2002 Ford Explorer consumer reviews

This vehicle has been nothing but trouble from the start. For a four year old car there are too many problems. Rusted emergency brake, paint curling, electronic door locks don't open, rear glass door hinges failed, rear and front bearing failed before 78K miles, changed brake rotors twice, every speaker blew out. The SUV rides well but I can't keep it from shimming at 60 miles an hour, the dealer who I know on a first name basis can't fix it without it costing me hundreds. Spent another $800 in April 07. I will never buy another ford vehicle again. I hate to say it, but the foreign car makers give you a better warranty and a better bang for the buck...........sorry Ford.

4.6 V8, automatic 4-wheel drive and versatility of configuration make it a safe and outstanding all-season road vihicle. Attractive, really spirited power, good handling, reasonable comfort, convenience and fuel economy. Only downsides: some unusual expense on transmission and differential; some rattle chasing if one's sensitive to distracting minor noises (mostly from plastic interior panels and door hardware.

Bought my 2002 Explorer XLT in Sept.2002 w/30K miles and today (Jan.2007) have reached 111K miles. Love the 4WD for winter snows and handling. Cargo area in back is great, then flipping up the 3rd row seat it great with kids. 2nd row seats flip down as well for large cargo space. Got rear-ended by another SUV going 20-30mph when I was stopped in rush hour traffic. The trailer hitch took most of blow, transferred to the frame and protected the rest of the rear body. Based on other web postings on Ford Explorers, glad to make it to 111K miles before replacing the whole transmission. My gas mileage is about 15-16 around town. Price an outdoors guys with kids pays for the size, flexible use, and versatility of this 4x4 SUV.

I bought my 2002 Explorer used in 2003. The only thing that I have replaced have been the tires & the brakes. I currently have 90k miles on this vehicle. Right now, I am scared to trade it in for something newer just b/c of its reliability. The only complaint of this vehicle would be that my paint is peeling off in 2 sections of my luggage rack-I have never been able to say that about a 4 or 5 year old vehicle before. I previously drove a Toyota Avalon. My paint job on that car was terrible-it began to fade in 3 years on my sideview mirrors. Except for 1 scratch, my paint job is still holding up. I love my vehicle!!!!

The ford explorer has a really nice ride and performs well on a muddy bumpy mountain side road. However, We are lucky if it gets 15 mpg on the highway. Also the third row seat is a pain. It doesn't fold flat so cargo will come rolling out the back end if you don't use the window only access. We camp and back pack alot. The 3rd row seat also cuts cargo space. I don't like to think about sleeping in it..You would need a board so you don't fall between the seats. I would not recommend the 3rd row seat model unless you absolutely need it. Also the 2nd row is supposed to sear 3 people but they are skinnier that airline seats. Hope you don't weigh more than 125 each with three people back there. Overall I would choose another vehicle.

The bottom of the car is rusting out. Both rear hub assemblies have rotted out along with the emergency brakes. Also the rear coil in the suspension is rusting as well. This should not happen in a 4 year old car. The car does handle and perform well but unfortunately the whole uncer carrage of the car is going to have to be replaced.

I love my '02 explorer. I tried just about every other vehicle of this size class, and for the money it's the best out there.

Best looking SUV out there (in my opinion) and a great family vehicle. Ford always has the most comfortable seats out of any manufacturer, but the reliablility is somewhat challenging...Transmission went after 30K miles but was covered under warranty. Nice features like third room seat, storage compartments, cup holders in front and back seats.