02 explorer???

[Macdaddy040209]

New to this so bear with me... I bought what appears to be an 02 explorer, (meaning it has the 02 bodystyle, HID headlights, square not "bubble", etc). but the build dat on it is 03/01...is this right??? i've always been told 06/?? starts the next model year, am i wrong??? do i have an 02 or 01??? thanks alot

 

[skeeter123]

you could look up the VIN info at:

Dead Link Removed

 

[NJExplorerFan]

Macdaddy040209 - if you're certain it's the '02 body style, then you definitely have a 2002 model. I remember back in 2001, Ford was rushing these Explorers out into the marketplace as fast as they can. So there were lots of 2002 models out in early 2001 already.

 

[Macdaddy040209]

ty just the build date threw me off, always thought june started the next model year

 

[ericautopart]

You'll know for sure if it's an 02 when your rear diff starts whining.

 

[EasyRhino]

If it is the 2002 body style it is at least a 2002. I have no idea when Ford started building the 2002's but that date seems oddly early.

Definitely do a VIN check.

Hope it works out. My 2002 has been great (now at 103K miles, bought new) but lots of early 2002s have been problematic, so much so that many advise against buying them at all.