2002 Ford Explorer EB 4WD review from North America
"The vehicle has a poorly designed transmission and 4 wheel drive system"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The first transmission was replaced at 53,000 miles for $3,000+, and I just replaced the transmission again for another $3,500+.
All 4 wheel hubs/bearings have been replaced since I acquired it. I can't remember the exact cost, but it seems like it was at least $500 each.
4 wheel drive module replaced at substantial cost and other major drivetrain repairs.
Ford has a serious problem with the drivetrain in this vehicle. I think the culprit may be the automatic 4 wheel drive system.
General comments?
Looks good and is very comfortable. The 4.6L V-8 engine is a reliable performer.
It drives nice when it's working, but Ford has probably lost a customer because of the lousy transmission and no apparent willingness to acknowledge it. At one point I had 4 Fords parked at my home. Now I am down to 2 Fords in a family fleet of 5 (the other 3 are foreign and are performing very well).
I loved my 1998 F-150 Lariat Supercab, and I got 85,000 trouble free miles out of it before I sold it to my brother. He has about 120,000 miles on it now and it's still going strong.
My next SUV or truck will likely not be a Ford.
Recommended reviews
| A Explorer worth exploring |
|
| 2001 - Explorer Sport 4.0 SOHC Amazing truck! Will never give it up! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model year | 2002 |
| Year of manufacture | 2002 |
| First year of ownership | 2005 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2009 |
| Engine and transmission | 4.6L V8 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 3 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 4 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 2 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 48000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 84000 miles |
| Previous car | Ford F150 |
| Date of Entry | 7th September, 2009 |