2002 Ford Explorer consumer reviews

I bought this 2002 Explorer in August, 2013 with 120K miles on it. As an 11 yr old vehicle, we feel like we are really getting our money's worth. It is performing well, and getting the kind of gas mileage that we expect (20MPG). It is a plain jane model, but provides all the confort and convenience that we need. The dealer was 160 miles from home, but it was worth the trip, and we would recommend Hastings Ford in Hastings, MN. They are a faith-based dealer and honesty is an important part of the way they do business.

I love how much space there is even with a 3rd row seat. Lots of leg room. Very strong engine. Overall one of the most comfortable vehicles ive ever drove/rode in.

My first car was mustang, 1966. The rest of my life I've owned fords, but the last two explorers have being great no problems, what so ever.

We just brought a 02 explorer with only 58000. We are the cars' second owners. We up graded from 81 chevy blazer . The old owners took excellant care of this car. Its looks and acts like it just came of the assembly line. We live in middle of Rockies in Colorado so we knew we had to get a vechical that could take on the winter, plus get us over the passes when traveling. This our 1st luxury car, AND my husband loves it.He is 16 year parts veteran for carquest. Not one word of cost for parts for this car, Which awesome!! He loves the big truck feeling, I love the space and 3rd seats for grandchildren. We don't miss the Blazer at all!!

This is a very reliable car and very well priced for the year & mileage. If you look at the other models of the same SUV, dealers have these listed for 2 or 3 times more. Check the car fax. It has only had the rear bumper replaced & has NO accidents ! I have had several different makes & models of SUV's. The Ford Explorer is definitely the best of all worlds between the different types of SUV's. It is easy & fun to drive, fits an entire family & 2 German shepherd Dogs. I do not have a third row seat. I have never had a a mechanical problem with this SUV - EVER. I would buy this SUV for my son or daughter. I would recommend this SUV to anyone.

Have owned an '02 Explorer SLT since brand new. It has the 3rd row seating, towing package and auxiliary rear AC/Heat. In addition, I installed an aftermarket 3.5mm input for my MP3 player which plays right through the CD player. Upside While it won't win any exterior style points it's an awesomely roomy vehicle as it can haul up to 4'x8' sheets of plywood INSIDE. Seats up to 7. Has a ride far more like a car than a truck. The paint job is unbelievable. I think it was rated as one of the best years. 10 years later and all I do is wash it and people ask me if I've waxed it. AC and heat work very well. Has never stranded me or let me down. Hit a deer at 55 MPH one night. Still perfect driving condition. Damage only to the bumper, foglamps, headlights and windshield washer tank. Radiator was intact. Very roomy engine comoartment. Easy to maintain. Downside Won't win any beauty awards although I don't think it's an ugly vehicle. Just not "attractive". Several repairs from minor (rear blower and temp actuators) to mid-major (replaced the 4 wheel drive unit under dash). Gas Mileage is only fair (16 overall). 4 wheel and differential seals tend to leak (twice). While easy and inexpensive to fix they are still a pain since they leave spots all over garage floor. Certain small areas prone to rust due to design. Inside door wells mostly.

I've had problems with the truck from the time I purchased it new. Seat belt for the 3rd row seat not working correctly. Handles for the compartment where the spare tire is keeps braking. The window on the passenger side broke when it was down, couldn't get it back up. I had to cover it up until I could get it fixed. The back springs both disingrated to nothing at about 40,000 miles. The transmission had to be replaced a little over 51,000 miles. Warranty expired a 50,000 miles. I call Ford to see if they could help cover some of the cost since it was about 1,000 miles past the warranty expired. Fords answer was - Sorry, your warranty is expired, we will not help you. Good customer relations. Not a let me see if there is anything we can do for you. Makes me want to buy another Ford with an answer like that. Had to replace the wheel bearings twice between 75,000 and 90,000 miles. I've owned five used car that were non Fords and have never put one third of the cost of repairs into them as I have with the Ford. I will never buy another Ford product again.

i love my explorer nice handling and very comfortable.good on gas and great for long trips.i recommend it.

My family purchased a 2002 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD in November 2005 with 37,000 miles on it. It seemed to be working just fine the first year or so, strong but noisy 4.0L SOHC V6, good handling, nice interior nd exterior stying, quiet and comfortable interior, stiff but tolerable ride, but in late 2006, this vehicle went on a complete problem streak. Fist, the front passenger side window went completely out, and it was still rolled down. So we had to put clear plastic wrapping over the window to protect the interior from the weather. It was quite a nuissence because the wind kept blowing the plastic off of the window and we had to keep replacing it. Not long after that, the driver's side window went dead as well, and we had to put a plastic rain guard above it so that the rain wouldn't get inside. Nothing could prepare us for what happened next. In fall 0f 2008 while we were vacationing in Kentucky, the vehicle's transfer case died. We tried to drive it to the nearest repair shot, but when we tried to accelerate the vehicle, it would't even budge. So we had to call a tow truck to get it towed. Then when our vacation ended, we had to rent a car to take back down south, that's where we lived a the time, because the Explorer was indrivable. To this day, it is unknown to me what ever happened to it. We put nearly 100,000, actually 93,787 miles to be exact, on it. Oh well, never again will I ever buy another Ford product or 4WD vehicle ever. i would't have gave this Explorer to my worse enemy. Done with Ford.

I'm not too pleased with the limited passenger space but its a great drive on the highway and very comfortable for the driver