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2002 Explorer

2002 Explorer Reviews
Overall rating:  Product Rating: 3.5

Reviewed by 31 users

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My Perspective regarding my 2002 Explorer!

by superbowlsaint
Jun 13, 2008 (A Somewhat Helpful review)

Author's Product Rating: 40 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Price, Decent Gas Mileage for an SUV, Space, Reliable
Cons: Poor Acceleration, Not many extra features
The Bottom Line: I recommend this vehicle to middle class families not interested in all the bells and whistles, just a car to get the job done from A-Z.

My wife and I decided to have kids 4 years ago, and needed to upgrade from our single cab truck to an SUV. We compared price, quality, etc. and decided on the Ford Explorer. We bought it with 29K miles for roughly 14K. For the first 50,000 miles, we ... read more

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Top of line Lumberwagon.

by mbishop42
Mar 2, 2008 (A Somewhat Helpful review)

Author's Product Rating: 30 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Style, incredible turning radius, brakes, storage versatility, dash design, stock stereo, winter handling.
Cons: Laura Ingles' dad might have traded up for this. Mine built on overnight shift.
The Bottom Line: Finally, I would recommend this but do not tell anyone I said so. Fords are hit and miss. Who made yours?

If everyone seems to love the ride of this independent rear suspension so much better than the old, how many more chiropractor visits did they need? We were in an accident with our minivan and purchased this '02 Explorer to tow a lightweight 18 ft. ... read more

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Affectionately named 'exploder'

by stroh64
Oct 9, 2007 (A Somewhat Helpful review)

Author's Product Rating: 20 Recommended: No 

Pros: spacious, a family vehicle
Cons: constant repairs
The Bottom Line: Costly, purchase if you're prepared to spend a lot of money towards the vehicle. Never buy the 'manager's special!'

I purchased my '02 explorer in August of '05 as a trade in on my '92 ford bronco. It was a "manager's special" and I paid 8,999 plus tax. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. When i got it, it already had no cruise control. The first thing that ... read more

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Bad vehicle or just a lemon

by lobsterlake
Oct 2, 2007 (A Somewhat Helpful review)

Author's Product Rating: 20 Recommended: No 

Pros: Large cargo space & nice ride
Cons: Frequency of repair is unbelievable
The Bottom Line: Probably will not buy another Ford Explorer unless reliability can be proven better

I purchased a new 2002 Ford Explorer in Jan of 2002. At present it has just less than 70,000 miles. Within a month of purchasing the vehicle I had transmission problems which were taken care of under warranty. Shortly thereafter a dash light indicated a ... read more

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carefully evaluate, stay away

by mleisner
Jun 9, 2007 (A Somewhat Helpful review)

Author's Product Rating: 20 Recommended: No 

Pros: comfortable, luxury, well presented
Cons: quality of components, repairs
The Bottom Line: lousy resale value, too many problems for a new car

I had a 2002 Explorer limited -- I traded it in on an Acura MDX. I've owned fords since 1988 -- no more. Ford -- fix or repair daily. The car ran well, I was happy with it but there were several annoying mechanical, engineering problems. 1) the ... read more

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Buy anything, just stay away from the Exploder

by realmacgyver
Feb 9, 2007 (A Somewhat Helpful review)

Author's Product Rating: 10 Recommended: No 

Pros: None
Cons: It's a Ford
The Bottom Line: I would seriously reconsider because their focus is set higher on profits than it is on quality. I would recommend GM for American and Toyota for foreign.

2002 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer has been a big POS since the day we took it off the lot. Had it at the dealer for 10 days before we even put 10,000 miles on it for transmission work. The dealer told me several times that they couldn't figure out the ... read more

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How Do You Cost Me? Let Me Count the Ways

by vcanfield
Dec 1, 2006 (A Helpful review)

Author's Product Rating: 10 Recommended: No 

Pros: -High safety rating -Roomy -Fairly comfortable ride
Cons: -Mechanical problem after problem after problem... -Gas Hog
The Bottom Line: Expensive $29,000 lesson

Oh how we loved our new explorer when we bought it in Dec. of 2002. It was very roomy, great for taking a trip with the kids and the ride was comfortable enough. And then we were betrayed. It started out with little things- the window would stick and had ... read more

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Explore other options!

by webb_texas
Dec 30, 2004 (A Somewhat Helpful review)

Author's Product Rating: 10 Recommended: No 

Pros: Lot's of SUV for the money
Cons: Quality, Quality, Quality! 14mpg w/V-6!
The Bottom Line: Consider a station wagon instead. Perhaps a Passat with the diesel engine. In doing so, you will get all the room and twice the fuel economy.

I purchased this 2002 Explorer truck for my wife in November of 2002. It was "Pre-Owned" with very few miles, which should have been my first clue. The ride was ok, albeit a little on the cramped side, but it had three seats, came fully loaded and my ... read more

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Decent Sport Ute

by Hudr
Dec 7, 2004 (A Helpful review)

Author's Product Rating: 40 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Peppy for a small V6 (4.0L). More room than the GMC Jimmy
Cons: Driver and passenger seats uncomfortable on long trips
The Bottom Line: I would recommend this to someone. It's a solid vehicle and I think it will stay together for the long haul. I just wish Ford would work on the seats.

I have always been a GM man. I decided to try a Ford because we needed another Sport Utility for my business. Also, the local dealer is known for its service and repair maintenance departments. The engine (4.0LV6) I thought was a little small for a ... read more

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A Good Vehicle, but Not Great

by chanticleer71
Aug 4, 2004 (A Somewhat Helpful review)

Author's Product Rating: 30 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Better design, better handling than previous years, low maintenance
Cons: Potential rear-end whine, engine could be stronger (V6
The Bottom Line: If you can live with the whine, it's a good car.

In case anyone is looking at a 2002 as a used car, I thought my review might be helpful. I purchased my 02 XLS right after 9/11 to take advantage of the low interest rates. Initially I was very happy, as are most new car owners. Since then, I would rate ... read more

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This Explorer doesnt Explore

by bspeer61
May 30, 2003 (A Helpful review)

Author's Product Rating: 20 Recommended: No 

Pros: Great Bright Lights, Comfortable Car
Cons: To Many To List, Just does not hold up
The Bottom Line: Like I said before, My Recommendation is to not buy the Explorer, unless you are a gambling person

As I was driving off the lot in my 2002 Ford Explorer, I thought for what I just paid, nothing could be better. I loved everything about it, and drove it everywhere just to be driving it. A few days later, I drove to meet my family, and saw another 2002 ... read more

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2002 Explorer is the Best yet.

by cmiller32
Mar 22, 2003 (A Helpful review)

Author's Product Rating: 50 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Seats, Power, Reliability, Equipment, A-C, Sunroof, 3rd Row Seating
Cons: Running Boards, In-Tow Mileage on V-8 Models.
The Bottom Line: Go for it. You'll never regret it.

Preface: I had an Early 02' that I reviewed, but that explorer has since been totaled. I am both of the explorer. First Impression: The paint was nice and glossy. Its called Mineral Grey, and it looked like it would hide dirt well. Also, I ... read more

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2002 Explorer 2WD

by kingzito
Feb 20, 2003 (A Somewhat Helpful review)

Author's Product Rating: 50 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: 2WD, superior sound system, standard CD, rear AC, optional 3rd seat, Key guard ignition
Cons: Steering wheel veils gear guide on dash
The Bottom Line: Highly recommend this SUV. Even ride. Fewer jolts and bumps than in a 4WD, yet with all the whistles and bells. Superior towing.

Having owned many Fords and needing a new car, I turned to the 2002 Ford Explorer. Originally, I wanted the 4WD, however, when comparing the two models I found that need dismissed and the 2WD would serve just as well. How many of us in California ... read more

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LOVE MY EXPLORER!!!

by cupcake
Nov 12, 2002 (A Somewhat Helpful review)

Author's Product Rating: 50 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: New body style, leg and head room, rear a/c vents
Cons: No key lock on passenger side door, spare tire underneath
The Bottom Line: This is my first Ford - and will not be my last!

Oh my goodness do I love my Explorer??? Yes I certainly do!! I made the switch from the horribly made 2000 Oldsmobile Bravada to this piece of artwork. Had always heard 'fix or repair daily' and was scared to buy a Ford. I own the Limited version and ... read more

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Marked improvement in handling

by Datsmar
Mar 21, 2002 (A Somewhat Helpful review)

Author's Product Rating: 50 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Excellent Handling and workmanship.
Cons: Mileage is 1 mile per gallon less than previous (1997) model
The Bottom Line: It is a well built American vehicle with excellent handling and driving characteristics.

This is the second Explorer I have owned. The first one was a 1997 Explorer with basically the same equipment as I have on the 2002, 6 cylinder engine and XLT package. In the 2002 model Ford has gone to a fully independent rear suspension system. This ... read more

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Awesome SUV

by falcon777
Feb 26, 2002 (A Helpful review)

Author's Product Rating: 40 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: VERY quiet ride, Room for five big guys if you need.
Cons: Possible electrical problems and definite CRAPPY mileage!
The Bottom Line: Recommed this vehicle to those who have a MOBIL or other gas Card!

I recently purchased the following vehicle: Ford XLS 2002 4DR Explorer. Ford has updated thier most popular SUV. The NEW Explorer has a ton of extras to offer Standard. 4.0L V6 210HP 4 wheel disc/anti-lock brakes ... read more

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Luxury without loss.

by pinqkandi
Feb 10, 2002 (A Somewhat Helpful review)

Author's Product Rating: 50 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Plenty of room, comfortable, well powered, appealing look.
Cons: Can be difficult to park.
The Bottom Line: If you want room, and don't want to sacrifice comfort, the 2002 Ford Explorer is an excellent choice. Reliable, comfortable, roomy, and an excellent value

Many SUVs that attempt to be "luxurious" on the inside lose what SUVs were supposed to have: ruggedness and room. The 2002 Ford Explorer doesn't. With plenty of room for people and cargo, the Explorer will easily meet your demands for hauling. ... read more

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MiniExpedition---But Better

by jschemmel
Oct 30, 2001 (A Helpful review)

Author's Product Rating: 50 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: New technology, great styling, 3rd row seat
Cons: Gas mileage, ugly keyfob
The Bottom Line: When trying to avoid buying a minivan...look to the new Explorer. It has a 3rd row seat option and is smaller than a Suburban.

I recently traded an amazing 230,000 mile Honda Accord for a brand new Explorer. The main reason being that I need more space. Space is what you get with the Explorer. The 3rd row option opens up this vehicle to a much larger market. Most SUVs ... read more

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2002 Ford Explorer: All new -- brag or fact?

by diverpam
Oct 27, 2001 - Updated Dec 30, 2001 (A Very Helpful review)

Author's Product Rating: 50 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Roomy, comfortable, rides and handles extremely well; all the bells and whistles
Cons: Not the greatest gas mileage, but is getting a little better
The Bottom Line: Great styling, enhanced performance with the 4.6L V-8, more room, more features, and quiet comfortable ride. This SUV thinks it's a luxury automobile. Buy it now, make your neighbors jealous!

As the proud owner of my fourth Ford Explorer, I can honestly say the 2002 Explorer is absolutely the best model yet! Ford proudly touts the 2002 as being all new. In fact, there are significant differences in the 2002 that made my ... read more

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