2002 Ford Explorer Review Summary & Specs
XLS Utility
All aboard! New Explorer seats seven.
Summary & Specs
reviewed by
Ford's 2002 Explorer is a vast improvement over the previous model in every respect. Whether it's the best vehicle in this crowded class is subject to debate, but it's a well-engineered vehicle. It handles well, rides smoothly and the interior packaging is well thought out and, for the most part, well executed.
Dodge Durango is the only other SUV in this class with third-row seating. We find the optional third rows in both of these vehicles to be uncomfortable. Regardless, the Explorer is the more refined of the two.
Specs
| Vehicle Category |
Sport Utility Vehicles |
| Editor |
Mitch McCullough, Editor-in-Chief |
| Model Lineup |
2WD: XLS ($24,020); XLT ($27,780); Eddie Bauer ($32,090); Limited ($32,090)
4WD: XLS ($25,900); XLT ($29,745); Eddie Bauer ($34,055); Limited ($34,055) |
| Engines (standard) |
4.0-liter ohc V6 |
| Transmissions (standard) |
5-speed automatic |
| Engines (optional) |
4.0-liter SOHC 12-valve V6; 4.6-liter SOHC 16-valve V8 |
| Transmissions (optional) |
5-speed manual; 5-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) |
ABS; Advance Trac with traction control and electronic stability program (available summer 2001); Safety Canopy with side-impact curtain air bags (and rollover protection available summer 2001); driver and passenger dual-stage air bags (with tailored deployment characteristics available summer 2001); seatbelt pretensioners and energy-management retractors; child safety seat attachments |
| Safety Equipment (optional) |
|
| Basic Warranty |
3 years/36,000 miles |
| Assembled In |
Louisville, Kentucky; St. Louis, Missouri |
| Manufacturer Phone |
1-800-392-3673 |
| Manufacturer URL |
www.ford.com |
| Base Price MSRP |
$24,020 |
Specs as Tested
| Model Tested MSRP |
Explorer 4WD Eddie Bauer ($34,055) |
| Standard Equipment |
air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, keyless remote, digital clock, cruise control, electric rear window defroster, luggage rack, power steering, tilt steering column, tachometer, Class II trailer towing receiver hitch, intermittent front and rear wipers; XLT adds special exterior trim, automatic headlamps, high-series center console, cargo shade, front and rear dome and map lights, second-row reading light, approach lights on outside mirrors, luggage rack, power outlets, CD stereo, sport front bucket seats, 5-speed automatic transmission; Eddie Bauer adds leather seating surfaces, special exterior trim, automatic air conditioning with dual controls, fog lights, Homelink garage door opener, message center, heated mirrors, adjustable pedals with memory (late availability), 290-watt 6-disc stereo, dual six-way luxury seats, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, cast aluminum wheels, P245/70R16 tires |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) |
Front Side Impact Air Bags ($495); auxiliary air conditioning ($610) |
| Destination Charge |
600 |
| Gas Guzzler Tax |
|
| Price as Tested |
$35,160 |
| Layout |
four-wheel drive |
| Horse Power |
210 @ 5250 |
| Torque |
250 @ 4000 |
| Fuel Economy |
20/15 |
| Wheelbase |
113.7 |
| Length/Width/Height |
189.5/72.1/71.9 |
| Track Front/Rear |
60.9/61.2 |
| Turning Radius |
36.7 ft. left, 38.3 right w/P235 tires |
| Seating Capacity |
7 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room |
39.9/55.0/43.9 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room |
38.9/54.3/37.2 |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room |
39.0/45.4/34.8 |
| Trunk Volume |
81.3 |
| Payload |
|
| Towing Capacity |
3500 |
| Front Suspension |
Independent |
| Rear Suspension |
Independent |
| Ground Clearance |
9.2 |
| Curb Weight |
4344 |
| Stock Tires |
P245/70R16 |
| Brakes Front/Rear |
disc/disc with ABS and EBD |
| Fuel Capacity |
22.5 |