2002 Ford Explorer Review
2002 Ford Explorer Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Available third-row seating, independent rear suspension, powerful engines, attractive new exterior design.
Cons
- Everyone and his uncle has one, driving characteristics are still pretty truck-like.
What’s new
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.
Edmunds says
A great truck that suffers a terrible rap. Completely new for 2002, this Ford Explorer shares only its name with its much-maligned predecessor.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Ford Explorer XLS 2WD 4dr 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 $3.56 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$258/mo for Explorer XLS
Explorer XLS
vs
$208/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
Ford's Explorer has dominated the SUV market since its introduction in 1990. Designed to appeal to the broadest spectrum of buyers possible, Explorer's proven to be a goldmine for the Blue Oval folks. Still, it was getting a bit long in the tooth during the last couple of years. Thus, a complete redesign for 2002.
There are four trim levels available: XLS, XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited. The majority of Explorers sold are XLTs. If you want your Explorer to be as special as possible, step up to the Eddie Bauer or Limited. These models come standard with added luxury feature content like heated leather seats, automatic climate control and an in-dash six-disc CD changer. Standard safety features on all models include ABS with electronic brake distribution and a Securilock passive anti-theft system. Safety options worth considering are side curtain airbags and a Reverse Sensing System.
Explorer comes with either a 4.0-liter V6 making 210 horsepower or a new 4.6-liter V8 pumping out 240 ponies. Both engines are mated to a five-speed automatic transmission and the V8 offers copious, refined power delivery, but unimpressive mileage numbers.
Explorer has been made over inside and out, and the results are pleasing. Outside, it sports larger, clear lens headlights, integrated bumpers and blacked-out B- and D-pillars, giving it a cleaner look.
But the most significant changes are found inside and underneath. An all-new independent rear suspension featuring a unique porthole-in-frame design debuts this year. This setup allows the rear floor to drop 7 inches - thereby making room for an optional third-row seat - while increasing ground clearance to 9.2 inches. Cargo volume is 88 cubic feet with the five-passenger configuration and 81.3 cubes with the third-row seat installed.
The all-new suspension also pays off in improved ride and handling characteristics. The Explorer now feels more stable on the road and exhibits flatter cornering capabilities. A 2.5-inch wider stance and 2-inch longer wheelbase improve handling even more, while increasing interior room.
Other nifty improvements for 2002 include larger door openings with a lower step-in height for ease of entry and exit, a stiffer body shell and a lower front bumper for better crash compatibility with smaller vehicles. Later in the model year, rollover protection sensors and a new AdvanceTrac traction/stability control system will be available on Explorer.
Ford's bestseller may have fallen on hard times with the Firestone tire scandal in 2000, but this year's thorough redesign should go a long way in keeping America's favorite sport-ute at the top of its game.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Ford Explorer.
5 star(41%)
4 star(28%)
3 star(18%)
2 star(12%)
1 star(1%)
387 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Excellent SUV for family travel
skarland, 09/24/2012
2002 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 2WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
This is my first SUV. I bought in 2010 with 96,000 miles. Now it has 125,000 miles. Things I have done: brakes, a set of new tires, regular motorcraft oil change every 3k miles. No major repair. For people complains the transmission problems, it's better to customize it with an external ATF filter and extra big ATF cooler. You should check the ATF level regularly and also its temperature … (I also add a temp gauge). Because ford put a sealed transmission with this SUV, there is no way for regular person to check the ATF fluid level. With all these done, you won't have a failed transmission. Recently I drove this car from Austin Texas all the way to Buffalo NY, and back to Austin, never failed.
4.63 out of 5 stars
184,000 miles and doing GREAT
benzcrazy1, 10/17/2014
2002 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
Have owned this car since 2004. Bought with 45k miles, have right at 184k miles on it now and is still driven daily. It has never left me stranded. Decent gas mileage for an older SUV, keep it serviced at the Ford dealership and have had to put the usual front hubs and upper contol arms on it, which they are known for but aside from that, just routine maintenance. Great looking, relaible … and reasonable cost to own!
2.75 out of 5 stars
2002 Ford Explorer XLT - WEIRD EXPENSIVE REPAIRS!
prazb2jc, 03/16/2012
2002 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
Purchased used in 2004. Clear CarFax, 1-owner, under 50,000 miles. 2 mths later Oil Leak, output seal leaking, replaced seal. In '06, replace leaking axle seals, May '07 loose front driver's side wheel bearings, rear noise inspected on lift, differential removed to find cause, replaced both front wheel bearings; noise STILL there. June '07 vibration & noise, remove rear differential, … disassemble, left carrier bearing and cup failed, discoloration of bearing, replaced pinion & carrier bearings & cups, replace axle support bearings and seals, replace pinion seal, replace left rear wheel bearing, replace speed sensors, just tip of the iceberg repair list. Not worth it - horrible riding!
4.13 out of 5 stars
2002 Ford Explore Limited 4.6L V8
carguy03, 07/10/2011
2002 Ford Explorer Limited 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
Purchased this vehicle in October 2010, and really liked it, but after I drove it for a while, I realized that I didn't have enough leg room, I'm 6'4". The Explorer had a lot of power, and would get you where you needed to go!
2002 Explorer Highlights
XLS
Base MSRP | $24,585 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 17 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $258/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 46.6 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 / 5Passenger5 / 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
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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