Looking at 02 explorer

[teasers]

My wife really likes a 2002 explorer with third row.

I've read here that several people say to avoid the 02 year.

One problem is the transmission.

Is it only on certain transmissions?

Does a rebuild make it more reliable?

What other reasons are there to avoid this vehicle and look for a newer year model?

 

[joachimf]

@teasers,

good question. We do have a ‘02 XLS 4.0 M/T 2WD and a ‘07 Eddie Bauer 4.0 A/T 4x4. When I do compare these vehicles to each other I’d say the ’07 onwards offers a better quality when it comes to body, especially paint and seams. Even the frame of the ’07 has a better finish than the ’02. But do not get me wrong, this is kinda ‘high level critic’. When it comes to driving the picture turns in my eyes.

The ’02 brakes are better, I do like the 6-gauge cluster better than the later 4-gauge. Best of the ’02 is the tailgate with the larger glass hatch. With the hatch open you can easily load the Explorer from a shopping cart. When it comes to driving the ’02 feels lighter and more responsive whereas the ’07 feels more a full size SUV.

In my eyes FoMoCo followed Volkswagen with the ’06 to ’10 MY of the Explorer with some chrome gimmicks inside (door opener). Basically I think the ’02 to ’05 is the better gimmick free truck with nice features American SUVs are known for (gauge cluster, seats)

Repairs we had on our ’02 within 85k mls: Left front wheel hub, left rear wheel bearing, FEAD tensioner, gas struts on hatch. Repairs on our ’07 within 30k mls: none

 

[Mario81587]

I would avoid the 02 model year and avoid the V6 engine all together. The transmissions are crappy in pretty much all of the model year Explorers/Mountaineers/Aviators. A rebuild could improve the reliability of the transmission, depending upon who did the rebuild and what rebuild brand parts were put inside the transmission. My 02 Mountaineer AWD V6 had the transmission rebuilt twice so far, one month apart. Obviously the second rebuild was done under warranty. The transmission had been serviced regularly and went out one day without any warning signs at all. It has upgraded tow package with the 3.73 rear end lsd and transmission cooler. It had never been used to tow anything at all and has always been driven gently. The rear window shattered the very first time the liftgate glass was opened. I've also had numerous electrical problems and mechanical problems. If you can afford it, I'd agree with Joachimf on getting the 06 or newer and definitely get the V8.

 

[Thub]

If it is an early build 02 i would walk away and never go back, if its a late build it won't be near as bad but honestly all the 3rd gen explorers have their issues. Most seem to be ironed out by the 04-05s. Your looking for April 2002 build date on the door sticker if its April or beyond then its a late build. If it has an 01 build date your gonna have issues. My truck has a April 02 build date and has 116k miles on it, runs good. When i bought the truck last summer it needed new rear springs, a wheel bearing, major tuneup, and it still makes a variety sounds including the classic rear diff whine.

 

[teasers]

I appreciate the info guys. After reading them we decided not to pursue it. However, the wife has fallen in love with an 03 mountaineer. I'm a little weary of the v6 with awd on it.

Any info on those?

3 out of 4 people seem to love those in the reviews I've read.

I really need to put her in a decent vehicle so I can have my truck back.

 

[esclamada]

if you're a DIY person then probably the repairs are a non-issue otherwise save yourself from out of pocket expenses along the way. IMHO the v6 and AWD is a bad combination. You're going to love it if it's running without issues.. A 2003 is no different from 2002, they've made some changes on 04.


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MY MOUNTY
http://www.facebook.com/diyfordexplorer?sk=photos

 

[05explorer1974]

My wife and I have a 03 Sport Trac with 75,000 miles on it and my mom has an 03 Explorer Eddie Bauer with 70,000 on it and both have the 4.0L V6 and both of ours run like new and I beat mine pretty good. Actually most problems in the motor were by 2001 and as far as the trans my 1999 Ranger had the same trans as my 03 Sport Trac. They are both 5R55 and I tow a 3600lbs camper with it also. In 04 on the 4dr. Explorers it became drive by wire and it became more of a learning trans where it will shift different depending on how you drive. Alll most all of the trans parts art the same. I have an 05 Explorer 4dr with the V8, tow package, and a 3.73. It is the same trans in that as in a Explorer V6 4x4 or a Mountaineer with V6 or V8 awd. Most parts in the trans will start with a 1L2a something, Ford has replaced them over the years to newer numbers. Their is a good chunk of parts from the 1997 Explorer and up in the trans thats the same as 05. They are all 5R55's. Ranger, Explorer, and Sport Trac all use a type of 5R55. 1997 to 2005.

 

[RKelly2233]

Well, I dont quite agree with the stay away from the V6's... a neighbor has an 03 V8 mounty and its a clunky truck. My 03 V6 4WD is awesome. With 191k on the clock, i still have the orig engine and tranny with NO major repairs. Orig timing chain, no rebuild in the tranny ever just regular flushes and PCM upgrades here and there. stay away from 02's... I like the V6, I donlt like AWD. The rear end kicks out in the snow if you push too hard. My 4wd NEVER has unless i did it on purpose. For me- suspensions been the only problem and its only been lately and at 191k- ill take it. Its been 2nd most reliable vehicle ive ever had. 1st being my 02 Taurus just shy of 300k...

 

[05explorer1974]

I agree about the Awd in snow. I like the Awd in rain though. I use 4wd in snow because the Explorer's are not a true Awd. When it does not need the Awd it turns off. That's why I like the 4wd.