2002 Ford Explorer consumer reviews

First and last Ford. Loved the car, great in snow, lots of room, comfortable but...google problems with this year's transmission. It is remarkably terrible. Mine first neutraled out at 32,000 miles, but over three years old. Reprogram and fluid (fyi, no dipstick...) got another year and slippage again; better flush and then I started reading how common this was and to have to replace the trans multiple times by 100,000 miles!!! yup. Rear bearings went at 60,000, window motor burned out twice same window (250 bucks each time), loud rear end, clunky transmission and very noisy too (was told that was normal by dealer). Plenty of rust. So now OD light flased at 85,000 miles and although i have all gears, solenoid pack and fluid need replacing for $800 bucks. From what i read this is the beginning of the end with the trans. So I will probably dump this vehicle for a toyota and scratch my head how to get my hunting gear and dead deer home next winter...but I can buy an old Chevy truck for that with what i may save in trans costs. Also poor milage on this car. If the trans wasn't soooooo bad on this year, i would have dealt with the other stuff and griped but kept going as i really like other aspects of it.

WE HAVE HAD OUR 2002 FORD EXPLORER 2 1/2 YEARS IT IS DEPENDABLE WE LIKE THE STYLE AND COMFORT .I HAVE HAD POEPLE ASK IF IT WAS NEW THE INTERIOR IS INTACT CLEAN INSIDE AND OUT MY NEXT TRADE WILL BE ANOTHER EXPLORER NO TIME SOON WE ARE ENJOYING THE ONE WE HAVE

I LOVE MY EXPLORER. IT IS VERY COMFORTABLE AND IT IS NOW 6 YEARS OLD AND DRIVES LIKE IT IS NEW. THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE OVERHAULED AT 48,000 MILES BUT I HAD AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. A PASSENGER FRONT WHEEL BEARING WENT OUT LAST YEAR. IT HAS 112,000. MILES ON IT NOW BUT I STILL LOVE IT. WE WERE STUCK IN TRAFFIC FOR 30 HOURS, RUNNING FROM A CATEGORY 5 HURRICANE IN 2005 AND CAR ENGINES AND RADIATORS WERE BLOWING UP ALL AROUND US BUT MY EXPLORER'S GAGE NEVER MOVED EVEN A BIT TOWARDS THE HOT AREA AND IT WAS IN THE NINETIES OUTSIDE. WE HAD TO OFF ROAD AND BACKROAD AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN BUT IT DID WONDERFULLY. EVENTUALLY MADE IT TO ATLANTA WITHOUT CAR TROUBLE. I DO HAVE TO SAY THAT I DID GET THAT IRRITATING CRACK ON THE TAILGATE THAT EVERYONE TALKS ABOUT BUT THOSE ARE THE THREE THINGS I'VE HAD A PROBLEM WITH. I DRIVE 33 MILES ONE WAY TO WORK SO I HAVE TO BUY SOMETHING MORE ECONOMICAL ON GAS BUT WILL KEEP MY EXPLORER FOR THE WEEKENDS. I WOULD DEFINITLEY BUY ANOTHER.

Lot's of problems: Front wheel bearings Rear Drivetrain Transmission Do a search for 2002 Ford Explorer problems and you will see those issues listed from numerous consumers, and those problems have a tendency to happen again and again. Not to mention the numerous transmission problems. I would say stay away from the earlier Explorers(2002 to 2004ish)...plus the gas mileage is terrible. I owned a 2002 Explorer and the carfax report has 32 reports.....I wish they are all good, but they aren't.

Our Ford Explorer has had rear wheel bearing problems. There is not enouigh storage space behind third row seats. It has performed well but is too small for our needs.

Lots of power when I need it and has a very nice ride. It ain't like a $40K 2008 4Runner in ride but it's very sweet and comfy. Gives a nice feeling of security. Wish it did better at the pump but in this category of vehicles it's average. I love the style. It's quite handsome if not a little bulky...like me, lolz.

Bottom line...I've had my Explorer for over 5 years and it has been a great SUV. I had to replace one sensor in 2005, but that was covered under warranty. I didn't have any other problems with this vehicle. As for comfort, this truck is so quiet and comfortable we forget we are in a truck. Excellent handling and performance all the way (granted, I don't drive in NASCAR races or run in curvy mountain road races!). It is really great on road trips. On the interstates, I put the cruise on 85 (I have the V8 and a radar detector!) and just kick back. It rides like a luxury full size car, quiet and smooth! I have a 100k miles + on this SUV and it still drives the same as it did when I first bought it!

Over 100,000 miles and drives like new. No major problems since new. Drives great in good confort. Has been easy to maintain with only manufacturers recommended maintenance have to be performed. Wife thinks it is the best car she has ever driven and wants another one just like it. I wouldn't mind having another one either, the one we own now has been a joy to drive. It drives out much better than some of the more exotic SUV's I have tried.

Bought mine as a demo 9/02 with 4,500 miles on it. So far: 1) 6 cyl Auto Transmission went @ 39K miles. Ford Dealer had given transmission an "A" grade at 38.1 K miles vehicle inspection. Yeah right. The transmission fluid had been changed by the same dealer at 28.5 K. 2) Brake seals went at 35 K. 3) Rotors "seized" onto brakes. Thus rotors had to also be replaced when brake linings were replaced. 4) The rest of the problems encountered were all of the minor type (meaning under $250 for repairs) and for the most part were under warranty or partially covered under extended service plan. I am glad that I got a 6 years extended service plan from purchase date when I bought it, as I'd much rather take a $ 100 hit as opposed to the $3,400 rebuilt transmission job. On the plus side: tires, exhaust system and battery have been very reliable. Handles good in snow and ice. And this is my last $430 payment, so now I do have some equity on it.

Since the week after I bought this used at a very reputable dealership I have spent a lot of time at the repair shop. I didn't do a whole lot of research regarding this year/model which was a huge mistake but hey I thought its a ford it will be a good truck. I was wrong. Once I did some research I realized this year/model is riddled with problems at about every point of this car. I have had to have the air conditioning fixed, the rear differentials and now the rear wheel system needs to be replaced because of rust. Do yourself a favor pass over the 2002 Ford Explorer.