Just want to introduce myself. I'm Zeus and after a quick search on AltaVista I stumbled upon this great message board. I have to say.... I haven’t been working much these past 2 days, been doing allot of reading on the board hehehe.

I currently live in Canada and I'm in the market for a 4x4.
After visiting many car dealers, I concluded that the best deal and car for my needs was the Explorer 2001 Sport. If all goes well, I'll have it by the end of next week.
I'm in a bit of a dilemma here. I read on a few posts that the 2002 Explorers are arriving soon. But no indication for the Sport version. I haven’t found any information on the 2002 Explorer Sport. Is this because it will be released at a much latter date?

Also, will there be any major differences between the 2001 and 2002 Explorer Sport? Am I doing the right thing by buying a 2001 now and not waiting for the 2002?

Thanks :-)

You've found the best Explorer site on the net.....by far. You'll find anything and everything all right here.

To your question.....biggest difference.....rear end. The 2001 has leafs in the rear where as the 2002 will have a Independent rear. The ride will be killer, but the abality to mod and off-road will be shot. They are turning it into a road "car" over a off-road truck. It's comes down to what you want to use it for.

If I'd have to buy one right now.....I'd go 2002.....but I'd keep my 1994

Welcome to the site Zeus!!

The Explorer and the Explorer Sport are two different vehicles now. A model change to the Explorer no longer means a model change on the Sport. By all indications the Sport will not be coming up on a model change anytime soon, so your 2001 will be the same as the 2002. The 2002 Explorer, not the Sport, will have an independent rear suspension, while the Sport model will maintain it's solid rear axle. Ford wants the Sport and the Sport Trac to be looked upon as "offroad" able vehicles, so they are keeping with the traditionally viewed offroad capale solid axle setup, even though they have what can be considered a less capable independent suspension in the front. So, from now on, it appears that the Sports and Sport Tracs will follow a Ranger platform while the popular Explorer (more often used for groceries then trails) will take a more car and family oriented approach.

Welcome again and happy posting buddy!! Feel free to ask anymore questions you may have!;)

I currently own a 2001 Sport that I purchased last summer, and I love it. I am, however, looking at the 2002 models and have done a lot of research on them. I do like the handling on the Sport, but the ride on the new ones is an amazing difference, I am sold on it.

I also like some of the new options and the extra storage space (no third seat wanted). I like the looks of the Sport a little better, but the '02s ride oh so nice!

I had a 4-door Explorer in '97 then traded for the Sport. I do miss the 4-door in the respect that hauling passengers is a pain with the 2-door. Wish I could afford both! Decisions, decisions.