i still haven't heard a single good review about it. i hope this isn't the beginning of the end for the explorer. :(

IMO, the design is just awful and unattractive. I cant really speak about the mechanical issues.

I don't know guys, my uncle just got a 02' eddie bauer and it's pretty darn sweet.

Can't vote for either of those. I like the newer body and I'm sure it handles great on the road, and If I was looking for a new SUV for on road use, I'd buy one. But It is no longer an SUV. . . its a minivan that is an SUV lookalike. And I don't think that Ford messed up. They finally gave in to what many others have already done, and have made it to suit the majority of the populations need.

i voted for messed up.....but jefe is right. they arent tryingto make us 4byers unhappy they are just trying to stay in business....they have taken a major hit in recalling all fire/flintstones tires. they need to make money or they will go undeer. most people today want the car ride truck and will never see offroad. and ford has to keep up with what most people WANT

you guys are right, they tried to give people what they want.
but many people think the new interior is uncomfortable.
also the cargo area does not lay flat, the third row seating is at an angle when folded down. which isn't ideal for the soccer mom going to the store to pick up groceries.

dont think that i'm saying it's a terrible mistake, i just haven't heard anything good about it. some people like the body style, some dont. but i wouldn't buy a car just because i liked the body style, there has to be something else.
if there is anything good about it, i would like to hear it.:)

true, how very true...i heard there is an oh $#!t bar on the passenger pillar and it is so large and cumbersome some people may have a hard time with in/egress. and i heard it impedes the mirror to the point it could be taken off and improve visibility...

The few that I have seen on the roads I still do a double take at. They look like a poorly finished mini-van. The Aerostar looks better then it! It doesn't have that flow going that most other Ford products have. I would even go so far to say what is the differnce between it and the Aztec? They both look terrible. They don't have a good flowing body and the plastic on them makes them look cheap and crappy. But they were not trying to sell them to me so thats good!

Right on Rpenner! I hear from my good friend that its not supposed to have a truck frame and rather its mounted on a unibody? Is this correct? One thing i like about the new explorer is the increase engine and hp. it has something like 245 hp now. i like the redesigned front also. but i figure all these changes are for the worst seeing that it looks so cheap and crappy. they need to build a car that is built. i think 91-97 are the best damn explorers ever. they can handle just about anything and i'm glad i own one of them as well as many of you guys on the board

I got to put about 60 road miles on the new Explorer with a really cool car salesman.

First the Explorer is still using a full frame, in fact the frame is stiffer than on any of the previous Explorers.

I like the looks of the front end, but not the rear. I liked the interior ergonomics, but I didn't like the appearance of the dash it didn't have a "quality" look to it. Everything looked like cheap plastic, (I know... all cars use plastic, but this just looked cheap!) The seating was very comfortable.

The 4.0 SOHC really pulled well from stop lights and had gobs of low end torque. I was not at all impressed with the power once at freeway speeds. At 75mph, it took quite a bit of throttle to accelerate from that speed.

I was VERY disappointed in the road manners at freeway speeds. The Explorer needed constant little corrections to maintain a straight line. It was not a "hands off" ride. I compare all cars now to my VW Golf which tracks straight as an arrow for indefinate periods of time.

With it's new 4 wheel independent suspension I expected a much better ride. The sales people better watch their tounges though! She kept emphasizing that with the new suspension you wouldn't have to worry about roll overs etc.

The new Explorer isn't an off-road vehicle, it's more of a station wagon than ever. I just hope that Ford continues to keep the Explorer Sport and Sport Trac on a different platform. Or even better, introduce the Bronco or the EX that they teased us with!

Yeah, I think they look like hopped-up station wagons now, but people keep buying them. I didn't vote because I'm pretty undecided on whether I like it or not. The two things that disappoint me is the IRS and how I confuse it with some of the Jimmys out there :(

i would never do this and never even am going to get a SUV with IRS. but could you twist the torsion bars front and rear for lift lol

its ok, I mean, you should have had 3 options.. good, ok, and bad heh, I wouldn't mind owning one, I think with some mods, a line or 2 in that van door hatch shaved off and guards, that truck would look great.

I think the rear suspension may be coil over shock. I just tooka a quick look before my test drive.

What is this? An expedition with 4wheel IS?

so far twice as many people dont like it.

i still haven't heard any reasons to buy one yet.
whoever said they like it, why not say why you like it.
why is it better than the 2001? or other previous explorers?

Hello all, long time no speak...

I'm in the market for replacing my '96 Explorer (featured on this site) and am seriously considering the new 2002 model.

I haven't seen any real worthy improvements in the past 5 years, with the exception of the DOHC V6 (wish they released that in '96 :mad: ) and the 5 speed auto-transmission.

The 2002 has many advantages over it's previous bretheren, like more HP, more torque, more interior room, quieter interior, more ground clearance, better handling, and more...

The only downside I can see is the price tag seems to keep growing each year.

My choices are between the '02 Explorer Eddie Bauer or a '01 Land Rover Discovery. I think both will suit the everyday city tasks and occasional off-pavement adventures.

Originally posted by Rick
I think the rear suspension may be coil over shock. I just tooka a quick look before my test drive.
It's actually coils front and rear. No more torsion bars.

I think it's ugly, doesn't handle as good as my '92 lifted with 35s and it's ugly. Maybe more hp and torque, but it's ugly and isnt' really that good looking! No room to lift it with the axles going through the fricken frame (nice and strong). also it's ugly!

hey fenderguy, do you like the way the 2002 looks?:D ;)

Originally posted by leenjen
whoever said they like it, why not say why you like it.
why is it better than the 2001? or other previous explorers?
I voted that I liked it but not more than the 2001 or any other X for that matter, it is a great vehicle for what it is designed for, it is not meant to be a offroader :( so it is designed away from it, it is very roomy and would make a great traveler and a good family vehicle which unfortunately is what the X was meant to be,

I am one of the few people who voted for "I like it."

I think the design(cosmetically) looks more rugged(other than the plastic bumpers, of course) than the 95-01's. Love the front end. I like the rear hatch and window opening. IRS, why not. Not many hard core offroaders(in Explorers) out there to cater to. For guys like me who go offroad once in a while and need it to get out of the boat docks, go through some snow, etc, I am sure it would be more than capable.

Haven't driven one yet, so this is all based on a walkaround..could change, but it looks good. I would buy one, if they were about $15K less.

Yeah, It is ok, but for $35k they should throw in an extra set of shocks, springs, rotors, and a Focus.

Originally posted by J. Kennedy
Yeah, It is ok, but for $35k they should throw in an extra set of shocks, springs, rotors, and a Focus.

then i might consider it:) until then i'm looking in the direction of chevy and jeep. so far Tahoe looks like the one, but i dont plan on buying new for about a year. i'll still keep my X though;)

and a focus, lol thats funny stuff, the focus is a sweet speedy car especially the svt i believe is awesome. if i was going to buy a NEW ford it would be F-150 lightening or XLT or contour svt. mustangs are just way too common, and i want a car that is a little different. i know the X is common too but if i had to do it again i'd buy probably f-150 XLT or lightening, most likely XLT because its got a huge v-8 and its higher and its bigger because it comes with supercab, and lightening is only 4X2 and xlt is 4x4

& now that I've seen it in the light of day, I hate it. It is a minivan.

Hey Leenjen, my brother is on his 2nd Tahoe, he loves them. V8, massive, same gas mileage as new X's (15/20) , same American Quality (cough cough), same money, no contest.

Originally posted by jas84
i'd buy probably f-150 XLT or lightening

i like the look of the harley davison edition. all black, with leather and 20" chrome rims. that's a sweet truck. i dont know about the engine or if it's a 4X4, but i like the way it looks.:)

i think its a 5.4 v8 but its a lot of cash, i saw one going for like 35k and upwards of 40k. ya there nice, but i'd rather put that cash into performance and go out and buy a lightening and soup it out

I don't care for them. They're minivans, but that's the market niche they fill - the upscale minivan. As for independent suspension - it works for the Hummer, but I'm not a fan of IRS. As for the Sport and Sport Trac, I haven't heard one way or the other about the Sport Trac, but I think I read that the Sport is going bye-bye. They're going to make a 2-door version of the Explorer, built on the same base frame with independent suspension all 'round, but they're going to call it the Bronco. I wish I could find that article again, I'll post a link if I find it. I personally think that Ford needs an off-road counterpart for the SVT. Build the vehicles on the original Explorer frame (it's a nice size), maybe offer the 4.0 V6 and the 5.0 V8 as options. Optional live axle front or TTB. They'd probably sell very few though - too expansive for most folks. :smoke:

My best friend has a 02' Anniversary V8 W/ DUBS . He's had it a month and loves it . I've been in it several times and would w/o a dought buy one , but not as an offroad vehicle . If the person buying it is using it for an onroad vehicle ( like 99% will) then it would be a great buy . I like the NEW design inside and out . I think Ford did a great job meeting the general publics needs . I'll post pics of Marc's 02' later ... :D p.s Leenjen , his 3rd. row folds completely flat . I thought they were'nt making Eddie Baur's anymore ( anniversary edition ) ???

I rented a 4x4 XLT for a week and a half last month and overall came away pleased with the new X. For everyone except hardcore off-roaders it's very nice. On the road it handles better than my '96 (until this weekend when I lower it, put on big-ass sway bars and new shocks) and is actually fun to drive (for an SUV).

Off road it did really well too; better than I expected. I had a CJ-7 for a long time so I know how an off-road truck should handle and the X did pretty well. It's got good approach and departure angles and the IRS seems to flex pretty well. I had my wife in the car with me so I didn't really push it, but I still managed to scare the schiznit out of her!!:D

Andrew B. No offense to other X lovers, but get the Discovery. My best friend has a 2001 Discovery and I wish I had one. It's great on the road (don't ask about the gas mileage though) and off-road it is simply INCREDIBLE. As nice as the new X is, it doesn't compare to the Land Rover.

on the commercial for the 2002, they advertise "lower step in height"
does that mean less ground clearance? it's been a while since i looked over a 2002, so i dont remember how low it was.

i do remember that my wife and i didn't care for the new interior. but i do like the inside of the Mazda Tribute (wish it was larger). Actually i'm seriously considering the Tribute (the size of the cargo area sucks though). a smaller engine with a lot more horsepower and better gas mileage. i really do like my explorer, i just think the Tribute would be a better daily driver.

Yetix , I agree the Discovery is nice , my friend has a 98' I pesonally couldn't afford to drive it daily 13/15 mpg. And would hate to be in his shoes if it ever breaks down . CHA-CHING $$$$$ :(

Originally posted by leenjen
on the commercial for the 2002, they advertise "lower step in height"
does that mean less ground clearance? it's been a while since i looked over a 2002, so i dont remember how low it was.

i do remember that my wife and i didn't care for the new interior. but i do like the inside of the Mazda Tribute (wish it was larger). Actually i'm seriously considering the Tribute (the size of the cargo area sucks though). a smaller engine with a lot more horsepower and better gas mileage. i really do like my explorer, i just think the Tribute would be a better daily driver.

Has a lower step in height, but ground clearance is higher. Don't know how they did it.

I miss my '97 :( I love the OLD design,
What I don't miss is the anerexic steering wheel, bumpy ride, and the vibrations on the highway.

Due to the IRS they were able to raise the frame height, yet lower the body abit. So rather than hitting your suspension on the large rock, you hit your body. :)

Off-Road friendly all the way.

ps... I like them

U KNOW I THINK THE ONLY REASON FORD PUT IRS ON THE NEW EXPLORERS IS BECAUSE OF THE HEAT THEY WERE TAKING WITH THE FIRSTONE TIERS INCIDENT. EVERYONE JUST THOUGH THEY WERE TOP HEAVY AND ROLLED EASY. TO ALL OF THOSE I SAY GO TO HELL!!!!!
I HAVE A 94 XLT AND I CAN CORNER BETTER IN THAT THAN MY DADS FULLSIZE DODGE RAM. FORD MESSED UP.
THE 2002 X IS VERY UGLY AND THOUGH THE 4 WHEEL INDEPENDENT SEEMS LIKE A GOOD IDEA IN REALITY FORDS DESIGN FOR IT IS CRAP. I WILL STILL LOVE THE X BUT WILL NEVER BUY A 2002 OR ANY LATER MODEL UNTIL THEY FIX THE NEW DESIGN OR START OVER COMPLETELY. I AM A FORD FAN AND WILL REMAIN 1 BUT THE NEW X IS NOT A GOOD DESIGN.

I DONT MEAN TO MISLEAD ANYONE BUT I RATE MY VEHICLES AS ON OFFROAD VEHICLE, AND THE NEW X DOSENT CUT IT OFFROAD.

I think they look like crap but the new rear suspension is supposed to ride better.

It´s better to have 02 than having no Explorer. The FMC has discontinued Explorer importing to my country and they do not indend to import them probably anymore - definitely not the 02 - at least untill the 03 year. And even the closest biger market to my country (Germany) will not be supplied with 02. Seems like the end of a fun. I will be probably forced to switch to another brand! It´s a shame, FMC folks. My Explorer is a 7th Ford I drive :mad:

i think the 4 door is retarted but the 2dr looks ok

Like the 96-97 taurus, it grew on some people but the rest would keep on hating it. I think that they've done good things with the 4.0 and adding the IRS.

I was not impressed! Even my poorly running 94 performs as well as the 2002 I test drove. I don't think a V8 with that much horsepower should stand still for a moment before moving when I press the gas petal halfway down!!! I expect much more! Let me take you for a tour...press gas firmly...hear loud engine noise...then wheels slowly start rolling!!! I'm thinkin the parking brake must have been on LOL!

Maybe it's a mid-life...I want push me back into my seat power!!!

SpeedSter240EFI
Rj

I drove 1 the other day and was not impressed! I'd much rather be driving my fathers 99.:hammer:

This is a new design for Ford and some people will like it. I don't like the molded bumpers on the new ones.

I escpecially like the 98 era when they looked normal

I think Ford had a good Idea (IFS) (IRS) to start but...ran over budget and started applying the festiva interior..
When I test drove one a few weeks ago it looked good on the outside..........but driving it seemed so.....so....
cheap.........

It rides like a Lincoln but feels like a festiva..

I guess Soccer mom's everywhere are rejoyc'in
" A Wagon with a Name "

Click here for my thoughts on the 2002 Explorer 4dr http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=35747

I like the idea for an independent rear-suspension, but besides that I don't care for them a whole lot. I was behind one today, that had smoke pouring out of it, and i couldn't even tell where it was coming from. I know i am never going to buy another Explorer or another Ford truthfully, because they have both been pretty rotton to me. I have problems constantly with my '97 and not only that Ford has been no help what so ever. I now refuse to allow myself to go through the dissapointment again, and i would rather throw my money away then let the losers at Ford benefit from my earnings. I am going to have fun with my X while it lasts and after that, I will be moving on to something a little different.

Well, three weeks and 2,000 miles into the relationship with mine I'm very satisfied. Rides great, good power (V-8), good sound system. I've not yet had an opportunity to engage the 4X4.

My only bitch is how easy the front end of the hood seems to get dinged by rocks/bugs on the highway. (I've already touched up three small nicks.)

I'm in the process of getting either an Auto Ventshade Hoodflector or Bugflector II to take care of that issue.

Other than that, no complaints. (Well, I guess I could wish for better than 16.2 mpg average. ;))

:cool: We just bought an '02 10 days ago. We had been looking at new SUV's for about a month and half. At first she like the Trailblazer but when I found out the front axle passed thru the oil pan of the engine, I said no way. Then Ford started the $2K rebate program a few weeks back and it was stackable with the X-Plan price and we started searching the net for just the right one. We found an XLS 4wd with the Sport group and automatic, that was it, a no frills vehicle. She liked the tube step and no plastic strips at the bottoms of the doors better than the XLT. Anymore plastic on the XLT and you almost have an Avalanche. Anyway so far we like it. So for $23,300 plus destination ,tax and tag I think we got a pretty good deal. For some reason they let us have it A-Plan price, which saved about $500, I have no idea why because we told them we were on the X-Plan. Heck I paid $18K for my 91 in 91.

I agree and she does too that the early X's like my 91 still have a better look too them. I can clean my 91 up and still get looks. We both agreed that if we could buy a 91 new today we'd do it. So far it, the 91, has been the best vehicle I've ever owned.

What reraly sucks is they have done the same thing to the 2003 Expedition. 4 Wheel is and it looks like the Ex only bigger. I hate to say the "J' word but sign me up for one of the TJ Rubicon editions. Front and rear DANA 44's air lockers fornt and rear, and 31 Goodyear MTR's!

Looks like I'm keeping the '97 Mountaineer for a while. Seems as if Ford no long makes an SUV for us 1%ers who may actually use our SUV for other than transporting people and trying to look cool. Unless the SUV market turns around to being real trucks again, my next new vehicle may be an F-150.

Of course, since I still like the my Mountaineer, I may buy a '90-93 F-150 4x4 SWB Regular Cab 351W, if I can find one and if I get a good job offer by the time that I graduate in May, so that I can have a truck for off-roading, hauling big loads, and hunting while the Mountaineer is reliable daily transportation. I just love that 302. :)

The Rubicon TJ is the ultimate factory off road vehicle! If i was going to buy new and loved off roading(and i do!) then this would be my next! The 96' X would still have its spot in the driveway though!!

Well, I'll just say I'm not a big fan. Is that enough of a comment?

I think the motive behind the 4wis is the "roll over" problem explorers have. I think they did it so its more car like and give the image that its more stable. I dont percieve any roll over problem with these trucks out of the 1 million plus vehicles manufactured how many rolled? 80? 100? The recommended tire pressure was so low when some dumbass hit something hard and pinchflatted then slammed on the brakes anything is gonna roll. It bothers me that these stupid people out there complain to car companies about percieved problems and they go and ###### up good vehicles. No more Broncos no more blazers no more midsized trucks/suvs with solid front axles. Well except for jeeps but the new liberty has ifs which has me wondering about jeep. These damn soccermommies who want a smooth ride in thier big trucks have gone and messed up trucks as I (we?) think of them. If you want something to ride like a car buy a car! dont buy a truck just because you want a truck. Buy a truck so you can do something worthwhile with it.

MY 2002 X rides great, handles just fine - gas mileage is fine and the deal on it was superb...list 27,850...drove out at 22,900. Still have my 93 XLT with 167,000 miles too. No comparison between the two trucks.

I shall reply on this later, but hopefully by tomorrow, I'll know how they actually drive...
Gonna check out the Ps new sploder
Pete

Why not just buy a minivan? Looks like one, drives like one, acts like one.

I think the front end looks killer! I love the look of all the new Ford "trucks" from the front but I really do think Ford bit the big one with the new Ex.

The new Expedition on the other hand is a wicked truck, even though it;s more car then truck, still nice! The Ex.....yuk!!! It should be called Windstar II not Explorer.......

If they wanna be like everybody else, go for it. Nobody builds them like they used to and they probably never will again.............Now that Ex concept buggy they built made the vcover of 4x4 magazines, tire ad's, and all the reviews were like "WOW!" What about those people? You think they want rear independent suspension on everything? They cant ignore us forever..........

It will be interesting to see what they do next........

Originally posted by 410Fortune
....Now that Ex concept buggy they built made the vcover of 4x4 magazines, tire ad's, and all the reviews were like "WOW!"

if only Ford decided to produce it. i would definitely buy one.
Who gets to keep the EX concepts that they did build?

Well it will tour arond for a few years while it gets tested and photographed, then it usually ends up in a warehouse with the rest of the concepts, SVT keeps most of them locked up tight I believe.....

Tell me exactly what is that you think is so terrible with Independant Rear Suspension...? The truck drives and rides GREAT!!

The wealth of knowledge available here on this website is absolutely amazing. It truely is astounding! One can only hope that Ford Motor Company engineers view the data on the Explorers they have produced over the years that can lead to improving the product line.

However, it is incredible to read the derogatory comments about the 2002 Explorers. Extreme improvements have been implemented on this redesign for safety, comfort, and overall saleablity of this vehicle.

Other threads here have observed who Ford is targeting to sell Explorers to. And it is not the very narrow market of those that want to modify this vehicle.

Living in the 4th largest city in this nation, I have yet to see a single modified Explorer as described in any single post here on the freeways that is even remotely close to the firebreathing offroad beast everyone seems to lust after. And there are Explorers in every parking lot, street, road, beach, lake area or any where you can think of.

The fact is all 2002 redesigned Ford Explorers will be sold. And the overwhelming majority of them will be driven on concrete. And the overall quality is very high.

The talent is here to will figure out ways to improve on the new design making it suiteable for tougher off road conditions. But come on now, don't just toss out the zingers of what a bad job Ford has done with the new Explorer.

Give us some real ideas to make it the vehicle that you guys want to drive. It's either that or move on to something else. Hey how about that new Trailblazer...?

Originally posted by JWood
Tell me exactly what is that you think is so terrible with Independant Rear Suspension...? The truck drives and rides GREAT!!

Ill tell you whats wrong with the IRS. ford has taken a good vehicle and let it fall victim to mediocrity. There are no more real trucks unless you want to go fullsize and you cant take them offroad due to thier bulk.

Well as far as what i heard form the sales mgr at my local ford dealer he told me.. the new explorers are going for the soccer mom's people looking for a mini van type car.. but in a truck.. and thats what they have... would i ever buy one? no... i dont like the looks... i dont like at all what they have done to them.... as sad as is sounds i think my next truck might be the new jeep comming out in 2003 or an envoy..


just my .02



Mike

As my next vehicle, unless I get an old beater, it will be a Jeep.

I agree the 02's are safer, more comfortable, and are more refined. All are things I care nothing about. Those are traits I would look for in a minivan, not a workhorse like my current explorer is.

Am I bashing your choice of your new explorer? No. I'm just stating my opinion.

If any of you '02+ owners want to join us for a trailride, come on! We'll show you what it's all about!

I have owned my 2002 XLS for about 14 months now (13,500 miles) and here are my opinions/problems so far:

- Paid way too much for it ($28,000.00) but really wanted it. Remember, this was way back in 2001 before the 911 attacks, interest rates were still high and incentives were unheard of (also, only 3 dealers here, did not leave me much choice).

- I really like the body style. Was looking at the 2001's at the time, but in my opnion, the design was outdated. The interior roominess/comfort is good....but way too much plastic is used. I tend to personalize all of my cars anyway, so that does not matter to me.

- The ride is good but not excellent. The shocks/springs are way too stiff, which makes for a rough and jarring ride over even small perfections in the road. Can't wait for the aftermarket to come out with some replacement shocks/springs, because these are the first things to go. As mentioned above the thing does tend to wander on the highway....gotta keep both hands on the wheel.

- Fit and finish......hmmmm....have had to take my X back in twice for problems with the rear glass hatch lineup/alignment issues.

- Engine/trans is excellent. Power is where I need it and the thing shift's sikly smooth. Noted above in an earlier post that the X seemed to lack power at 75mph.....hmmmm, I find the power to be excellent. Passing at this speed or any other speed is great!! Had to take the X back to the dealer twice to have the transmission Computer or PCM reprogrammed (was shifting extremely rough).

- Steering....see above. Also, have had the X back to the shop twice now to replace steering shaft parts. Symptoms were looseness/knocking in the steering wheel along with excessive play. Guess this has been a problem with alot of different year Explorer's.

Overall, I really love this new X. Unfortunately, being a new model I am subject to various new model problems/breakage/etc.

heh to bad the 2001 x doesnt have springs or shocks... its got struts like a car..

Ya know, I wouldn't mind driving a '02 if I had no intentions of taking it off road. But I was just curious, how do they do with towing? I'm gonna be buying a tow vehicle once I get rich and famous ( :D ) and I think it'd be funny to tow an Explorer with an Explorer... Plus, I kinda like the looks of 'em with aftermarket appearance mod's...

I agree the 02's are safer, more comfortable, and are more refined. All are things I care nothing about. Those are traits I would look for in a minivan, not a workhorse like my current explorer is.


Damn....did I really buy a minvan in disquise? No wonder it rides so great. Oh well, I'll just have to deal with it

I don't like it at all. The body looks ugly, and the IFS just sucks.

Even my sister, who has always liked Explorers all along, told me the other day she would get a new Escape befrore a 2002 Explorer...:(

My parents have a 2002 XLT with the 4.6L V8! I love it. On-road its ok. It wouldn't stand a chance offroad. For god sakes i can't even pull it in out yard to wash it w/o the 4X4 engaing! My '95 can pull up the sam LITTLE hill in 2WD! But like the looks and the power. But i don't think i'd buy one. Maybe a sport, but not the 4 door. my opinion! TODD

Is it just me or is the sport the only truck out there now? it seems to me almost all the suvs made now have ifs/irs i cant think of any that dont except for maybe the trailblazer but im not to sure about that one.

Why cant Ford and GM ever get it right. Look at GMs Blazer replacement, great motor but has the ground clearance of a minivan. Looks like ford has gravitated (no pun intended) towards the same vehicle concept. I think the rationale is most SUV drivers want their vehicles to drive like cars anyway, and since they came from cars they drive them like idiots. I think thats why many SUVs, jeeps, and trucks have roll overs. To the general public these vehicles are new concept. When their are rollovers and publicity and public outrage, why dont they focus the attention on the education of the drivers? I wish the new Exployer had higher ground clearance. What can aftermarket companies possibly do with it now with that rear independent suspension?

Well, I see 2 sides to this truck.

1. Ford designed it to please the average/typical owner.
2. They're drifting away from anything that is capable of wheeling.

Well, I think Ford built a great truck! My dad's got an 02 limited... I love it, for the street! It's soft, smooth, quick, and the milage kicks ass!

Granted, I wish ford would make a wheelin geared truck, I dont see it comming for a long time. For wheeling, the truck isn't that great, but for on road, pleasing the soccer mom, Ford hit the nail on the head!
Pete

I personnaly think the 02's are sweet. The Explorers look nice, but the Mountaineers look awesome. We had an 02' Mounty for a week when my moms Mounty was in the shop, and I've taken the 02' Mounty out on several test drives. All I can say is SWEET. As much as I like the previous Explorers/Mounty, they seriously pale compared to the new ones. The only area the older ones are better are when moding them for off-road. The 02' Mounty reminds me of an Audi, it rides nice and firm but in no way harsh. And the 4.6 hauls ass, my neighbors 02' 2wd Ex ran a 15.85 at Morosso so I don't know why some of you are saying it lacked power, even the V6 will run consitant times of mid 16's. I love the 5.0, but not as much as the modular engine. Hell the aftermarket is already getting better and they were just introduced last year. Look at how long it took for some one to make parts for the Explorer like a decent charger and other stuff. KenneBell just brought out a twin-screw charger for the 4.6, Borla has a dual catback already unlike that damn single pipe for other explorers. I think the quality is a lot better , and the seats are mad comfortable compared to the previous gen, it handles awsome for a heavy suv, and again I love the sound of that 4.6, has an awsome torque band and doesn't get winded like the 5.0;)

Got sick of trying to find a Saleen, so we're waiting for our dealership to get an 02' Mineral Grey, Silver, or Black Mounty fully loaded and of course the 4.6 and 3.73 gears:D

I think my 2002 EB 4.6 4x4 is the best Explorer because

The frame is much stronger. There is no indication
of flex. It is also painted.

The 4.6 and the auto are great. It has the most power
and gets the best mileage of any Explorer I have
ever owned.

I like the looks of the exterior and interior.

The ride is very nice

The 4x4 system is seamless.

Interior noise is non existent.

The IRS is great. I drove it up Hancock pass (east side)
and the rear IRS did a great job of keeping the wheels
on the ground. My experience tells me that the new
Explorer is a better off-roader than the previous
Explorer.

The entry and exit angles are better than before.

Originally posted by 271Ranger
I think my 2002 EB 4.6 4x4 is the best Explorer because

The frame is much stronger. There is no indication
of flex. It is also painted.

The 4.6 and the auto are great. It has the most power
and gets the best mileage of any Explorer I have
ever owned.

I like the looks of the exterior and interior.

The ride is very nice

The 4x4 system is seamless.

Interior noise is non existent.

The IRS is great. I drove it up Hancock pass (east side)
and the rear IRS did a great job of keeping the wheels
on the ground. My experience tells me that the new
Explorer is a better off-roader than the previous
Explorer.

The entry and exit angles are better than before.

Same here, guy next door has the same Ex as you but 2wd and loves it. It's damn quick for a heavy SUV by a couple hundred pounds compared to the other Ex/Mounty, 15.85 at Morosso track. They're just awsome, I think it's the best riding SUV out there, all the others are either too soft and floaty (most definitley the Envoy) or too harsh riding. The 02's are perfect, nice and firm and no wind noise when your driving making you think you have a leak (unlike the previous gens), Ford nailed it this time. Same thing offroad, the 02's are better stock vs. stock, better entry and exit angles and an fully independent suspension that is stronger than other SUV's for off-road. For 03' you can get an off-road package on the new Ex's but I'm not sure if it's available for the Mounty's.

Ford is really underrating all their products (which is a good thing I think:D ) just look at the new Cobra, the sohc is rated around 10sec from Ford, yet every test I've seen has it in the 8.5sec range, and the 4.6 will run in the 7's with 1 or 2 test putting it at about 8. His truck is the same way with gas like yours, rated at 14 in the city, yet he gets about 16mpg in the city and he doesn't drive easily on it. Counting down the days until I get an 02' 4.6 Mounty.

My experience tells me that the new
Explorer is a better off-roader than the previous
Explorer.

The entry and exit angles are better than before.


I dunno what kind of experience you have but the new 4dr explorer is in no way comparable to the older generations. The sport would have a chance since all thats really changed is the look but the 4dr would have to chance off road. It has struts its basically a car.

Originally posted by Namitey


I dunno what kind of experience you have but the new 4dr explorer is in no way comparable to the older generations. The sport would have a chance since all thats really changed is the look but the 4dr would have to chance off road. It has struts its basically a car.

He meant stock for stock. The 02' have better entry and exit angles and the indpendent suspension may have struts, but it's 10X stiffer than any other independ suv I can think of offroad and allows perfect wheel placement with none of that live axle boucing motion. All the test that have takin them off-road have said the same thing, the 02 4drs are better, but I'm sure thats stock vs. stock, b/c you can modify a previous gen Ex to kill anything off-road. I think it was Motortrend awile ago that said "not only is the new Ex infinitley better both on and off the road than older Explorers, it's like being in a lincoln off-road.:D Ford did an awsome job with that suspension, very smooth on the street but stiff enough for offroad use.

Oh yeh, and that frame is stiff as hell, you'd be hard press to get almost any type of rattle or flex out of it. Roads that shake and rattle the hell out of my truck and my mom's 2000 Mounty barley affect the 02 Mounty.

Originally posted by SaleenEXP
the indpendent suspension may have struts, but it's 10X stiffer than any other independ suv I can think of offroad

Thats great if you compare it to other independent suspension SUVs, but I think Namitey was more talking about SUVs without the independent suspension.

BTW, for the record, I'm not trying to bash the '02s at all, I'm just playing devil's advocate :D

I don't know about that suspension SaleenEXP, mine rides rough as hell (rattles/shakes) over simple ridges in the road. Those little white glass lane dividers in the road really make for a rough ride....so much so that I do not even carry drinks in the X (at all!!)....would spill and slosh all over the place. Can't wait till some aftermarket suspension parts come out.

Theres a slight chance yours has something wrong with it, b/c when I first went to test drive the new Mounty, they had two left at the delearship a sohc V6 and other was a V8. The V6 we couldn't take out b/c they said their was something wrong with the suspension and was riding to stiff and bouncy. But the V8 was fine, road smooth as hell and was fast. They loaned us a 02 V8 Mounty when my moms Mounty was in the shop and it was like being in a Lexus compared to her 00', which really don't ride bad for an suv with a live rear axle, it just can't compare to the 02's. I couldn't get the 02' to rattle at all, I even nailed a speedbumb in our neighborhood at 40mph, limit is 15 I know not smart but I wanted to see how the suspension would handle it, hit it and all that happened was a thump thump. I've done it with my 94' and the 00' and both basically left the ground and made one loud rattle like body flex, not the 02';) . So there might be something wrong with your suspension b/c a few other people have had the same problem. The weird thing is the people that are saying this have the V6, go onto some sites like cardomain and other review sites, and some of the guys with V6's say it rides ruff yet the V8 guys say it rides like a luxury car, not that I think it would matter based on the engine, I just thought that was weird. So you might want to get it checked out. But you know what the Ford dealership will pry tell you "it's fine, theres nothing wrong with it", thats why my grandparents and our Family only deal with Lincoln/Mercury (Holman), they rock compared to Ford Dealers, at least ours does.:p
So try to get it checked

Also, sweet truck, saw it on cardomain and love that grill. How come you didn't get the V8? j/k

Only 2700 miles...but we like it better than the 01 Escape we traded for the 02 Explorer.

In all probability the only "offroading" will be unintentional and keeping pace with her driving history, my wife will be responsible :rolleyes: .

The primary reason for the trade...Explorer = 0%, Escape did not.

Thats great if you compare it to other independent suspension SUVs, but I think Namitey was more talking about SUVs without the independent suspension.

Exactly..
Id like to see a 2002 do this..


Pic 1 (http://www.ofoto.com/PhotoView.jsp?UV=216487534232_56444218503&US=0&collid=83336306503&photoid=82382406503)

Or this..



PIc 2 (http://www.ofoto.com/PhotoView.jsp?UV=216487534232_56444218503&US=0&collid=83336306503&photoid=54132406503)

I'm talking about stock for stock, 4dr 02's against previous gens, not the sport with the mods you have. Even a stock sport is probably better offroad than a 4dr b/c of easier maneuverability (spelled right?). They've tested them off-road and said the 02's are better, again stock 4dr against stock 4dr, not like a drastic difference, just a little better. Obviously you won't be able to have off-road mods on the 02's except for maybe a body lift. And a previous gen with mods will easily kill an 02' not to mention probably anything else out there:D . They have an off-road package for the 03's but I'm sure they didn't add any lift.
Looking at the 2nd pic an 02' might do it with its better entry and exit angles and awsome wheel articulation from the suspension, but I don't know because yours has a lift and 31's and is smaller, the 1st one most likley not b/c it looks like theres a rock under you and it would probably snag the central diff. on the 02.

Yeah SaleenEXP, I have been to the dealer and as you said, they tell me all is fine...hmmm. It's not a teeth rattling ride, just expected a little smoother ride. The reason I did not get the V-8 was the price. I bought my X in May of 2001 for $30,000.00. At that time the XLT's were going for $34,000.00 and EB's for $36,000.00. Just could not afford it....$30,000.00 was my limit. Plus I only had a choice of 3 Ford dealers here...kinda sucks...oh well.

Road only = great ride and perfect car.
Off-road = really screwed it up.

Originally posted by Rscotts1
Yeah SaleenEXP, I have been to the dealer and as you said, they tell me all is fine...hmmm. It's not a teeth rattling ride, just expected a little smoother ride. The reason I did not get the V-8 was the price. I bought my X in May of 2001 for $30,000.00. At that time the XLT's were going for $34,000.00 and EB's for $36,000.00. Just could not afford it....$30,000.00 was my limit. Plus I only had a choice of 3 Ford dealers here...kinda sucks...oh well.

well that kinda sucks, it was just weird that you have the same problem as the one on the dealership. Even weirder is a few people with the V6 say its stiff, and the one at the dealership was a V6 that they wouldn't let anyone drive, probably b/c they didn't want anyone walking away from a sale thinking it's a harsh truck. The V8's we've driven drive awsome. They couldn't do anything with it though, everything looked fine, same as the other Mountaineers they've had, yet it rode a lot stiffer. Damn $30,000 for an XLS their a lot cheaper here, you can get a loaded XLT w/V8 for around $31,000 here , we almost bought a 02' Mountaineer Premiere Ed. 4.6 with 12,000 miles for 26,000 and that was almost a $40,000 truck, but I couldn't get my self to like the wedgwood blue color and it was the only Mounty they had left. So were waiting for them to get a silver, black, or mineral grey 02' Mounty in. Gotta have that sweet V8.
But we know the dealer so we get hooked up with everything, can't beat that, and their service is excellant, Lincoln/Mercury dealerships are a lot better than Fords.

...yeah, still love it though...no regrets. Another reason in opting for the V-6 was insurance! Figured the V-8 w/4 wheel drive would have upped my premiums, plus the X is street driven only.:D

So what if the new 4dr has better approach and departure angles its not like itll ever be able to use them.

oh well, at least you still have a sweet truck that handles awsome compared to other SUV's. That grill really looks mad good on a black Ex. What kind of 18's were you looking at?? I thinking about getting the 18" KMC Clockers, they would look really good on a Mounty or a Black Ex like yours. Yeh, mines going to be on the street 99% of the time except for when I go to the lake wheres theirs this stuff called dirt;) :rolleyes: . Are you going to get any performance mods yet, I plan on full Exhaust and all the bolt-ons for a Mustang that will fit, and maybe a KenneBell twin-screw charger.

Thanks for the compliments!! For durability and warranty issues, I plan on leaving the X pretty much stock, but someday, would like to get the bumpers/wheel moldings painted to match the body color. This is the style of wheel I would like to mount on my X:

nice wheel, but just to let you know those HRE's are very expensive, I saw an ad for them in a car magazine and loved their styles until I saw how much they were, I don't want to spend more than $2,000 for wheels.

yeah, I know!! Very pricey! Love the style though, hopefully I will be able to find something similar when I purchase wheels.

I agree, it does look pretty good, but i did a little suspension travel experiment tonite. I have a steep part in my yard right where the drive meets it, so i pulled the 2002 up and i was able to lift a wheel off the ground and engage the 4X4. I did the same hill w/my 95 sport and the same angle and all and all 4 wheels stayed on the ground and it was in 2WD. Both are stock as far as suspension and tire sizes go. So I have concluded that the new one isn't as capable in a situation like this. Just my experience and $.02!
TODD

Just got back from my friends dorm and last year he had 20's on his Escalade, now he has 24's, can you say fricken huge! When I was next to him I don't see any possible way of fitting that size on an Ex. I think the best size is 18's and some nice tires like Pirelli or Yokohama on an Ex/Mounty. 20's would look alright depending on the design of the wheel on the 02's, but the last gen Ex/Mounty doesn't look good with 20's. Another kid I know here has 20's on his sport and it looks overkill, and they noticably slowed him down.

Originally posted by SaleenEXP
Just got back from my friends dorm and last year he had 20's on his Escalade, now he has 24's, can you say fricken huge!

Damn, what school do you go to?!?! :eek:

Lynn University, it's a small private college about 5-10min from my house and 5-10min. from F.A.U. I know 4 other guys that have Escalades and they all have 20's, but those damn 24's are huge, I'll find out what type they were tommorow. It's rated on of the top schools for business (I'm majoring in Business Mngt.) and is the top school for hospitality. And yeh, it's pretty stuck up here, I parked next to a kid driving an Aston Martin Vanquish, yes the V12, he had an exhaust on it and it sounded pretty damn mean at idle (in another post I said it was a vantage but I made a mistake). Not to mention a few Ferrari's ect. ect. and about 200 Beemers just to give you an idea. There are a few 1st gen Explorers there that are lifted w/tires for offroading so I don't feel leftout with the Mounty;)

I agree with you SaleenEXP on the 18's looking good on the new X. I have seen a few here running around with 18's and they really look sharp! I just don't get into that huge wheel thing (nothing against my fellow Explorer forum browsers...lol). There are very few SUV's with anything bigger than 22's here in Hawaii...just the occasional Escalade/Tahoe/Denali.

Originally posted by SaleenEXP
Just got back from my friends dorm and last year he had 20's on his Escalade, now he has 24's, can you say fricken huge! When I was next to him I don't see any possible way of fitting that size on an Ex. I think the best size is 18's and some nice tires like Pirelli or Yokohama on an Ex/Mounty. 20's would look alright depending on the design of the wheel on the 02's, but the last gen Ex/Mounty doesn't look good with 20's. Another kid I know here has 20's on his sport and it looks overkill, and they noticably slowed him down.

Alright that mutha **beep** lied, he only has 23's:D , he just says 24's cause you honestly can't tell a difference between 23's and 24's. Look how big a 20 inch rim is, and you can get an idea of how big those 3 extra inches make. I mean their massive, and heavy. He has the 6.0 engine which already guzzled a lot, now it guzzles like a mutha, he just filled up and got 11.1mpg city/highway. And they really slowed him down, you can feel a difference. The wheels he has are 23" Giovanna Attacks (chrome, maybe thats why their so heavy besides being 23's). The tires are Nitto Extreme Force series - 305/40vr-23 - and he does get a little rub, almost about $450 a tire:eek: , I don't wanna be him when he gets a flat, that would be one heavy ass wheel to mess with. Good thing is that he got about 3-4 inches of added lift for offroading, bad thing is theres no way he going offroad with 23" very little sidewall tires:D . I wonder what would happen if he hit a pothole with the weight of that truck? hah

EDIT - the rims he had last year were 20" Enkei Brevet Series rims, pretty nice they looked really good.

Originally posted by Rscotts1
I agree with you SaleenEXP on the 18's looking good on the new X. I have seen a few here running around with 18's and they really look sharp! I just don't get into that huge wheel thing (nothing against my fellow Explorer forum browsers...lol). There are very few SUV's with anything bigger than 22's here in Hawaii...just the occasional Escalade/Tahoe/Denali.

02's have a little bigger body and wheel-wells so 20's might not look to extreme, that 02' Mounty in Truckins SUV magazine looks really nice. But 18's are perfect for 02's and especially the last Ex's/Mounty's. That kid here with the Sport that has 20's looks to overkill, nice rims (KMC Stealths) but to big on an Explorer let alone a Sport. There was someone on Cardomain/Soundomain that had 22's on his Ex, and he said it constantly rub, there's really no room to work with 22's on an Ex, but what ever floats their boat. I'll stick with 18's, plus that extra two inches for 20's can seriously cost you $$ for the same rim in 18's.:D

Originally posted by SaleenEXP
Good thing is that he got about 3-4 inches of added lift for offroading

Uh huh, yeah, in an Escalade on 23s :rolleyes:

Originally posted by diablo5969


Uh huh, yeah, in an Escalade on 23s :rolleyes:

no, I didn't mean a lift for offroading, I meant his truck sits higher now after the rims were put on. Have you ever seen Escalade with the stock 17's, now you can see why it sits higher, hell the Rims he has now w/o the tires are just about as big as the stock ones with tires. I don't know if your being sarcastic, but if you think 23's don't fit an Escalade, how come he does?? again he still rubs a little on turns so they don't fit perfectley, I think his offset might be off a little.

EDIT - I think thats how you took it about the lift, again he has no lift, I just meant the truck sits higher now than it did stock, you know higher=offroading, thats what I meant, not that he had a lift, I've actually yet to see an Escalade with lift.

the escalade comes with 265/70/17's stock. the tire diameter is 31.6"
you said he has 305/40/23's so that comes out to 32.6"
the tire diameter is 1" larger, which means it sits about 0.5" higher.

Originally posted by leenjen
the escalade comes with 265/70/17's stock. the tire diameter is 31.6"
you said he has 305/40/23's so that comes out to 32.6"
the tire diameter is 1" larger, which means it sits about 0.5" higher.

Are you sure, I mean I didn't know the exact number but I swear it looks higher than that, maybe it kinda makes it look like an illusion if you know what I mean, the rims are so big it just appears to sit a lot higher. It sits higher than the other 3 guys who have 20s, one of them is a 99' the other 2 are 02's but 2wd (5.3 engine). He has awd (obviously with the 6.0) would that make a difference, unless the others have a numerically lower tire, I'll check tomorrow when I go to the dorm later in the day. Either way those 23's are massive, I just couldn't believe they affected his mileage drastically and you can easily feel its slower.

Originally posted by SaleenEXP
I've actually yet to see an Escalade with lift.

I thought you meant he got a 3-4 inch lift, and then got the tires put on. My bad, misunderstanding.

I've never seen a lifted Escalade either, but they were writing about one in Four Wheeler once when the guy was venting about all the street SUVs out there

Originally posted by diablo5969


I thought you meant he got a 3-4 inch lift, and then got the tires put on. My bad, misunderstanding.

I've never seen a lifted Escalade either, but they were writing about one in Four Wheeler once when the guy was venting about all the street SUVs out there

no prob, I can see where it sounded like he had a lift, I should clarrified that before, so, my bad:) . If leejen is right, I swear those 23's are an optical illusion, it really looks like it sits higher. Oh well, I can say it really hurt his gas mileage, made it slower, and damn does it have a harsh ride now, the tires do have a stiff sidewall but it feels like theres no sidewall at all, all I know is I be glad I'm not him when he gets a flat;) . All I know is 18's are the biggest I'm going with the 02', the price difference between 18's and 20's is a lot, you wouldn't think those 2 extra inches make that big of a differance. They do have 24's now, and I'll smack him next year if he comes back with 24's and says the 23's were too small:D .

I had one as a rental for a day...good power (well, better than my 94) and comfortable on the road.....

I *like* the design/look of it frankly....


What I dont like is the rear suspension and those arms that seem like they would drag in mud/sand/snow, etc...

Yuck. I know the solid axles are rougher ride, but better clearance....


Originally posted by sideswipe
IMO, the design is just awful and unattractive. I cant really speak about the mechanical issues.

I tested one for grins, though wouldn't buy one...
It's tough to find the package mine has on the new X without spending an arm and two legs. It was fairly quick for being a beast, but I doubt it's off-road capabilities. Quite frankly, it doesn't look like something anyone would take off-road, but something in which to hold a meeting.

Perhaps FORD needs something less beat than the Escape, and to branch out into a new line for some of us that are interested in "upgrading/updating", and keep developing their current line for the pretentious wannabe SUV owner and/or people looking for a 4WD stationwagon? Additionally, I don't like the backend, think the rims are weak as well as aspects of the interior. It was quieter, but mine would be without the KKM, aggressive treads, etc. heh

I considered, moreso because of the engine and frame upgrades, to potentially buy a newer one instead of upgrading mine but I think until they can do better overall, I'll stick to the frame I'm in. I've got 90K on mine and it's still running strong... looking forward to the 6-digit club by 04? :cool:

4Wheel and Offroad Febuary 03 issue has the 4x4 of the year comparison. The explorer ranks twelveth out of sixteen. That is pretty bad. I hope the new Ford boy wakes up and smells the gasoline.

my dad has a 2002. i hate it! the locking is backwords, seats uncomforable, the windsheild needs to be bigger for us tall guys, and when ya unlock it on the outside it is backwords from my 95X. I think a left hander designed it!

the only nice thing is the suspenchen is alright (better than mine that is) and smooth ON THE ROAD ONLY.

not sure they did the explorer justice but the redeisgned expedition I think looks alot better...

Well, I logged 250mi in my dads '02 limited 4.0 sohc this past weekend. I personally have no problem with the head room, or windshield view, and I'm 6ft3in. I like the low lifting hight when loading the cargo area through the window. Love the heaters in the seats.. I'd prefer the comfort of my 94 limiteds seats better. My milage woulda been much better if it weren't for driving into a 30mph head wind. The engine isn't that bad power wise (this comming from a person who normally drives a OHV w/ 4.10's and 33's). I'd probly prefer the V-8 as I lile the 5.0 in my moms '00 EB. I love the leg room! Rides great onroad, which was fords goal. I like the layout of the dash and everything around the driver. Good lighting for night driving. Stereo isn't all that bad. Would I buy one? Nah, I'd put the money towards a diesel truck, but hey, it's not mine, and I was told to drive it for the first week back this semester b/c the miles wouldn't go on my truck, and it's gonna be less in gas. I'm not complaining! Overall it's not a bad vehicle onroad.
Pete

Personally I love the New Explorers. I just recently Bought an XLT 4.6. Its the best investment I've ever made. IMO most of you that are putting the 02's & 03's down havent driven one. I use to have a 92' EX and I loved that thing, but this new one blows it away!! The 4.6 is incredibly strong, not to mention it hauls ass for an explorer. I would put it up against any moderatly stock 5.0!! (I will stand by that) I have driven every explorer ever made along with a few Saleens. The new explorers are great better built than those previous. I work at a Ford Dealership so I see many explorers daily. Many of which rattle constantly are a very cheaply built. Ford took a step in the right direction. Not to offend any its just my opinon.

Would REALLY like to hear someone who has used a new Explorer offroad.

One of the reasons I liked my 94 when I got it was because its a TRUCK.....solid rear suspension, truck front end.....

Like i said above, I really do like the look of the truck...my concern is in its abilities....I have been watching other SUVs..

SO far it seems like the Explorer is the only one that hangs THAT LOW in the rear with those independent suspension arms......Literally, there is only the heigth of the tire between them and the road (trail, mud, snow, sand......)

I have done a lot of sand driving and those things LOOK like they would act like snow plows in the sand....not a good thing...

And the 0% interest is great too....but I am just not sold on the capabilities yet.

If I want to spend that kind of money on a car that cant go offroad, I'd buy something else....

ANyone out there do any serious offroading in an '02 or '03??

i dont know if this has been posted but some1 said that they hope they keep the sport and the sport trac on a seperate platform.....well i got bad news for some of you...my uncle works in the louisville plant where they make the x's and 03 is the last year for the sport. i was very upset about this but i hope they do somthing to change that and keep the sports alive.

i heard that too :(
that's terrible news

There's no one on this site who will not trade their Xplorer with the 2002 new design. No one!

People say they do not like the '02 Xplorer because they do not want to feel like they're stuck with their current ride.

I have a '97 Xplorer that I bought new but I would trade it in a sec.

Though, the only thing that I like with my '97 than the '02 is that my '97 is ALL PAID FOR!:D

Please don't hate me. You know I'm right.

Not by a long shot!!!! I would never trade my 95 EB for a IFS, IRS Explorer! Never!! To do what I am doing to a 02 would involve at least twice the work! Why would I ever want that?

Originally posted by emon
There's no one on this site who will not trade their Xplorer with the 2002 new design. No one!

People say they do not like the '02 Xplorer because they do not want to feel like they're stuck with their current ride.

I have a '97 Xplorer that I bought new but I would trade it in a sec.

Though, the only thing that I like with my '97 than the '02 is that my '97 is ALL PAID FOR!:D

Please don't hate me. You know I'm right.

Um yeah, i dont want a 2002 explorer. i dont like them theyre over engineered cars for people with big wallets and want to give the appearance of "toughness" I stilll cant figure out how vehicle manufacturers keep claiming thier new trucks are more "truck like" every year... to me they look more and more carlike..

i still haven't heard a single good review about it. i hope this isn't the beginning of the end for the explorer I was reading an article in the paper .ford is investing a lot in thier marrage with mazda on the ford escape so i wouldnt be surpised if the explorer is discontinued

Traded my 01 Escape for my 02 Explorer and I have a 94 Explorer.

The Escape was a nice ride but I like the 02 Explorer much more. IMHO the 02 Explorer rides/drives better.

I really like the 94 too but it rides and drives...like a truck.

If I were to choose any of the above for a long road trip, the 02 Explorer wins big time. If I needed to go off-road or drive in snow, mud, etc., etc. the 94 Explorer is my choice.

For just looks, I like my 94 Explorer Limited.

Well My opinion of the 2002 is actually pretty good...

Bought it for the wife as it was a pretty new truck sitting out there and looked safe for her and my daughter.

I was a little shocked to learn it has all time auto 4x4...

then you can kick it into manual 4x4 high or Low....

Interesing feature for the average driver..

Pisses me off however it does handle quite well...

while others were getting stuck like chuck on Oceano dunes this little jewel kept on cruzin just looking for traction on any of the four wheels transferring power all around to get it to keep going...

Had no trouble climbling (Comp Hill for those of you who know where it is). Obviously didn't race it up.. but making it up in an unmodified 02' and not lowering tire pressure is a bit of a feat....

my 92' is a just simply my beater...

it runs.. but man.. its not worth much anymore..

5" lift.. ac has trouble.. needs O2 and Gas Sensors...
Tranny has been rebuilt/replaced 2/3 times.. engine still suprisingly good...

Tires get excessing inner wear as I don't like to deal with an alignment every two weeks.. and then forget to rotate an balance as well...

This tire wear make the old girl vibrate all over the road. However THE STEREO keeps her in my FAV list....

When I lower the pressure in the 31x10.5's to about 7/8psi I can pull almost anyone out of their stuck pothole in low.... that makes this truck a keeper for me...

Now my 92' Z71.. while really a pile of shinola.. can also pull quite hard with its 33's and it has no trouble pulling itself and another vehicle out of some really rough crap. Also again stereo is almost as nice as the explorer... The V8 makes it a bit stronger that my old 92 4.0 V6 so its also fun to play with!!

the 2002 though is pretty nice.. The body style grew on me and I'm kinda liking its Sharp edges now.. however I will always love the 91-93 styles... hate the rounded ones.. sorry.. I just do.. unless its got some nice mods to it!!

I do however want to know if anyone has a lift kit for the 2002 explorers... this would make this little jewel look like a real toy... I just dont' like not being able to get those rear wheels to spin freely.. kinda kills some of the showing off rythm!!

My 2002 Sport is ok...

The paint is coming off of the interior driver side door handle and on the radio trim (where I push the station buttons).

I like my Explorer; my next one will me a older XLT (for weekend driving).

Originally posted by Viper_iii
I just dont' like not being able to get those rear wheels to spin freely.. kinda kills some of the showing off rythm!!
You can. See this thread:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=41956&highlight=auto+4x4

Alls i got to say for my reasoning of buying an 03 V-8 explorer is well to put it in simple terms.......DOHC Kenne Bell twin screw project. It will be a while, but i have already started to research the new project.

my mom has the 02 with the 4.6 and 5speed auto and 3.73ls, that thing blows my91 away, i love the power

Yes, I'm disappointed with the new look. It look bloated and porky, like they tried to imitate the Expedition. The first generation (I have a 92 XLT) was the perfect size and shape for me. Ford took a good light truck and made it into another sissy soccer mom conveyance.

Even more: Skid plates are an option now, manual trans is only available on the Sport, which will be discontinued next year.

My 92 will probably need to be replaced in a few years. I would have gone with a new Ex, but now I don't know. I'll have to consider other vehicles. The Escape Sport might be ok (but no manual trans, and not much cargo space), a friend suggested the Honda Pilot (no manual trans, main selling point seems to be fuel efficiency and 7 cup holders).

It seems that I would need 2 vehicles to get the capability of my 92 X: Something like an Escape for commuting plus a Ranger FX for hauling cargo, and being a real (manly boy's toy) truck.

Personally, I'm a fan of the first generation appearance, not because I own one, but because I think the first generations have a more rugged look for the exterior, and resemble more of what a sports-UTILITY-vehicle should look like. And the first generations even seemed "sportier" than the new "soccer-momish/luxury" images of the new generations. The car-oriented designs of today's SUVs has gotten ridiculous. Ford has definitely made some big and great improvements to the Explorer over the years :), yet I wish Ford would have retained the bodystyle of the first Explorers, like Jeep did for the Cherokee and Wrangler :(. I think the front of the new explorer is alright, but the back is just too rounded and ugly. It looks too much like a minivan. The ultimate edition of a new Explorer would be the first generation appearance for the exterior, but the luxuries of today's SUVs for the interior :D.

I am glad they made the generations of explorers the way they did. I mean I got a first gen to choose from if I want to have a tougher more offroadish truck, I got a 2nd gen explorer that I think looks nice and can be turned into a great sport truck for the street, or racetruck for that matter. And then we got the new gen which althought I dont think rates too high for the offroading crowd, it does strike appeal to a person like me which deals alot with streettrucks and dragracing. And being that this new gen is able to sport the 4.6 mod motor as an option I think it is the best yet generation of vehicle because it is new(nothing more needed to add to that one) and it has alot of potential as a built racing/show truck.

I love the new truck with its all independent suspension.
I hope by the time I am ready to get one they will have the 5.0dohc engine(even more power).

Oh, I also want a floor shifter.

That said its funny that they (ford) are taking this route with all their SUVs' but are afraid to do the same with the Mustang. Afterall I am not a nascar driver so I dont need a bloody live axle to bounce me bum around.

Tired of it.

Whats the difference between a live axle and ind.? If the wheel goes up on either, so does the drive shaft/axle beam, so there should not be a problem. On both, the shaft/beam goes to the center of the wheel, no difference.

I am thinking H1(wave of the future). H1 not H2.

i like it, its my favorite out of all of them.

I would like to upgrade my 98 to a 04+ but I dont know when Ford will include the 3valve as an option. I dont want to get a 239hp V8 when I could have a 285hp V8 in there.

Stupid mass population of Americans. Thats what the 02+ X is a product of. Sure, I like the powerful V8. The looks are decent. The thing that really bugs me is the fact that you can't get it with a manual tranny, then again, which potential explorer buyer besides me wants one? Ford really did the X in with the stupid IFS/IRS suspension. My 92 sport 5spd can take a j**p any day, but a 02+ X wouldn't make it 5 yards into the rubicon.

I guess from now on I'll have to do all kinds of costum work to get an off road capable vehicle. If you took a 02+ X, lifted it, swapped out the IFS/IRS for solid axles, and switched it to a 5 spd from an F-150, you'd have a real winner!

I've had a slight change in opinion, I really like the Sport editions...a matter of fact, one of my choices for a new car would be an Explorer Sport. If I got one though, I'd like it to be a manual...

I own a 2002 Ford Explorer and I am a Ford Senior Master Tech, and while driving hundreds of them let me tell you the six banger has more pep then the v-8. If you don't believe me go down to a dealer and punch it on a test drive, the v-6 seems to have a lot more pep in it. The guys and I in the shop think its a joke when you put a v-8 in a vehicle and it seems to have less power than the v-6. I love Fords but they need to get it together and tune that 4.6l v-8 up a little, cause I know it is a lot more capable then the way it runs in the new explorers. Just my opinion, and by the way me and my wife love the Explorer, I have had it 2 years and it has 31k and has only had to get repaired once (which was just the right rear window motor connector backed out). Other than that it is one of the most dependable vehicles Ford has put on the market (thats just my opinion ).:D

Just to let you know I have a 02 xls with the v6 and a 5 speed of course it's a 4x4 so far so good just waiting for a lift kit to come out

do they make manual 2doors for the '04s? I went to fords website and didnt see it listed as an option.

I don't know mine is the 4door

What do you think of the 2002 Explorer? That's easy, it is almost 3 years old.

I should bring up every old poll and vote in it too!

O5 Pathfinder has 271hp and 291torque in its 4.0 v6. I wonder what the 06 Explorer power will be like.

Probably not as much, it seems import companies are squeezing out the extra HP to give an incentive to purchase one of their vehicles.

It seems the incentive nowadays is lower prices for the imports.

Well.. there's a reason the prices are lower.

People that want good mileage buy them now. Now that the companies are adding more power, people that like domestics will start paying attention.

Dont forget that domestic car parts used to be so much cheaper than foreign. The dealership by me seems to make a commission on the parts they sell. They have several different prices for the same item.

With what you said, how does Ford plan to sell vehicles if the competition have them beat in all aspect.

What will bring you to your next Ford if its going to cost more to purchase and own than the foreign products. Even with $3000 cash back.

Because... I don't like Asian imports, I'm a Ford person, Fords we've owned have proven to be reliable, I like big V8's with endless possibilities, domestic vehicles have personality; not every domestic looks the same.

I don't know why people will choose Ford over an import but those are some of my reasons. Imports sell well but so do domestics.

I actually like it way better then the 2nd Gen. If I were in the market for another off road Explorer then I'd pick up a V8 2nd Gen and SAS the thing but my wife and I are considering building a street Explorer with the '02 as to have 'his' and 'hers'.

I dont think its that bad in the engine department like others have said. I just think it looks to plastic like and cheap.
Doesnt matter though I love second Gens and thats why i have a 1997 XLT SOHC :D ( Black of course)

I should bring up every old poll and vote in it too!


LOL, no kidding, I think this thread needs a lil of Robb's moderation love ;)

I have owned 4 Fords so far. I still have 2 in my garage. I love Ford and its always my first choice. I also love a big v8 with lots of horses. I have driven the X at speeds excess of a 110mph for over 30mins.

The imports which are being made here nowadays, now comes with big v8.

I want the biggest 8s' with lots of power like the chevy guys used to get.

Is it true? I have been looking all over for the info on the 05 X. I read somewhere that they up the power (282hp) and my wife said she saw an ad on tv stating the same. More power for 05. I modem is down so I have been surfing real slow. Has anyone else heard this news??

I read somewhere that they up the power (282hp)
:eek: :thumbsup:

and the verdict is?? Do the newer x's hold up under daily driver uses?? or anymore complaints!?

Is it true? I have been looking all over for the info on the 05 X. I read somewhere that they up the power (282hp) and my wife said she saw an ad on tv stating the same. More power for 05. I modem is down so I have been surfing real slow. Has anyone else heard this news??



Nope the V8 explorers are still rated at the same 240 hp.

I know I was one of the first to post in this thread, but since you guys keep bumping it I decided to finally vote. :p

My mom bought a 2002 a few years ago and I've gotten to drive it around many times since then. I really like it. I like everything better than my 2nd gen, with the exception of offroad capability :p The interior is somewhat basic, clean looking. I like the seats, even the 3rd row isn't bad, though when all the seats are folded down the angled floor is awkward sometimes. I love the exterior looks now that I've gotten used to it, and it beats any other SUV's looks these days. The handling is responsive. The 4.0L SOHC engine is plenty powerful and economical. She has put 40k miles on it without anything but regular mantanance and two recalls done on it. When she goes to sell it I will seriously consider buying it.

Poll closed to stop poll spammers....you CAN still reply to the thread though.

I have seen the new (redone) Merc.Mountaineer coming with 292hp 3v motor for 06 and a 6 speed auto.

Poll closed to stop poll spammers....you CAN still reply to the thread though.


what is a poll spammer and is that even possble

I like the '02's that have the front end of the sport tracs (obviously). it's kinda that rare factor. They're different: they don't really look like the rest of Fords product line (except the trac of course). The higher up 02's and 03's look kinda off though.

I have an 2002 and i never knew there was any difference...

Well, mines an 10/01, which by all means is 02. But mines really a generation 2.5 X.

what is a poll spammer and is that even possble

The polls would bump up as "new posts" when somebody would vote on them...even if they were 4 year old threads. Some people would vote on 20+ polls at a time, flooding the new posts area with long dead threads.

I own a 2002 Ford Explorer and I am a Ford Senior Master Tech, and while driving hundreds of them let me tell you the six banger has more pep then the v-8. If you don't believe me go down to a dealer and punch it on a test drive, the v-6 seems to have a lot more pep in it. The guys and I in the shop think its a joke when you put a v-8 in a vehicle and it seems to have less power than the v-6. I love Fords but they need to get it together and tune that 4.6l v-8 up a little, cause I know it is a lot more capable then the way it runs in the new explorers. Just my opinion, and by the way me and my wife love the Explorer, I have had it 2 years and it has 31k and has only had to get repaired once (which was just the right rear window motor connector backed out). Other than that it is one of the most dependable vehicles Ford has put on the market (thats just my opinion ).:D
Msupertek, maybe you can address all the issues everyone seems to be having with the 3rd gens. Here are the major issues I have found after searching since the purchase of my 02.

Rear Diff
Tranny
Transfer Case
Liftgate hinges

Please list any more that you are aware of.

Thanks

aren't they all repaired meaning the rear diff wasnlt there an additive for the oil that stopped the problems...
tranny has as many problems as any other explorer???
and yes there was a recall to fix or replace the liftgate hinges..

Not sure about an additive, I have read that they commonly leak which leads to premature wear and failure. I plan on checking my rear diff.

I'm sure they don't have any more significant problems than any other vehicle, they all have there problems. I'm just trying to address the most common ones I have found so far, and how to prevent them.

Well i just got one about two weeks ago. I love the quietness in the ride the most. Very spacious as far as seating and cup holders and such go. I don't have the onboard computer so it gives me an extra "throw you junk there" spot. IMO, the interior is very stylish keeping up with other modern makes. I have leather, and is very comfy. I really appreciate the plastic cladding around the exterior (in the xlt models) as as far as i'm concerned this allows rocks and other debrit to hit the bumper w/out scratching the paint. Allowing for less noticable blemishes.

The 4.0 sohc tends to be sluggish ONLY when the a/c is blasting and with all three rows filled up. I had the 5.0 before and this compares very closely (power wise) with that. Not near the tq, but hp compensates as i feel that the hp range starts lower compensating for low tq. Passing speeds are impressive with the 5 speed tranny. It seems to drop (at about 50mph) at least one or two gears when given the pedal power.

Over all very satisfied as i have owned all three generations of explorers.

Glad to hear that you like it..

good luck.