2002 Ford Explorer 4WD

Pros: Big, Comfortable, Nice Interior
Cons: Mechanical and Reliability, Scares Me to Death

While it is roomy and looks very nice inside and out, my 2002 Ford Explorer has major problems after 10,000 miles. First, you can't get the key into the ignition without major fiddling, then it sounds terrible when it starts on a cold morning...

Pros: Smooth, powerful, fun, great in snow, solid, good handling, quiet, comfortable, and a good value
Cons: Fuel consumption, transmission shift programming, no heated mirrors, and 4X4 Auto lack of driver override.

I purchased my Explorer new in 2002 with the V8 and the trailer towing package (limited slip axles, lower final drive gearing, etc.). My wife, kids and I love the vehicle. We also purchased a BMW new in '02 and the Ford rides smoother than the Beamer! ...

Pros: Improved handling and overall fit and finish.
Cons: Some materials could be improved.

We recently purchased a used 2002 Ford explorer 4x4 Eddie Bauer edition. When purchased it had about 50k miles, but had been well cared for. This was the first used vehicle we had purchased in some time and we wanted to ensure that we did our homework ...

Pros: handles extremely well for an SUV, very nice exterior and interior, very reliable so far
Cons: gas guzzler

I bought my 2002 Ford Explorer in early 2002, and so far it has proven to be a great investment. My model is the V8 Eddie Bauer, with a 3rd row seat. My background: my commute is 2 1/2 hours EVERY day, 5 days a week. That's a lot of time to spend in ...

Pros: Comfort, highway use
Cons: 4WD use, off-road handling, off-road safety issues

I work for a federal land management agency and we drive all manner of SUVs and trucks out in our lands, nearly all on two-track or non-existant roads. The Ford Explorer is by far the worst vehicle that we have in our fleet, far underperforming any ...

Pros: Quiet ride, and relatively strong engine for its weight. Good CD sound, but...
Cons: Uncomfortable front seats and unacceptable rear seats for long trips. .... Poor radio reception.

(Updated review at the bottom...) Although I am not a truck person, an Explorer was assigned to me for work as a replacement car for a Ford Taurus, and I was not about to turn it down. As everything in life is relative, the Explorer was no exception. ...

Pros: third seating, rear climate control, good body fit
Cons: 1 1/4 inch hitch receiver, console opens forward, map lights need to be behind occupants

Wow, did I used to be a longtime Ford man. Had Ford vehicles since buying my first one in 1985, a "Bill Elliott" red one. Great car until 102 miles (yep, one hundred two) when it lost the transmission on the main cruising drag on a Friday night! Anyway, ...

Pros: Roomy, driving experiece superior to previous SUVs, lots of storage bins, standard tow package
Cons: Limited amenities compared to my expectations (that just about sums it up), unusual handling

12/01/04 - Please scroll down to the bottom for my update. Thanks for reading! Comments always welcome. Why the Explorer? First of all a little background on my purchase. My previous SUVs have been, in this order: 94 Chevy S10 Blazer, ...

Pros: Acceptable overall vehicle when it operates correctly.
Cons: Poor gas mileage. Awful reliability.

After a terrible experience with a Ford Contour (Detour) I was suckered back into another Ford by the "A" plan. The vehicle actually is not too bad when it runs correctly and everything works. The ride is reasonable and the cabin is fairly ...

Pros: Space to carry family, had the guts need to go! Great in snow!
Cons: Others in area have many transfer case issues, have to watch out for that!

I love my truck. It handles very nicely. I feel comfortable driving this vehicle which is a surprise. I drove my mother's 1998 Ford Expedition and I felt like I was driving a clown car just by feel. I could not see well over the hood and there was a ...

Pros: 4WD, safe for children, sound system, handling, roomy, design, family/adventure vehicle
Cons: Gas guzzler, pricey, floor mats, seat comfort, these are only small gripes

One day back in November 2001 while at work watching the weather maps on the internet, I wondered if the snow would ever stop. Back then, before my true Explorer experience I had the cool looking Explorer Sport trac, but it was only 2WD. The city was ...

Pros: Versatility with 3rd row
Cons: Minor annoyances

I was an SUV owner back in the early days of SUV’s. While I lived in California, I had a couple of relatives who enjoyed going off road. One cousin had a 1986 Ford Ranger pickup, while the husband of another cousin had one of the original Jeep ...

Pros: Excellent ride, great all purpose tool, love the flip up 3rd row to carry 7
Cons: No major ones

My new Explorer has been loaded to the rafters almost every weekend. It does great in the snowy north country and has compatent footing on sand w/ 4x4. I love the fact that I can load 4 in it for a long w/e and then when we get there unload my baggage...

Pros: comfortable and well laid out interior
Cons: not very "off road" and I am not much for the 3rd seat.

I recently used a 2002 Ford Explorer XLT for a week and I really enjoyed driving it.

The instruments and front passenger area is very well laid out, it drives very well and it has plenty of space for a wide variety of things. The cupholders...

Pros: Comfort, drive and handling
Cons: Poor constructed. Numerous loose bolts, creaking, structural assembly problems.

Structural problems cause rattles, exterior front end panels alignment hatch,dash 15 plus loose bolts. Have gone to dealer over five times in eight months. The total days out of use is about 45 days. Ford was notified but to date refers all problems to...