2002 Ford Explorer XLS review from North America

Ever since boughten it has a whistle on cold days (under 35 degrees). Dealer still can't find what causes this.

Within 10,000 miles bushings were replaced that caused the front-end to squeak going over bumps (warranty covered)

At 55,000 miles replaced belt and water pump pulley due to squeals on wet days (warranty covered)

Around 60,000 miles had air box for air cleaner "fixed" - had dealer apply urethane tape to stop rattle coming from dash. Also had known lift-gate glass hinge and brackets replaced due to defect (warranty covered).

Oh yeah and at 80,000 the engine blew due to intake valve spring broke on cylinder, dropped and damaged head, engine block and piston broken. Ford replaced the whole engine under warranty. I did not have any difficulties getting Ford to replace the engine under warranty. Warranty also covered rental car for the week it was in the shop.

At 85,000 the bearings needed to be replaced (warranty covered).

Note that I opted to buy the extended 100,000 mile warranty from Ford.

I have owned several Ford SUVs over the years (1980 Bronco, 1985 Bronco II, 1993 Explorer). The room, power and handling of the Explorer is good. However, in the re-designed interior of the 2002 the seats are hard and not as comfortable as the older models. Gas mileage is OK - about 18mpg or so on average.

I think Ford's quality has gone down hill quite a bit over the years. I'm not sure if I will continue to buy a Ford SUV in the future. My latest Ford SUV has seen too much time in the shop, although not at much expense to me (except time) as most everything has been covered under warranty. If Ford had not been helpful with warranty work, especially for the engine replacement, I don't think I would buy any more Fords. However since I have had no problems dealing with Ford, I may give them a chance in the future when this Explorer needs to be replaced. My previous 1993 Explorer ran to 250,000 miles with very few problems, I don't think this 2002 Explorer will last as long - the quality has seriously degraded.