2002 Ford Explorer Limited from North America - Comments

Nothing at this time

Would like to see an easier glass hatch to close and latch- usually takes 2 attempts to close it.

We bought our Explorer Ltd. 2 years ago off a retail lot and have been extremely happy with it. Previous to this we had bought a new 1995 Explorer XLT and kept it for 10 years. In those years we had to replace 1 oxygen sensor and that was it as far as mechanical items went. We had a 6 cylinder in our old Explorer and wanted something with more power and smoother operation.

Well our 2002 Explorer 4.6 V8 sure fits the bill. We are extremely happy with this vehicle, we have had zero maintenance issues (we change the oil every 3-4000 miles and follow the maintenance schedule faithfully

We have the trailer towing package and pull a 3000lb. tent trailer every summer and really appreciate the room to carry items inside and the smoothness of the drivetrain while going up and down the mountains where we live. We love the heated leather seats (would be nice if it was a better quality leather, as in newer models)

Having owned a 1998 and 2001 Ford Explorer, I can say that they really are great vehicles. Neither of ours ever had a single problem. My wife, however, never felt ours had enough power. In 2003 she drove a 275 horsepower in-line 6 GMC Envoy and was hooked. It has more power and is much faster than the V-8 Explorers, is much smoother, and on our vacation this summer got an incredible 24.8 miles per gallon. Unless Ford can up the power and offer a smoother ride and better mileage, we'll stick with GM for now. Ford's reliability is unquestioned, but the new GM's are very smooth and refined.

"Would like to see an easier glass hatch to close and latch- usually takes 2 attempts to close it."

I also recently bought a 2002 Explorer, and the first thing that I noticed were the squeaky doors. I can't stand squeaky doors or difficult closing doors, because it seems like a mark of owner neglect to not care about a car (not vehicle design). Ever since my first car, I've made it a habit to periodically spray WD-40 on door hinges and latch mechanisms. I did this immediately with my new Explorer and of course the doors are now quiet and close a little more easily. I also sprayed the window hatch latch, hinges, manual key lock button (it was a little difficult to turn the key to open the rear hatch), and the shafts for the pneumatic hatch supports. The glass hatch closes and latches with ease. In fact, it closes so easily that I don't care to slam it or let it fall from the full height, I just let it snap shut from about 6 inches of travel. I also lightly sprayed the shaft for the rear wiper to prevent it from becoming corroded and seizing up. I think this little attention to detail by an owner can result in a much better experience by heading off future annoyances.

To comment 15:40: Your attention to detail will reward you in less problems down the road (although we've NEVER had a problem with any of our Explorers). I got a chuckle out of the "squeaky door" thing because it reminded me of my experience with my 2006 Ranger. The driver's door was making a HORRENDOUS squeak every time I opened it. I sprayed WD-40 on the hinges to no avail, then placed heavy gear lube on the pivot points. Still it squeaked. Then one day my wife was standing next to it when I got in it, and she said "Honey, the body side molding is rubbing at the front edge of the door when you open it." She was right, and THAT was the source of the squeak!! I refuse to drive any vehicle without a body side molding to protect it, and I had installed them myself as soon as I had the truck home in my garage. I had not trimmed the joint quite enough at the front edge of the driver's door and it rubbed the other piece of molding on the front fender JUST ENOUGH to create the awful squeak. I was thankful that my wife discovered the cause before I stupidly took it back to the dealer!!

Our '02 V8 Limited with tow package had early demise of the differential at about 20,000 miles, and just had the transmission replaced at 75,000 miles, which is probably due to our heavy towing (20 foot boat several thousand miles/yr). All were replaced on warranty, so be sure get an extended warranty and do your routine maintenance so warranty stays intact.

Otherwise absolutely no problems, our rear glass works easily, perhaps yours can be adjusted?

I bought a 2002 Limited Explorer with every bell & whistle on it brand new off the lot. The rear end has had a whine right from the start - which Ford told me is normal. It has been replaced 3 times. I have 65,000 miles on this vehicle and take impeccably care of all of our vehicles. Current issue is the ABS brake light is on - 3 different Ford repair shops have given up on it. The Cluster panel now comes and goes - which means you don't know how fast you are going or how much fuel you currently have. If the battery cables are left connected the vehicle is dead after about 20 minutes. I cannot trade it as who is going to give me anything for it - My husband's family have been Ford people for years - but this will be the last Ford I purchase. Ford has not stood by this vehicle at all. The really "funny" thing is this vehicle is beautiful - not a mark on it and the interior is like when it came off the lot.

It sounds like your 2002 Explorer Limited is just a lemon, but it's a little extreme to say you'll never buy another Ford just because this is a bad one. Maybe the differential was never filled with fluid, or was filled with the wrong fluid. If it's a limited slip, it needs synthetic fluid. There's something wrong to need a new differential every 20,000 miles. Either very heavy towing, or it was taken 4-wheeling and the pinion seal was torn up by sand and grass, and leaks fluid all the time. Your experience isn't typical, and there must be something more to the story.