2002
Ford Explorer Sport

Starts at:
$21,355
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New 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 2dr 102" WB Value Manual
    Starts at
    $21,355
    17 City / 22 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr 102" WB Value Auto
    Starts at
    $22,400
    17 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr 102" WB Choice
    Starts at
    $23,190
    17 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr 102" WB 4WD Value Manual
    Starts at
    $24,374
    16 City / 19 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr 102" WB Premium
    Starts at
    $24,750
    17 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr 102" WB 4WD Value Auto
    Starts at
    $25,420
    15 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr 102" WB 4WD Choice
    Starts at
    $26,210
    15 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr 102" WB 4WD Premium
    Starts at
    $27,915
    15 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

The good & the bad

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Expert 2002 Ford Explorer Sport review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
The introduction of the new midsize four-door Explorer doesn’t mean the previous model disappeared. Restyled as an early 2001 model, the two-door body style — dubbed Explorer Sport — continues in the market without significant changes for 2002. The Explorer Sport Trac also debuted in spring 2000 and is based on the earlier-generation four-door Explorer but with an open cargo bed.

Exterior
The Explorer Sport is 180.4 inches long overall with a 101.8-inch wheelbase. It measures 70.2 inches wide and 68.2 inches tall.

Interior
Passenger capacity is far smaller than that of the four-door Explorer. The two-door Sport fits only four occupants on cloth-upholstered bucket seats or captain’s chairs up front and a split, folding rear seat. Cargo volume is 71.4 cubic feet with the split rear seatbacks folded down for extra storage room. Leather upholstery is optional.

Under the Hood
The lone engine is a 203-horsepower, 4.0-liter V-6 with overhead camshafts. Either a five-speed-automatic or five-speed-manual transmission can be installed. Explorer Sport models come with either rear-drive or Control Trac II four-wheel drive.

Safety
Antilock brakes are standard. Side-impact airbags for the front seats and a Reverse Sensing System that alerts the driver of nearby objects to the rear while backing up are optional.

 

Reported by Jim Flammang  for cars.com
From the cars.com 2002 Buying Guide

2002 Ford Explorer Sport review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
The introduction of the new midsize four-door Explorer doesn’t mean the previous model disappeared. Restyled as an early 2001 model, the two-door body style — dubbed Explorer Sport — continues in the market without significant changes for 2002. The Explorer Sport Trac also debuted in spring 2000 and is based on the earlier-generation four-door Explorer but with an open cargo bed.

Exterior
The Explorer Sport is 180.4 inches long overall with a 101.8-inch wheelbase. It measures 70.2 inches wide and 68.2 inches tall.

Interior
Passenger capacity is far smaller than that of the four-door Explorer. The two-door Sport fits only four occupants on cloth-upholstered bucket seats or captain’s chairs up front and a split, folding rear seat. Cargo volume is 71.4 cubic feet with the split rear seatbacks folded down for extra storage room. Leather upholstery is optional.

Under the Hood
The lone engine is a 203-horsepower, 4.0-liter V-6 with overhead camshafts. Either a five-speed-automatic or five-speed-manual transmission can be installed. Explorer Sport models come with either rear-drive or Control Trac II four-wheel drive.

Safety
Antilock brakes are standard. Side-impact airbags for the front seats and a Reverse Sensing System that alerts the driver of nearby objects to the rear while backing up are optional.

 

Reported by Jim Flammang  for cars.com
From the cars.com 2002 Buying Guide

Safety review

Based on the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Nhtsa rollover rating
2/5

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years
Powertrain
3 years / 36,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years / 36,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
Fords and many non-Ford vehicles up to 10 years old with less than 150,000 miles
Basic
90-Day / 4,000-Mile (whichever comes first) Comprehensive Limited Warranty
Dealer certification
139-point inspection
See all CPO program details

Consumer reviews

100% of drivers recommend this car
4.7 / 5
Based on 17 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.4
Interior 4.4
Performance 4.6
Value 4.8
Exterior 4.8
Reliability 4.9

Most recent

  • By Chloë from CA
    Owns this car
    August 19, 2022

    I wish I could drive this car for life

    I love this car so much. If I could have my 2002 Ford Explorer for the rest of my life, I would. I’ve easily put ~40,000 miles on it since I got it (it was already at around 80,000!) and I haven’t paid for a single repair aside from a window that wouldn’t roll up. Oil changes and regular check ups. That’s it. HUGE car with tons of space for both people and/or cargo. I can fit my 10 foot surfboard in here with every door closed, it’s awesome. Needless to say, everyone comes to me for help moving. I will be searching for the most similar car when I need to give this one up someday.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Dman from calif
    Owns this car
    June 7, 2018

    Alot for the money

    Nice, seats six comfortably. All leather in great condition! Power everything! No dents and paint is good! Runs Great! Price is really good for what you get!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Satisfied seller from Garland, Tx
    Owns this car
    April 8, 2017

    Great truck. One of the two best cars I've owned.

    2002 Ford Explorer sport that I bought in 2010. I put 159,000 miles on it with regular maintenance. I just sold it in ten days on cars.com. I drove this truck daily averaging 2400 miles per month. The young couple that bought it knew that the truck would be their's midway through the test drive, when they turned around. This truck has a lot more to give them at 229343 miles.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Little truck
    Owns this car
    March 24, 2013

    Great vehicle

    I have had my 2002 for 3 years. THis one has 112,000 and I have only done basics - new battery and alternator. Runs well, gets good gas mileage (averages 21 - 22) and reliable. My only fault is that the seat is a little uncomfortable on long drives
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By DeniseInTexas from Katy, TX
    Owns this car
    September 26, 2011

    Absolutely Love This Truck

    Bought my '02 Explorer Sport preowned in '06 with about 60k miles. I've had it over 4 years and put another 50k miles on it. I live in Houston and originally bought this vehicle because I needed something bigger to tote around my teenager and his friends with all of their sports equipment, more rugged to endure the horrible street conditions and a higher ground clearance due to high water flooding. This car has been worth every penny. I have been really bad about maintenance at times; I don't always change/check fluids when I should and have never had a problem. Only big expense I had was replacing the clutch at about 90k miles - which is pretty typical for standard vehicles. Pros: Perfect size, tight turning radius, extremely rugged, low maintenance, great exterior styling, big cargo space, comfortable seating for 5, V6 engine performance Cons: Some of the interior asthetics are a little cheap but still functional, moderate gas mileage, road noise can be a little loud on overly bumpy pavement. I will definitely be driving this vehicle until it won't drive anymore. I wish Ford had come out with something more similar to the Explorer Sport than the Escape. The Escape just isn't as solid as the Sport.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Ford Lover from Providence, RI
    Owns this car
    April 18, 2011

    BEST CAR OWNED !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    I have owned this car for about 10 year it runs strong no problems drove it everywhere no problems didnt change the oil for at least 1 year and still runs strong!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BEST CAR OWNED !!!!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By acerunit05 from Miami, FL
    Owns this car
    February 15, 2011

    Better than I thought it would be

    I have had my ford for almost 4 years now and it hasn't given me any problem. I thank God for having this SUV and not having any problems with it. I purchased the vehicle at 51000 miles, and I make sure that I maintenance the car properly. The only thing that I could say that's wrong with the vehicle is that it's interior started to deteriorate. Nonetheless, for a 2002 Ford Explorer Sport the vehicle runs very well, and I expect to keep this vehicle for a very long time.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Sylvaron from Bessemer, Alabama
    Owns this car
    July 15, 2010

    Recently bought this SUV used

    I recently bought a 2002 Ford Explorer Sport from a friend who had put approximately 115,000 miles on it. It is still in amazing shape and has no problems whatsoever. The car gets an average of 17 to 19 mph for me on rural roads and around 20 to 21 on highways. Cargo space is great, especially when the back seats are folded down for extra room. Spacing in general is good, the front seats have a kind of "cockpit" feel but are still very breathable--basically, it makes you feel like you're snug and safe and still gives you room to breathe. Driving is smooth for a truck-body SUV, although not as smooth as its little crossover relative, the Ford Escape. Design choices are good, especially on the exterior. It's a beautiful looking vehicle, especially for an SUV. Not much else to say, if you're an SUV enthusiast but aren't looking for a family vehicle (you'd rather have something sporty), this is a great choice.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By iLived! from Sumner, WA
    Owns this car
    May 4, 2010

    I owe my life to this car!

    I was in a horrible car accident where I was run off the road into a tree. The airbags went off, and the car was very very totaled because of the incident. However, I walked away without a scratch. There was a 1'X1' space where my seat was that saved me. The back seats were not messed up very bad at all either. Just tilted quite a way. I know this car saved my life and I would reccomend it to teens, without a doubt. VERY VERY safe and reliable. Mine was in mint condition with 111,000 miles on it. Would have gone another 150,000, I am sure. This should FOR SURE be the ride you choose for your child's first car!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By My daily Driver Explorer from Los Angeles
    Owns this car
    January 9, 2009

    Great SUV

    I bought my SUV used last year. I use my Explorer Sport as a daily driver to work and some occasional trips, and it has so far been very reliable to me. Only thing I do is the routine maintenance. Rides smooth and has enough power, specially for an SUV. Great exterior styling and very comfortable. I recommend this vehicle to anyone.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Ford Fan from Thumb Area, Michigan
    Owns this car
    August 15, 2008

    Looks Great Drives NICE!!!!

    Love this vehicle, never had any problems. I had bought this vehicle at 60,000 miles. It had never broken down once. I have heard nothing but good things about how it looks. The 4- wheel drive comes in handy especially in Michigan where it holds its own in snow and ice.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Ford Explorer Owner from FT Myers, FL
    Owns this car
    August 14, 2008

    Worth every cent of my investment.

    A comfortable ride, this vehicle responds well to the needs of the street and of the highway traffic. The times that I have taken it to the shop were only for regular maintenance: oil, change, tires and breaks. The exterior still looks as if it just got in the market. The interior is still pretty good shape although the arm rest in the middle, front, is not as ruggedy as it needs to be given the presure it has to whistand when you lean on it. Mine broke down a few months after purchasing it. Other than that, it is a very good vehicle.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Ford dealers near you

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport?

The 2002 Ford Explorer Sport is available in 3 trim levels:

  • Choice (2 styles)
  • Premium (2 styles)
  • Value (4 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport?

The 2002 Ford Explorer Sport offers up to 17 MPG in city driving and 22 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport reliable?

The 2002 Ford Explorer Sport has an average reliability rating of 4.9 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2002 Ford Explorer Sport owners.

Is the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport. 100.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.7 / 5
Based on 17 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.4
  • Interior: 4.4
  • Performance: 4.6
  • Value: 4.8
  • Exterior: 4.8
  • Reliability: 4.9
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