 12,000 miles. Something in the differential broke. Wasn't fond of the dealership it went to. But since then its been a great truck, Haven't had any problems. It may be 13 years old but has outlasted 99% of my friends/families newer SUV's. People constantly offer to buy it. I wouldn't sell it even if they offered me what I … payed when I bought it new, Its low miles and has zero rust and is dependable.
3.5 out of 5 stars
My Review
Sunwoshiper816, 09/04/2003
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Value 2WD 2dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
This vehicle can take a beating. I have
driven it on off-road, interstate
highway, country roads, and city roads
and it has performed quite well.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Great first SUV
ford fan, 06/19/2002
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Value 4WD 2dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
Traded in a 2001 Ford Ranger for this
little gem. The ride is great,
compared to the Ranger and almost as
smooth as the Mazda Tribute. My wife
and I have a baby that's six-months old
and it's fairly easy to get her into
the back seat. The passenger seat
slides out of the way a good bit, but
nothing beats a four-door auto. A good
SUV for those who can't afford the … four-
door Explorer.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Best of the SUVs for the money
hazle, 03/03/2002
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Value 2WD 2dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
Looked at everything else and kept coming back to the Sport for the price and looks. Perfect for a couple who never hauls kids. Drives well on the road with much more response than the 4 door due to 600 lbs of less wt. Same engine and tranny as the 4door. Quiet on the road.
2002 Explorer Sport Highlights
Value
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $21,220 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 17 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $247/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 35.5 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover2 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
Related Used 2002 Ford Explorer Sport info
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