2002 Ford Explorer Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996

Crash Test Rating

Source NHTSA

MPG (up to)

14 -16 City / 19 -21 HWY

Source FuelEconomy.gov

Horsepower

210 -239

Seats

5 -7

Positive Owner Reviews

Jim O

That even though it has a lot of miles it is still great and have not had to have many repairs to it

I love that it has 4 wheel drive. I love the options such as sunroof cd player. I love the amount of room. There is really nothing I dislike or complaints

Lisa C

It's a very reliable vehicle. I would be very open to buying a new one.

I brought my SUV new in 2002. It has been the best vehicle. I love the space, the size, how you feel protected & secure. It has been a reliable vehicle.

Terri P

2002 Ford Explorer - new owner.

I just recently got this vehicle but I love the size of it. There is plenty of room for my daughter's legs even in her car seat. The car is very easy to drive also which is important to me. The car runs great even with over 200, 000 miles and being over 15 years old.

Kathleen M

The good, the bad, the Explorer.

Reliable - 180,000 miles, transmission went at 71,000. Comfortable, roomy (has third row seating). Not great on gas but may be due to age and mostly city driving. Only complaint is only one key hole and no auto opener - can be a hassle when trying to open hatch.

Nathaniel C

Ford is the right way to go.

My vehicle was purchased after I had a wreck it was a used vehicle but it was well taken care of and the previous owner kept it up everything worked no scratches or dents I have been on many vacations in it and had no problems this Ford Explorer has given me my money worth I love it.

TODD O

IT'S DEPENDABLE AND GETS GOOD GAS MILEAGE. IT COMES IN HANDY WHEN IT SNOWS

IT'S 4WD AND RIDES LIKE A CADILLAC, AND EASY TO MAINTAIN. IF I HAD THE MONEY I WOULD BUY A BRAND NEW ONE

Jessica L

Family vehicle perfect for adventures!

This vehicle has been amazing for our family. It has been reliable for several years and is perfect for our daily activities as well as our weekend adventuring. It provides plenty of room for our growing family when many vehicles make our kids feel cramped in the back.

Jessie P

This car is one of the most reliable cars I have ever owned.

I love my vehicle because it is very reliable and I feel safe when I drive it. I dislike that it squeaks horribly and there is a crack on the back.

Negative Owner Reviews

Jaime C

There is no way to check the transmission fluid without taking it in to shop.

It is a crappy model, the transmission is going out. The dashboard is falling apart, none of the gauges work.

Brooke T

It was a gift after I totalled my beautiful Mazda 3 in 2014.

I am thankful for my vehicle but it has given me nothing but headaches ever since it was gifted to me in 2015. It has a recurring mechanical issue that has not been figured out. The electrical is going bad so the windows do not roll down. It does get me from here to there when it's actually running.

Michael M

Everyone should know to not buy this car. I have owned multiple Ford Explorers and within a year they all break down for the exact same reason.

So the car and total is usually not working. Sometimes the windows don't work, the doors won't open. Almost every single person that I've met that had a Ford Explorer always has the exact same issues as we do as in the door stop working, the door handles will break off, or if the fuel injector will go out unexpectedly.

Joseph Whitfield

Gas Mileage

I'm putting at least $75/$80 a week in gas. I recently got a complete tune up. Next I will make sure my fuel injectors are cleaned. Does any Explorer owners have any suggestions?

Lexus B

Motor is very good! Love the motor work!

I love the vehicle under the hood but the outside and inside is beat up. It really last long for years it has been pass down in my family.

Tiffany M

That it starts up and gets me from point A to point B that is all I can ask for.

Most of the things don't work. I installed a new radio because of the last one wasn't up to date, as in no AUX or Bluetooth to connect your phone for music. The heater doesn't work, the tires feel funny, the thing under the truck hangs and sometimes driving on the highway or just the regular streets and I can hear it scrape the street.

Shannon G

It's falling apart the older it gets.

The older it gets it just falls apart no matter how well it has been taken care of. One thing after another. It's a domino effect. Other then that it gets me to my destination. Just take good care don't let people borrow your car. They won't take care of it like you do.

Jody J

Plenty of room inside to carry loads

Too big and bulky...hard to park, heavy rear door

Ford Explorer Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

Value Sport