Differences between 2001 and 2002

[ScooterERAU]

Are there any differences in the 2001 and 2002? My 92 is dead and i am looking to get another. What were the changes between 01 and 02 if any? When were the major model redesigns? Any good links explaining it all? Thanks

 

[tipdrill]

huge changes.

'02 has a different suspension, body, and SOHC engine.
and apparently there are many problems with '02's.

 

[celly]

Are there any differences in the 2001 and 2002? My 92 is dead and i am looking to get another. What were the changes between 01 and 02 if any? When were the major model redesigns? Any good links explaining it all? Thanks

Assuming you're talking about the 4 door, the '01 was the end of the 2nd generation (95-01) and '02 was the start of the 3rd (02-05). Buying a vehicle in the 1st year of a major redesign is never a great idea and the '02 Explorers are no exception. I see a lot of bad things written about the '02 model year.

The '02 was really a result of all the bad press Ford received from the Firestone rollover debacle. It was just that....bad press and nothing more. The 2nd generation is still my fave generation (I've had one 1st gen and three 2nd gens), I doubt I'll buy another Explorer newer than the '01. They lost their identity, big time in the 3rd gen, IMHO. Went from being a truck to a "big car". You'll see a lot of 2nd gen trail rigs. Not much in the way of 3rd gens. There are a lot more mod options in the 2nd gen as well with a lot of interchangeability and other aftermarket goodies. If you go that route, stick to the 5.0 or SOHC V6. Very good engines. The OHV V6 which is available in some later 2nd gens (mostly the entry level XLS trim) is a reliable, but somewhat boring engine.

If you can score a '01 (or even a '99 or '00) with low miles, go for it. I got a 99 about a year ago with the 5.0 V8 and it's been rock solid. Virtually no changes from '99-'01,

 

[ScooterERAU]

Thanks guys!!

 

[briwayjones]

If you go that route, stick to the 5.0 or SOHC V6. Very good engines. The OHV V6 which is available in some later 2nd gens (mostly the entry level XLS trim) is a reliable, but somewhat boring engine.

The '01 is the first year they only made with the SOHC V6 and not available with the OHV V6.

 

[blichy]

Are there any differences in the 2001 and 2002? My 92 is dead and i am looking to get another. What were the changes between 01 and 02 if any? When were the major model redesigns? Any good links explaining it all? Thanks

The V6 is the same between the 2 years, but the 2002 was the first year of Gen 3--IRS, etc.

 

[Dan Whitaker]

If you plan to off road or lift in any way a 2001 four door is what you will want.
You can go up to at least 2003 in a Sport and have a solid rear axle.

 

[axiom]

The sports were redesigned starting in 2001. '02 is when the 4-doors were redesigned. The two pictures below show the differences between a 2000 Sport and a 2001 Sport, hope this is what you were looking for in some way.

<-- 2000

<-- 2001

 

[gijoecam]

Are there any major differences?? Umm, yeah... pretty much everything except the engine, transmission, and gas cap. Just about everything wrapped around them was new for '02.

 

[Dan Whitaker]

I merged your threads together.
Please do not post the same question in two different forums.

 

[ScooterERAU]

Thanks Dan sorry about that....Yeah I have a Sport and I am looking to get another one. Found a good wiki that said only 2 generations of sports and production stopped in 04. Basically finding several 01 and 02 for sale and weighting the pros and cons and dont really see any except some few early 01s that didnt get the body redesign. Ill be posting my old truck on here if anyone is interested I hope it gets a good home and not butchered. If I had a garage and wasnt in an apartment I would keep it in a heartbeat. Thanks again

 

[gijoecam]

Didn't catch the part about it being a sport...

Yes, the sport essentially only had two generations... between the 01 and 02 it's a sheet metal and plastic redesign, and IIRC, they went back to the 13-54 (i.e. 2wd, 4high, 4low with a mechanical lockup) transfer case, but don't quote me on that.

-Joe

 

[rrgone]

axiom

Man, those pics bring back fond memories of my black on grey '93 Sport. I sure wish I'd kept it when I bought my '02. The only thing wrong was the ac had died (and I had an itch for a new truck). That '93 had the most comfortable seats I've ever seen. Had the little pull-out thingy at the front of the seats for your leg support. Man that was nice on long trips. Sigh...

 

[celly]

Didn't catch the part about it being a sport...

-Joe

Nor did I. Ignore my response above. As you know, the Sport was given a makeover in '01 that was cosmetic in many ways. Lots of interchangable parts between the last version of the Sport the 2nd gen (for all intents and purposes, it was still a 2nd gen). It stuck around until '05 I believe before being discontinued by Ford (mistake). I've owned three Sports and loved them. Only went to 4 door after my son was born. Having the extra doors is very nice when moving a kid in and out of a car seat.

 

[briwayjones]

It stuck around until '05 I believe before being discontinued by Ford (mistake).

'03