2002 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.6 Liter SOHC V8

Summary:

Relatively Great Buy

Faults:

Poor wire connection behind the dash caused the oil pressure gauge to drop to none and warning lamps come on.

Cylinder 6 Misfire, causing it to dump raw fuel into the Catalytic Converter.

Right Rear Hub bearings wore out, causing vibration at speeds between 50 -70 mph.

Key less Entry Pad on door failed due to moisture.

Engine Balancing failed, causing the engine to shake lightly at idle, almost like a old muscle car would.

General Comments:

The Explorer is a great truck/suv, and minus the mechanical and electrical problems, I have had nothing, but good things come from this vehicle. I have had this vehicle for a year, I bought it used, and had reluctant thoughts about buying the vehicle with 60,000+ miles on it and it being 5 years old. However, I have had few problems, and am thoroughly pleased with it. It is quick, sounds great under acceleration, does well off road, and rides well. The stereo is loud and crisp, the towing capacity is stellar for a vehicle it's size, and is a major step up from my luxurious XG300.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 28th February, 2008

29th Feb 2008, 16:21

Thank you for your review. I am a 22 year old woman going to the University of Miami. I carry a lot of stuff around with me and needed a vehicle to hold my stuff between classes and on trips to see my family in Jacksonville.

I currently own a 1997 Toyota Camry, but need more room and I saw your review and thought I would look at a Explorer. Just wanted to say thanks!

Aubrey M.

Miami, Fl.

In reply to 29th Feb 2008, 16:21

8th Jan 2019, 03:19

Do you like your Camry? I'm looking at one now or a 2002 Ford Explorer EB V8.

In reply to 8th Jan 2019, 03:19

10th Jan 2019, 14:23

That comment was posted in 2008. Unlikely to still have the Camry 10+ years later.

2002 Ford Explorer XLS 4.0 flex fuel

Summary:

Worst piece of junk I've ever owned

Faults:

Transmission solenoid pack went at 45,000 miles and again at around 60,0000 which destroyed the whole transmission.

The passenger power window broke twice both requiring the replacement of the whole motor and cable assembly.

The passenger power door switch burned out the headlight switch twice before I found the short. Still wondering why the circuit didn't have a fuse to protect a $100 switch?

The gas gauge read wrong and left me coasting into a gas station one morning on my way to work.

General Comments:

Loved the ride, loved the maneuverability, loved the quiet, but will probably never buy another Ford.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 6th January, 2008

2002 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0 V6

Summary:

A death trap

Faults:

Tranny needed to be replaced at 2,000 miles.

The paint was awful, and when I went through the car wash, paint spots would suddenly appear.

I went to open the rear lift gate and the glass burst and it fell all over me. It wasn't even cold out, it was in the spring.

Many leaks from exhaust and engine.

Numerous problems with car and spent 42,000. We complained to Ford and they were not helpful with the car.

General Comments:

Sounds like a V8. the older generation was better in my opinion. The front seats are comfortable, but the rear seat is way too small! Ford is getting better, but I do not think that I would buy another one anyways.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 1st January, 2008

23rd Mar 2008, 22:20

The liftgate glass shattered on mine when I was going really, really slow and backed into a truck and the glass shattered everywhere. But we forgot to get it replaced becuz I think there was recall or something but I was still able to replace it under warranty, and the glass was inside the back EVERYWHERE.

30th Mar 2008, 20:26

I don't see anything here that rises to "death trap". I do get a kick out of the person who is outraged that their rear glass broke when they crashed it into a truck, though!

9th Dec 2008, 12:17

My mom has a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer AWD. She went to close the lift gate glass, the hinge came loose and the glass shattered. The Ford dealer says they replaced the hinges on her car in 2005 under the recall and there is nothing they can do about it.