I'm just curious if anyone here has a 2002 Explorer XLS or XLT. I want to know what you think the good and bad points are. I have a 95 Explorer and will be trading up in a few years to hopefully a new one.

N700MS

 

I was looking at replacing my old Explorer with a new 2002 but the weakness in the transmission of my old Explorer is making me second guess. Ford doesn't offer a transmission cooler anymore with the tow package. Just the 3.73 axle and the class III hitch and wiring harness. Tranny is good for 100K miles without a fluid change. It'd be nice if they had a 100K mile guarentee to go with it like the Trooper.
The test drive was good. It was solid and strong, it's heavier and much more stable.

The brochure had nice depictions of what vehicle to buy for the type of towing you do. I'm a skeptic. They changed the transmission to all electronic and now use synthetic fluid. I'm probably going to wait to buy and find out from reviews and consumer reports if it's going to be able to handle towing.

Any comments on the towing capability?

 

I purchased a 2002 Explorer XLT this past Saturday. My first impressions were:, I currently own a 95 Explorer Sport, and I traded a 2001 Ford Escape XLT 4x4 for the Explorer. Having also owned a 96 Explorer XLT and a 99 Expedition, this seems like it will be the best of them all. I initially wanted to order a V8, but I was unsure whether the $2,000 rebate would be available upon delivery. The V6 at 210 HP has good power and the transmission is very smooth. I live in
Northern NC, near the Blue Ridge Parkway, and it is very hilly around here. The transmission shifted flawlessly going up and down the different elevations. The engine did not surge at all. I have the leather interior, and other than the Expedition leather these are very comfortable. I like the increased size and suspension. Makes driving my 95 Sport seem like I am driving buckboard. My only dislike is the third seat. I did not anticipate buying one with a third seat, but I did, and it could use a split fold down mechanism, but thats nitpicking. My only other complaint is the inability to order options on the XLT base, that are standard on the Eddie Bauer model. Items like the Electrochromatic rearview mirror and fog lamps.

 

Well if you're still collecting opinions, here's another.

I own a 1987 Bronco II and she's still running. so i thought lets check out the latest explorer.

My wife and I are looking at purchasing an SUV, so we took a look at the 2002 Explorer. We decided to rent one at a local rental place. We used it for a 10hour round trip. One you get a vehicle that's pretty new and two, you get on that's been driven a while. Enough that you will get a feel for it.


Pros:
1. Alot more nimble than previous Explorers. The thing handled better than the 98 explorer i've driven.
2. Good power. I drove the SOHC and she had good pickup. Tranny was a little slow.
3. Roomy inside. without the third seat.
4. Maintenance, if you're one that does his own. Looks like you can get to most things in and under the hood and frame. I do my own maintenance.

Cons:
1. Noise. I rented the 4x4 auto and the whine was way too loud. Mind you the wind and road noise are very well controlled.
2. That darn rear hatch door has no key insert. You have to use electronics to open it. In my opinion, I don't like electronics to open a rear hatch.
3. Rough ride on moderate roads. My old Bronco II has a smoother ride. This vehicle only had 2,000 miles on it and we bounced like tops. Also, the shock it sends through the cab was pretty hard.
4. This one kills me. I found what looks like a piece of foam inserted between the upper intake manifold and the lower intake manifold. I was told it comes that way. Heck that piece of foam isn't going to last. Bad design in my opinion.
5. A/C system - this thing didn't cool as I thought it should, plus the back seat passengers don't get real cooling. According to them.
5. fit and finish. For the amount of money Ford asks you'd think they'd make sure the little things were good. LIke headliners and door seals. This think had some quality issues.

OKay, so you ask - would you buy it. the answer - NO, not for the monies they're asking. Sorry, FORD

For what its worth.

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 21-Feb-02 AT 08:14 AM (EST)]Ive had 2 explorers a 94 and a 97. I rented an 02 explorer a few months back for an office trip to Ohio. It was about a 6 hour drive one way. I was shocked with the handling of the new Explorer. Ive been a truck guy all my life..loved my explorers, but this truck blew my mind. I have a pretty heavy foot...the handling is beautiful. I was in an XLT, the interior was plush, roomy and comfortable. Ford has really brought the Explorer a long way.

 

We purchased a 2002 Mountianeer(almost same as an Explorer)before Christmas.We also have a 94 explorer.We traded our 96 Crown Vic to the Mountianeer.Needless to say,this is my wife's vehicle.The difference between my 94 and her 2002 is unreal.We live in a rural area(hilly)and the AllWheel drive comes in handy for her.
Of course as in any car or truck you buy, there will be likes and dislikes.
Likes first.
1.More room,third seat,more room between the front and middle seat.
2.More power
3.Handles better than the 94
4.The list goes on & on,as this truck has all the bells and whistles that we have never had on any vehicle in the 30 years we have been married.
DISLIKES:
1.No key for the rear hatch
2.The gas milage on a trip(she was use to her Crown Vic)
3.IT ISN'N MINE,will have to wait now till hers is paid for before we can trade again.:-X12

 

I had a cop run into me so they gave me a 2002 Explorer V6 to use until mine was fixed...Anyway.


Pros:
handles like a Minivan, reminds me of the Aerostar...turns
without problems
Exterior looks

Cons:
handles like a Minivan
gas milage was worse than on my V8 2001 Explorer with the
towing package...which was odd (about 2mi/gal less).
hated the fact that only the driver's door had the only key hole.
Interior looks