2002
Ford Explorer reviews and buying guide.
2002
Ford Explorer resources:
2002 Ford Explorer review
continued...
Design
The
2002 Ford Explorer 4-Door retains the type of rugged
good looks that have made it the industry's most popular
SUV.
Evolutionary
rather than revolutionary, The 2002 Ford Explorer's
design has been refined to include a more aerodynamic
front-end treatment, with jeweled headlamps and an integrated
fascia.
Hidden
rocker panels provide both a cleaner side profile for
the Ford Explorer, as well as easier ingress and egress
for passengers. Wide grab-through door handles communicate
robustness while offering improved grip, particularly
for those with small or weak hands.
The
rear fascia on the Ford Explorer is more cleanly integrated
into the side bodywork, and offers a wide step surface.
The tailgate is now split to offer a larger lift-glass
area and lower liftover height for loading groceries
or other items in to the rear cargo section. For most
daily use, owners will find they rarely have to raise
the entire liftgate, saving effort.
Package
Ford
Explorer's passenger compartment is two inches wider,
and for the first time will offer third-row seating.
This optional rear seat offers the ability to seat two
adults in comfort. These benefits were made possible
by Explorer's wider track, and efficient packaging of
the new independent rear suspension.
Ingress
and egress are improved, due to design changes that
move the rocker panels inboard, closer to the seats.
A one-handed control folds the second-row seat down
and flips it forward, to offer wide access to the third
row. The third-row seat folds down to create a flat-surfaced
cargo area. The rear liftgate is designed to offer shopping
cart-like access through the large liftglass section.
A button on the key fob opens the glass in the rear
hatch while leaving the doors locked.
In
seven-seat models, the second-row seat is split 40/20/0
to offer ease of access to the third row, and the ability
to customize the cargo area for long or odd-sized cargo.
Clever
storage features include water bottle holders in the
front door pockets, and the Cargo Management System
with two underfloor storage bins in the five-seat model,
one in the seven-seat model, to keep small items out
of sight.
Powertrain
The
2002 Ford Explorer gets more power from an optional
4.6L Triton V-8, with its aluminum block and heads construction
and overhead-cam design. The 4.6L engine, with coil-on-plug
design, delivers 239 horsepower and 282 lbs.-ft of torque,
and will go 100,000 miles before its first scheduled
tune-up.
The
standard 4.0 liter V-6 offers flexible fuel capability
and exceptionally quiet operation. It produces 210 horsepower
and 254 lbs.-ft of torque, an increase of 5 horsepower
and 14 lbs. -ft over the 2001 engine. These power increases
were obtained by a revised composite intake and a new
powertrain controller.
Towing
capability comes built-in. The standard receiver hitch,
which is part of the rear frame, offers Class II towing
capability of 2,000 - 3,500 pounds, depending on engine
and drivetrain. An upgraded towing package provides
Class III/IV towing capability of up to 7,300 pounds
when properly equipped.
Ride
and Handling
With
its independent rear suspension and innovative porthole-in-frame
design, Explorer offers better ride qualities than ever
before. The computer-engineered chassis package features
a fully boxed frame for strength and durability, and
unique port hole-in-frame design to maximize interior
space without sacrificing frame strength.
Independent
rear suspension utilizes short- and long-arm design
for optimum control of the wheel movement. Coil-over
spring assemblies are isolated from side loads, and
engineered to reduce unsprung weight from all four wheels.
Explorer's wider track increases the feeling of stability,
whether on road or trail.
Safety
and Security
Explorer's
comprehensive Safety CanopyŌ is an advanced safety feature,
including air bags for optional side-impact and rollover
protection. The side-curtain air bags cover approximately
63 percent of the side glass area in the first two rows.
These air bags deploy from the ceiling, at no sacrifice
of interior space, and act independently of the front
air bags.
Control
Trac
Although
most owners primarily use their Explorer in day-to-day
driving, many consider off-road capability an important
attribute. Electronic traction and stability controls
are mated to the proven Control Trac four-wheel-drive
option, which offers an automatic mode that engages
four-wheel drive as needed, and four-high and four-low
ranges that lock the transfer case. The four-wheel drive
system uses new electronic traction control programming
to continuously shift torque to the wheels that have
traction.
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