2002 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.6L V8 from North America

Summary:

I like it a lot, but I'm not in love with it like I was with my 94 T-Bird or my current 97 Seville

Faults:

Idle lever pulley (whatever that is) $600.

The battery went out at about 50,000 miles.

The transmission needed to be rebuilt at about 54000 miles, to the tune of $2,500. The dealer had the nerve to tell me that is normal for such a high mileage car.

While the transmission was being rebuilt, the Ford dealership replaced some sensor, as the check engine light was on. They took care of it free of charge because it was under recall. I'm glad there was no charge, but I never got any notice telling me there was a recall.

The shift lever snapped out of place shortly after the transmission was replaced. The dealer wanted $1,000 to fix it. I went to my neighborhood mechanic who is not ASE certified, and he fixed it for $90!! Of course the replacement part was about $500, but I still saved close to $500 fixing it with this guy instead of at the dealership.

General Comments:

Overall, I am not too happy with this Explorer.

If this version is smoother than the previous model, then the older Explorers must ride like tractors!

It has a somewhat quiet engine until you floor it.

Believe it or not, it has pretty good acceleration.

You can barely feel the speed.

Abysmal gas mileage, although when gas was really cheap a few years ago, I averaged about 18 miles per gallon from Miami to Washington D.c. Sounds pretty bad, butwith its huge gas tank, I spent very little gas money on this trip!

Excellent brakes, much needed I guess.

Awesome stereo system although the CD is pretty tricky. The somewhat flat seats do not hug the passenger as they should, and provide adequate comfort.

Lots of buttons and gadgets.

My friends love it.

Not a babe magnet.

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

Review Date: 3rd September, 2004

26th Oct 2004, 08:36

This person really should have bought a car or a hybrid vehicle because they don't seem to realize that the Explorer is a truck, not a car. It does have a smooth ride, quiet interior and decent gas mileage for a truck. Som people really need to think about whether they want a car or truck and make a decision accordingly.

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2002 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0 Liter V6 from North America

Summary:

A perfect vehicle for a semi-rural community

Faults:

Only the scheduled maintenance has been needed.

General Comments:

Rides much better than my previous 1999 explorer (sport model).

The vehicle has been worry free and reliable.

The members of my family are all tall, but find the vehicle comfortable to sit in, (the shortest family member is 5'9").

It makes a great vehicle for running around town. It is not too big nor is it too poor in fuel economy.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th April, 2004

15th Jan 2008, 20:51

LUCKY my families gear shifter broke off the steering column when I tried to get it out of park.

24th Feb 2009, 19:13

That's because you're supposed to step on the brake before attempting to shift out of Park.

2002 Ford Explorer XLT V.8 from North America

Summary:

I have "No Boundaries"

Faults:

I think I may have had a potential problem with water in my starter... not sure, but there were a couple of occasions where the truck wouldn't turn over until the 3rd or 4th try. I took the truck to the dealer, but they found no problem and I've been trouble free ever since.

General Comments:

I love this truck!

I have the optional third seat, which is a Godsend when there's more than four of us.

The V8 is great! Which makes for great pick-up and easy towing of a camper.

This truck can take me anywhere, four wheel or not, in great style.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th October, 2003

2002 Ford Explorer XLT 4.2 from North America

Summary:

No boundaries, my ass!

Faults:

Lots of rattles.

Transmission doesn't shift right.

Passenger window seals leak.

Rear hatch is a guillotine.

General Comments:

4WD is really 2WD. This vehicle is not meant for real off-roading. It is only designed for snow covered pavement.

The seats would be better suited for an elementary school bus. They are hard and small.

The gas mileage is atrocious.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 19th September, 2003

15th May 2006, 17:39

If you want to off road buy a Bronco. Explorer 4 wheel drive is meant to get you out of snow on pavement not to rope cattle on the mountain range.

1st Apr 2007, 17:33

This isn't much of a review, but I haven't noted any of the problems that you mentioned. No leaks, no transmission problems, and I think my seats are great, especially with the adjustable lumbar support. No rattles, either. Your rear hatch sounds like the pneumatic supports are shot. They cost about $8 apiece and it takes about 10 minutes to change them.

Regarding the 4WD, while this is not a Jeep Rubicon or a '79 Plymouth Trailduster, it does have a 2-speed transfer case (assuming you got the 2WD/4WDLO/4WDHI option, and not the AWD option) and is at least based on a truck frame. Not, it won't blast over boulders, rock crawl, or go through 3-foot mud holes, but it will at least handle primitive roads.

15th Jun 2010, 11:19

"The gas mileage is atrocious".

Of course it is. It's an SUV! What kind of gas mileage were you expecting?