2002-2005 Ford Explorer: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Pricing
Explore
Specifications & Safety
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Pros
- Passenger room
- Cargo room
Cons
- Fuel economy
Vehicle Highlights
America's top-selling sport-utility vehicle was redesigned as an early 2002 model, placed on sale in spring 2001. Ranking as a midsize model, the Explorer retained its body-on-frame construction, but gained new styling, a wider stance, longer wheelbase, and an independent rear suspension. A newly available third-row seat permitted seven-passenger capacity. Mercury's upscale Mountaineer was similarly revamped, but with more differentiated styling. Explorers and Mountaineers were among the few midsize SUVs with an independent rear suspension. Explorers came with a V6 or V8 engine. The V6 teamed with either a manual or automatic transmission, while the V8 was offered only with a five-speed automatic. Explorers could have either rear-wheel drive or Ford's Control Trac four-wheel drive, which could be left engaged on dry pavement and included low-range gearing. Antilock all-disc brakes were standard. Torso side airbags were not available, but curtain side airbags were optional. Later in the model year, Ford offered sensors that could deploy the curtain airbags in a rollover accident. Ford's Advance Trac antiskid system also became available later. Top-level Eddie Bauer and Limited models included a driver's seat memory, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, and power-adjustable pedals. A rear-obstacle warning system was optional. Ford continued to use the Explorer's 1995-2001 vintage design for the Explorer Sport two-door wagon and the Sport Trac four-door crew cab.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Ford Explorer XLT 4WD, V6 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 7 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 8 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 54 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 2002-2005 Ford Explorer includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2002-2005 Ford Explorer and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2002-2005 Ford Explorer is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Ford's Explorer is a more-than-competent overall performer, with an unmatched array of available useful features: V8 power, seven-passenger seating, adjustable pedals, curtain airbags, DVD entertainment, rear-obstacle detection and antiskid system. Naturally, many of these items are likely to be absent in a specific secondhand model. The Mountaineer's higher price brings more-expressive styling and slightly sharper handling feel, but in all, Explorer is the better value.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Ford Explorer XLT 4WD, V6 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 7 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 8 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 54 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $655 |
| Alternator | $525 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $2,995 |
| Brakes | $350 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $455 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $2,340 |
| Exhaust System | $295 |
| Radiator | $945 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $650 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $510 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 2005 | |||
| Eddie Bauer, Ltd. | $12,500-15,300 | $11,300-13,800 | $7,100-8,700 |
| Explorer | $8,500-12,000 | $7,700-10,800 | $4,400-6,200 |
| 2004 | |||
| Eddie Bauer, Ltd. | $10,200-12,500 | $9,200-11,300 | $5,300-6,500 |
| Explorer | $7,200-10,300 | $6,400-9,200 | $3,500-5,000 |
| 2003 | |||
| Eddie Bauer, Ltd. | $8,500-10,300 | $7,700-9,300 | $4,400-5,400 |
| Explorer | $6,000-8,800 | $5,200-7,700 | $2,500-3,700 |
| 2002 | |||
| Eddie Bauer, Ltd. | $6,800-8,500 | $6,100-7,600 | $3,200-4,000 |
| Explorer | $5,000-7,200 | $4,300-6,100 | $2,000-2,900 |
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Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door wagon | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 113.8 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 189.5 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 72.1 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 71.4 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4434 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 88.0 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 22.5 | |
| Seating Capacity | 7 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.9 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.4 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.9 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.9 | |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc V6 | 4.0 / 245 | 210 | 250-254 | 5-speed manual: 16/20 5-speed automatic: 15/20 |
5-speed manual: -- 5-speed automatic: -- |
| ohc V8 | 4.6 / 281 | 239-240 | 280-282 | 5-speed manual: -- 5-speed automatic: 14/19 |
5-speed manual: -- 5-speed automatic: -- |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.








