Used 2002 Ford Explorer Sport SUV Consumer Reviews
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Great truck
Brian, 10/06/2015
updated 04/29/2016
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Premium 4WD 2dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
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.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great first SUV
ford fan, 06/19/2002
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Value 4WD 2dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
My Review
Sunwoshiper816, 09/04/2003
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Value 2WD 2dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
Best of the SUVs for the money
hazle, 03/03/2002
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Value 2WD 2dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
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.
Good but miss my F-150
onlyford, 02/07/2003
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Premium 4WD 2dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
5 of 8 people found this review helpful
I've only been driving the Explorer Sport for a month but must admit that it seems well built. I do miss the roominess of my '98 F-150 XLT extended cab. The Explorer feels more like a cockpit-does make it easier to clean though! It is simply wonderful in snow conditions. I've never driven an SUV and am disappointed in the gas mileage. Since the car is so new, I'm hoping that will get better as it gets broken in.
2002 Exploder
alexj4703@hotmail.com, 07/25/2016
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Premium 4WD 2dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
Backstory: I purchased my 02 ford explorer in 2012. It had 85K on it at the time. I believe I purchased it for around 8K. Anyways I live in Minnesota and I had driven a 1997 for escort into the ground with 212k, and I was sick of white knuckling it driving during winter storms. So I was going to get an SUV with 4 wheel drive. I traded the explorer in with 122K 7/16. The 02 explorer sport is a good solid SUV. I loved the truck, but in the end, the awful MPG, and cost of up keep was to much. For me the negatives out weighed the positives.
- Performance
- Value
Unsatisfied
EG, 05/09/2002
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Value 2WD 2dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I was very excited now disgruntled. The car has slow reaction to manuevering around, I find it to be poor. The back of the car is light and is a big problem when it's windy. The door knobs inside the car are in a odd place. These are the negatives of the car. The positives are, very comfortable, rather quiet ride, no problems yet with the engine. The stereo system is fantastic. Overall, I wouldn't buy it again, not the car to have if you live in the snow or a windy area but if you stay within a community and don't do much traveling, maybe you want to think about it. I'll probably get rid of mine soon and purchase another ford vehcile.
Good little truck
timo74, 10/05/2010
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Premium 4WD 2dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my '02 Ford Explorer Sport used with 86K on it. I've had it for two or three years now and I'm very happy with it. It now has 110K on it and has been very reliable so far. Some features have stopped working (CC, outside temp, a couple buttons on the radio, the 4WD Low setting) but it still gets me around just fine. The only parts I've had to replace so far are the wheel bearings and the fan belt. Still, I won't complain. It's a good little truck! I'm thinking my next vehicle will most likely be another Ford Explorer or Escape.
2002 Ford Explorer Sport 2WD Good so Far
rdgalley, 10/10/2004
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Value 2WD 2dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
To date I have put just under 58000 miles on my Explorer. It has been very relieable. The problems I have are fairly minor. The transmission whines a little on the shift from 1st to 2nd. The cam chain tensioner makes a rattling sound under load, and the trim panel around the radio is peeling. Other that those items I am happy with my Explorer and hope to keep it until 150000 miles.
My shopping buddy
jo, 05/31/2008
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Value 2WD 2dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my Explorer, when I first got it the transmission went out, but it was under warranty, no big deal and they gave me a loaner. The car runs very smooth for an SUV, its pretty quiet, seats are comfortable and anyone can fix it.
Ford Explorer
Jeff Kind, 04/10/2002
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Value 4WD 2dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car for those who want an affordable SUV that drives and rides extremely well. Very satisfied with my purchase. The interior looks very sporty and also is very comfortable.
Fun SUV
NPFlorida, 04/26/2002
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Value 2WD 2dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I leased a 2001 Sport Explorer. I really enjoy this truck. It has just enough power for those who are not race frenzy. Gas mileage is phenominal for an SUV.(17 gal tank - 300 miles) Comfortable seating (love the leather quality) Radio is pretty good. In 2 years (June 2002) I have never had a problem yet! Love it.
Off-road use
rez driver, 11/12/2008
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Value 4WD 2dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had this truck for over two years now. About 80% of the time off- road. When I first bought this truck I have been doing a lot of extreme off- roading with the stocked parts. It was OK the first summer the ride was very smooth over washboards then towards the fall season is when the smooth ride went away. Everytime I went over a washboard road the whole truck would shake! I have worn the suspension system to the max and never is it the same again. I have bought countless shocks and leaf springs but the smooth ride has not ever comeback. The truck is ok for the streets but is not very good for long periods of extreme off road use. Overall it is a great truck for highway use but not offroad.
Not Happy at all!
Laurie, 11/24/2008
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Value 4WD 2dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've owned my Explorer and ever since I had it I was unhappy with it. I had to replace the front end, brakes, shocks, tires since Ive owned it, most within the first year of purchase. The thing I hate the most is its unstability in snow, The vehicle takes off on its own without warning leaving you in the ditch even in 4wd. I just don't feel safe in this vehicle and I am looking for something better.
Great SUV
Florida1, 05/12/2002
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Value 2WD 2dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I never considered a Ford until I test drove this Explorer two years ago. I have not had one problem with it since I bought it. I drove it cross country (Seattle to Orlando) and the seats proved to be extremely comfortable. I have the version with side airbags and wished the front seats had head rests though. There is also a rattle in the trunk from the plastic loose. I can't seem to make it go away. The truck is very powerful and beats many cars off the line while it pegs you to the back of the seat on acceleration. I might consider another Ford next year, but they are going to have to get more refined before I buy over a foreign model.
Still going strong
jake4146, 07/29/2013
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Choice 4WD 2dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
219k miles and still going strong! Just used it to move a trailer full of Moving stuff across the state. Couldn't be happier. It's crazy how stuff lasts when taken care of.
i cant believe I made it over 120,000
nicoleot, 01/18/2009
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Value 4WD 2dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car brand new in August 2002. Still driving it. Have put a lot of highway miles. Things replaced, at 60K needed a new transmission. 70k needed a new a/c compresser. Changed brakes 2x. 2 fuel filters. The truck is not great on miles, but still runs. Yeah, the ride is bumpy but I plan to ride it to the ground. Hoping to get 150k on it. I did get better tires for it. Michel..LTX and that improved the ride. Very good with snow. If you own this car keep it. If you don't, I wouldn't go buy a new one. After 50K everything falls apart.
A good car at a good price
Bull_no_1, 06/21/2002
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Value 2WD 2dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
In one year haven't found any problems at all. Still looks and drives as if just out of the dealership. Good amount of standard features like ABS, CD player, power windows and locks. If anybody is not into SUVS that much and wants to buy SUV just once in the lifetime without shelling out huge amount of money... this is a right vehicle.
My First Ford
john, 05/20/2010
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Choice 2WD 2dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My Explorer sways from wind generated by traffic. Roughly every two years "check engine light" comes on. Some of the dash lights went out, had them replaced($250.00)then 8 other dashlights went out. Out of the blue one day, the rear door would'nt open. Different day, I opened rear window and it came off in my hands. No damage has been done to the rear door,or window to give a reason for these problems. Ford recall on cruise control, will catch fire. My previous vehicle was a Toyota Corrola SR5 1600cc 2TC engine I drove for 19 years, God I miss that car.
Love it so far!
Derek_02Sport, 10/24/2002
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Value 2WD 2dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I really can't complain about anything so far. I think its a great SUV for the money. Too bad they are stop making this vehicle after 2003.
Great 2Dr SUV
PMR, 10/31/2002
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Value 2WD 2dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall, a great value for the money. Roomy enough for 4 people, 5 people is a squeeze. Solid interior build. Have had no problems in over 1 year of ownership.
Great if you don't have kids
airforcebrat, 01/04/2003
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Value 2WD 2dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I really like my Explorer Sport. I have to agree tho it wouldn't be too great if I had a kid who needed to be put into a car seat. I've hauled around my 4 year old nephew and he has to have a car seat and it's doggone inconvenient to put him into it. Otherwise, I have no complaints about this vehicle. It's roomy; it drives well; I feel safe in it.
Explorer sport
exposport, 02/12/2003
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Value 4WD 2dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my first Explorer sport. I love the style on the outside, and the interior is nice, and is exactly the same since the '95 model in a lot of ways. the only thing i dont like is the handles in the interior, the paint chips off of the handles.
My Review
matt96b, 08/15/2003
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Value 2WD 2dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The vehicle has performed quite well. I wish that it got a little better gas mileage, but it is an SUV and I get better gas mileage than I expected.
Adventure machine
zealman, 10/08/2003
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Value 2WD 2dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This vehicle ROCKS! I've taken it all over Southern California - through the mountains, to the beaches, nice enough for downtown adventures too. the best all-around SUV available, and with plenty of power too. Average 20MPG.
Awesome Vehicle
mrmugs1, 11/01/2003
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Value 4WD 2dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This truck rides like a car. The acceleration is incredible. The ride is very smooth compared to my '93 Exp. Sport.Instrument cluster has a great look to it and the exterior looks rough and ready.
Fun to Drive
nerd2z, 02/16/2004
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Value 2WD 2dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Even though it will only hold 2 people in the back seat, there is a ton of room up front and the cargo space is excellent. My dogs have had a blast in the back area! The truck drives very well on the highway and is very comfortable. I wish it got better gas mileage, but it is a truck with a good engine.
Ford Explorer Sport
P.A. Nardi, 03/15/2004
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Value 4WD 2dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have not had a problem with this Explorer. I'M driving it to work daily and through the snowiest of conditions in the Upper Peninsula of Mighigan.
I like It
carpeni, 09/12/2004
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Value 2WD 2dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had my exploror for 2 yaers now and like it a lot. Have had only 2 problems with it. A leaking rear shock after a year, which took the dealer 6 months to order and replace. And a transmission leak where the motor and transmission mate. The dealership has yet to return my calls on the transmission leak. (maybee because they saw its still under warrenty). Oh and the milege sucks around town (16mpg) but is awesome on the highway (25mpg).
Can't WAIT to trade it in!
kismet, 09/22/2004
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Value 2WD 2dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the 2002 Exporer Sport after driving a Civic. While at the time, I thought I was upgrading, I soon came to regret my decision. The suspension is my main complaint. The ride is SO bumpy and the back will sway and shift if you hit a pot hole or large bump. Also, you can get blown around on the road if it's windy. Like any SUV, the fuel economy is awful. I do love the factory stereo, though, and the A/C blows very cold. I have not had any performance problems, and it runs excellent. I can't wait to get rid of it, though, and get something safer and more fuel efficient.
Can't WAIT to trade it in!
optimusbjork, 09/22/2004
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Value 2WD 2dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the 2002 Exporer Sport after driving a Civic. While at the time, I thought I was upgrading, I soon came to regret my decision. The suspension is my main complaint. The ride is SO bumpy and the back will sway and shift if you hit a pot hole or large bump. Also, you can get blown around on the road if it's windy. Like any SUV, the fuel economy is awful. I do love the factory stereo, though, and the A/C blows very cold. I have not had any performance problems, and it runs excellent. I can't wait to get rid of it, though, and get something safer and more fuel efficient.
Best looking Suv out there !
animallover2, 03/23/2003
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Value 4WD 2dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had my 2002 Explorer Sport for 8 months now and am very pleased with it. The handling is very good and compared to my 93 Explorer Sport it feels like a sports car. The power is very good. There is no comparison between my new sport and my old one on the freeway. I have yet to find anything wrong with it so far except for a few rattles.
My Explorer Sport
JamesM185, 04/09/2003
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Value 2WD 2dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Yo this car is awsome. For a stock stereo, it is very good indeed. Also the car exterior is very "handsome" looking car. THe interior is very comfy and enouhg room. I am 6' 00' tall and i have left over room in the front.
Sporty 02 Sport
NOLIE, 05/11/2003
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Value 2WD 2dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A step upward from previous (Grand Cherokee).Fun and easy to drive,Park. Must get Limited-slip Diff. Too much Torque for 1 drive wheel. Average 20- MPG mixed driving. 14-16MPG pulling 19`Boat.
explorin
formal1, 03/19/2002
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Value 4WD 2dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this suv has been good,comforable, easy to drive on all road types. I was looking at the toyota 4 runner, highlander and the ml320 and opted for the explorer sport because i could not the difference in ride,comfort,handling that the reviewers had written that was so much different.For the cost of the vehicle you cant beat it.
Wishing I bought a 4 door Explorer...
Mario, 03/25/2002
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Value 2WD 2dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
For my lifestyle, I should have purchased a 4 door Explorer. It's a pain in the $#@! to put my child in the back seat. Don't even try putting an adult back there. It's tough. An adult will have a real difficult time climbing into the back seat. I like the engine and trans though. The vehicle is very peppy! Wind noise can be very loud when driving on a windy day however. Lastly, I don't like the fact that my new 2002 Sport looks like a 1991 Sport. The body hasn't really changed in 10 years! The Sport needs to be redesigned or discontinued from Ford's line up. It is very outdated.
useful but catchy
Gary F, 05/30/2022
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Premium 2WD 2dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
tho I bought it with 174K miles, it has served reliably and dependably, I had the front end rebuilt and a tune up , with oilchanges as needed. overall a great selection....
Ford-a-good-buy
First-Ford, 05/17/2002
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Value 2WD 2dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Even thought the look haven't change much in a couple of year the small changes that had been made are nice. Ford have put more into the Quality the expolorer which I myself love I would like to have more Quality then added looks. The wider base and a more bold look it very nice. If you have child I highly recommed that you get a four door not just in a SUV but in any car you buy it's always hard to put someone in the backseat of any car.
A review to read
Car buyer, 08/11/2003
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Value 4WD 2dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have had my Explorer a year and a half. Since the day I bought it I have had on going problems. All four of my brake pads were cracked when I got my Explorer. Secondly, the silver paint chipped off the radio and both door handles. Later this year my car wouldn't start due to a faulty part. I have had nothing but problems.
Perfect Choice
Wes Gardner, 03/31/2002
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Value 2WD 2dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Visited edmunds.com almost daily reviewing entry level luxury cars and SUVs for about 4 months. The Explorer ST was the one vehicle I keep going back to. It is the most versatile and best value for my money. Love it and only sorry it took me so long to get it.
Happy about my Explorer!!
Sharron, 04/01/2002
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Value 2WD 2dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchased my vehicle 3 months ago and I am very happy with my Explorer. I love the interior and exterior design. It is a comfortable ride, but it is a little noisy.