2002 Ford Explorer consumer reviews

ive had 3 2002 ford explorer and ive loved them all, they are really good trucks and very reliable before 200,xxx miles after that alot of maintainence work was need (exp. wheel bearings,tie rods, ball joints, tranny, altenater,rear differental, 02 sensor, 4x4 modual,) those are some that they have needed. i would recommend this truck to anyone but not with more then 200thousand miles.

I have a 2002 Ford Explorer XLT, bought it used in 2003. It now has 138,000 miles on it and unfortunately the timing belt, head gasket need replaced/repaired. I do not want to get rid of it but I do not have the money to have it fixed. But I have to say, it has been a wonderful vehicle for me and my family. I wish I could afford new car payments as I would definitely buy a another Ford Explorer XLT again. Drove a Ford Edge recently and it's a very nice vehicle but I wasn't crazy about the small rear window.

I traded in my 2001 Durango with 200,000 miles for a 2002 Explorer with 54,000 miles in August 2010. I had the vehicle inspected and the mechanic found nothing wrong. I drive mostly highway miles and as of Dec 2011 I have 96,000 miles. In the past 14 months I have already put in over $2,000 in repairs (not maintanence....REPAIRS!) Things that are currently not right...If I trun the heat on (to any temp), I get blazing hot air on my feet and cold air in my face. my door ajar warning goes on and off while driving, I have to turn my key 6-10 times before the ignition will fire, If I have my cell phone plugged in (any cell phone) A.M. radio will not work. The truck misfires on a regular basis causing it to lunge and surge....get the picture....it stinks!

This is the perfect car for my 19 year old; sturdy, great in the snow and carries a ton of stuff. It was really well cared for, so it looked much newer than the years or the high miles. Runs well, and we expect it to be a solid vehicle for years to come. This is the 3rd Explorer we have had in our family and they have all been really great.

I bought my 2002 explorer used it already had 178500 miles on it.My wife wanted an suv I told her that she was CRAZY but she kept nagging me about it. So I went out and got this 02 explorer on 5-03-2011 yea it had this and that wrong with it but a little tlc and it has been a GREAT suv. Starts up every day shifts smoothley 4x4 works very well really the only thing is it gets about 14 mpg but it is a 4.6 v8 thats to be expected. I guess I will be buying another one in the future. It is 11-20-2011 and it now has 185.500 still no issues its been a great suv I am going to keep it for my self and go buy my wife a new one. very very happy with my ford

i thoug was the only one but after look on line and other pages they all have the same problem i have a ford explorer 02 its doing the OD light and transmission check message i was thinking on bauy the 2011 all reinvented but now i think am going for somthing i can trust the more

I have this truck for almost 10 years now. I bought new and have now 187k Miles on it. We love this truck. Yes its V8 and gas hogger but it does what it suppose to do. Other then 1 transmission replacement, I can say that I never had any problem, Yes Change 2 times tires and once brakes. It starting to get rust on certain spot but its strong as new. We used this in New England harsh weather and took twice to Arizona. Never failed. I am planning to keep it as long as possible and then yes, I am planning to go back to Explorer again.

This is my first vehicle and I've owned it for around 3 years. I have the 4.0 V6. The V6 has a lot of pick up power, but sucks way too much gas and at best I receive around 18 mpg highway. Traction is great in the snow and adverse conditions as expected but must be in 4x4 High instead of Auto. When the car's in Auto the 4x4 never really kicks in when you lose traction so it's essentially like driving a 2-wheel drive SUV braking is underwhelming and the ABS instantly kicks in when it senses snow so your breaking distance is increased dramatically which is not good when you need to stop fast. This vehicle becomes easily stuck in the snow if it gets too deep and it's almost impossible to get out because of it's low ride height and center of gravity compared to other SUVs in it's class. I wouldn't recommend this vehicle to anyone considering it as a daily driver, the ride is too rough and it uses too much gas.

'02 explorer xls. 1st yr windshield crack, window switch replaced, master cylinder serviced. 2nd yr window regulator went out one at a time, replaced then cable snapped both rear. lost track of dates rear suspension went out replaced with oem got busted again, replaced with monroe. transmission went out, got it fix and lately door handle one at a time, i can go on and on and i have few things not on the list. cant sell it now, not worth the money i spent. dont buy ford! its a trap! if you already have one, use aftermarket replacement parts. mine is running good for now (knock on wood) but still would not fix door handle knowing another issue may pop out as soon as i get it fix lol

I've had my 02 explorer for 7 years now. Have had alot of mechanical problems with it. Replaced hub and bearings 4 times already, replaced trans, broken coil spring, drive shaft, struts, and normal things like tires and brakes. Vehicle now has 193,000 miles on it. Really starting to fall apart now. Needs new suspension, another hub and bearing, trans is shot as is the rear. 4WD no longer functioning. I have put this vehicle through h**l yet it starts everyday despite the problems. If not for the trans and hub issues, i would buy another one. And yes the V6 is a bit small of an engine for this vehicle.