2002 Ford Explorer consumer reviews

Bought a used 02 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4x4 back in 04 and have loved it ever since. No problems, great vehicle. Still going in 2010, and still looks great.

My 2002 explorer was purchase used with 43000k...today 11/2009 is has 178000k. My only significant problems have been with the rear bearings (replaced twice) and the transmission....replaced with a rebuild....and failed again under warranty, and the 4x4 module. The vehicle lives in Massachusetts... and is rust free. It is a six cylinder...oil was always changed every 3k. I'll run it until the next big issue...then say goodbye. I would consider another one too.

I purchased an 2002 6 cyl. e.b. just two months ago with 85,000 miles on it..and I LOVE IT!! Ive worked on and driven all types of cars and SUVs, stick shift or not and personally i would have gotten a stick import car (im 20...thats what we drive lol) but i went for the suv instead. And after reading many and many reviews about explorers, ive decided to own one myself. i can understand if people get upset if their explorer has problems, but they bought it USED!!!! People have to understand that used cars will have problems with them. Every single negative complaint on this site probably has the cars labeled used with decent to high mileage...what could you expect. NO CAR IS PERFECT! Anyways..the pros- great to drive...good to have third row seating available...performance of entire car is great the cons- the gas, its not terrible but always could be a little better

First the positives. The V8 with a tow package is great. I have carried 7 people while towing a trailer loaded with 2 rafts, a cataraft and 2 kayaks and the explorer handled it very well. We raft in some remote areas that require offroad capability and the explorer handles it all very well. I have ran the AC in 100 degree heat pulling a load out of a canyon and the temp guage barely moves. As for the negatives. Wheel bearings $300 a pop have failed twice. The rearend failed under warranty at 25,000 and just failed again at 70,000. ($2000.00) The vehicle did not strand me in either case but the noise form the bearings and rear end was horrible. I also had to replace the 4x4 sensor/module for $500.00 and the rear ac/heat box for $600. The fixes are obviously cheaper then buying a new car, but I have had cars in the past that ran over 120,000 miles with only routine maintenance expense. I would not buy a used 2002 explorer.

I will never buy a Ford again. We've had to replace the rear end, transfer case and now like alot of others the transmission. This vehicle has cost us more than it's worth. They should put a recall on the transmission and rear end. I have found this is a problem with this vehicle.

i like this car handles good for a truck basied car looks good roomy tough powerful good off road i would get a new one if it had the 263hp 3.5 v6 no more v8 sry

Rust bucket. There are 2 versions of the 2002 Ford Explorer. This is the older version built at the end of 2001. BAD DESIGN!! Wheels won't turn as the rust prevents them. The motor is week and won't turn over. DON"T GO TO THIS DEALER!!

Reiable and good for family. We really love the extra seating our explorer has. Comes in handy with the kids and their friends

very good car. love it hate the gas it gets about 16 the inside is more then comfortable totally injoy driving with little accelartion the Transmission kicks Still love the power the v6 pushes and will get u off road

i've owned my explorer for 6 years now and i'd say the first five years were great with it. recently in the last year i have had to have the engine replaced and the bearings on all four tires and the axle rod and shocks and struts but up until that it has been a great car. i live out in the country where there is nothing but dirt roads and the 4-wheel drive never fails me. its a little rough now but that comes with age. i would buy another one in a heart beat. with 168,000 miles on it its still runnin fine. there are 4 explorers in my family ranging from 2002 to 2008 and they have all been great