2002 Ford Explorer XLT review from North America

At 33,000 miles Tailgate developed stress crack right through the Ford logo. Dealer Replaced entire tailgate.

At 41,000 miles side molding started to separate from vehicle, dealer fixed problem under extended warranty.

At 45,000 miles outside temperature gage began to hallucinate saying it was 156 degrees out when it was barely in the 70's. Dealer kept car for 4 weeks replacing everything computer wise, but then just stated the instrument cluster sensor was defective. Replaced under warranty and luckily I had a loaner car.

This car has been a real trooper for my family carting us around up and down the dirty back roads of the suburbs I live in. Mileage is decent, about 21MPG most of the time. 4WD is a big plus during the winter, and when on dirt roads in the rain.

Whoever designed the interior door features needs to have their head examined. The side pocket pokes out to much and is always pressing to the side of my calf, maybe they designed it for women who typically do not sit with their legs spread apart. Just my opinion.

The controls for the rear vents are at an awkward position, you have to bend down if your tall to look at them.

Car handles well on turns, not like other SUV where you feel you might roll over, Ford actually did a good redesign.