2002 Ford Explorer: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

America's top-selling SUV was redesigned as an early 2002 model and went on sale in Spring 2001. Explorer retains body-on-frame construction, but gets new styling, a wider stance, longer wheelbase, independent rear suspension, and an available 3rd-row seat for 7-passenger capacity. Mercury's upscale Mountaineer is similarly revamped, but with more-differentiated styling. Explorer offers V6 and V8 engines; the V6 teams with manual or automatic transmission, the V8 with automatic only. With either, the automatic is a 5 speed. Available is rear-wheel drive or Ford's Control Trac 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard. Torso side airbags are unavailable, but curtain side airbags are optional and at midyear, added sensors designed to deploy them in a rollover accident. Also made available midyear on V8-equipped XLT, Eddie Bauer, and Limited models was an optional antiskid system. Rear-obstacle detection is also optional. Standard on Eddie Bauer and Limited are driver-seat memory, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, and power-adjustable pedals. Sold alongside this redesigned 4-dr wagon are the Explorer Sport Trac crew cab and Explorer Sport 2-dr wagon, both using Explorer's 1995-vintage design (see separate entry).

COMPETITION

This is by far the hottest market segment right now. Crowded with more than 20 vehicles, midsize SUVs vary in size and type but nearly all seat five adults and offer V6 or V8 engines. Our Best Buys are the Acura MDX and Toyota Highlander. Both offer competence, convenience, and attractive pricing and design. They lack serious off-road 4WD systems, however.

Our Recommended choices feature more-traditional SUVs: the Dodge Durango, which offers optional third-row seating; the top-selling Ford Explorer; the utilitarian Nissan Xterra; and the refined GMC Envoy. If you don't venture off-road too far take a look at the car-based Lexus RX 300 as well.