Ford Explorer Mercury Mountaineer 2005 and earlier

traction

And also a link to additional information on the 2002 safety features.

http://media.ford.com/products/presskit_display.cfm?vehicle_id=239&press_subsection_id=424&make_id=92

cabrpt

I purchased a "demo" with 1267 miles on it. At 2300 miles I had an oil leak that turned out to be a crankshaft seal!!! Anyone else have this issue? I also used my rear window washer for the first time and it spewed yellow "stuff" all over the back! The dealership wanted to re-paint since it wouldn't come out. I insisted that they try to "buff" first. Now I wonder if my clear coat was sacrificed during buffing. The stain did come out.Anyone else have this? It also happened to my salesman's car.I am so disapointed, this is my first Ford. I have a 1988 chevy S10 Blazer w/158k miles on it and am wondering why I switched to Ford.

gregb882

cabrpt, What engine do you have and what did they say the yellow stuff was?

cabrpt

I have a v6. the yellow stuff is yet unresloved. The only theory so far (as bizarre as it sounds) is that yellow sealant got into the system and was flushed through on the first use. There is a hose visible when the tailgate is raised with yellow sealant all around it.

cabrpt

If anyone knows this person or if tybrain still reads these posts,pls. let me know the result of your yellow stuff problem. The dealership tried to say I parked under a tree or drove through paint (with no signs of any yellow anywhere else). Thank goodness a salesman's EB did the same thing.

starrow68

Looks like advanced trac is still to be available in early 2002. It also appears to be more than just stability control as well, so will be interesting to see how they implement the system when it comes out. I've read elsewhere that Toyota Sequoia system is fairly intrusive for the driver and will be interesting to see another take on this system.

mountainowner

I do not have a stain on my Mountaineer, but I do remember a 'yellow coating' on the rear washer spray head and a small spot or 'yellow coating' on the glass directly below the rear washer spray head after I drove my Mountaineer home. The 'coating' was not heavy or thick, I just thought it was washer fluid. The spray head is black and the yellow color really stood out. It came right off, I cleaned the head and glass with glass cleaner. Sorry to hear about your problem.

tigerjon1

It really would have been nice to have foglamps on our 2002 XLT but just couldn't rationalize going up to an EB for just that. We haven't received ours yet so I haven't taken a close look at the front bumper yet. Is this the same bumper they use with a foglamp option and the holes are just cut out? I guess my question is, Am I screwed if I eventually want the factory foglamps but have ordered a model without them?

kheintzelman

I recently purchased a fairly loaded 2002 XLT V8, and I have a copy of the 2002 Ford SUV Accessories brochure. It appears that factory fog lamps are available, and that the kit includes replacement front bumper inserts to accomodate these lamps. (See pg. 10, item #36. MSRP = ~$193.00). However, I've extensively driven a friend's '97 Explorer with factory fog lamps, and I've found those lamps to be pretty worthless, and little more than gingerbread. Why? Firstly, they're too dim, and not well aimed; second, they're wired into the headlight switch, so even if they were bright enough and well-aimed, you can't run them with the headlights off and the parking lights on. I've been talking with a well-regarded local after-market dealer (as well as doing some research on the web), and I'm thinking about adding a set of one of the more expensive models of PIAA Ion Blue fog lamps, in which the after-market dealer would wire these on a switch that's separate from the headlights. However, this may require them to get creative as far as where and how to mount them on the front bumper, since I plan to add Ford's optional front tow hooks, which would use up those spaces on the front bumper intended for the tow hooks. At any rate, my web readings seem to indicate that PIAA is making the best fog lamps for the buck. (See www.altasports.net/products/lighting/foglamps/ )

FWIW, I recently bought the new Escort Passport 8500 radar/laser detector, and it is very, very sweet.

gregb5

I have installed the Ford foglamp kit on my '02 XLT. It is a good kit, including everything necessary for the job. A bit of a pain to do the install since ALL of the wiring has to be installed (the factory harness doesn't contain any of the stuff for the fog lamps) but I got it done. It has a separate switch and can be operated independent of the headlamps. The kit contains relays to ensure that the parklamps are on before the fogs will light and that the high beams are not on (engaging the high beams turns off the fogs). I didn't connect the high beam cutoff relay and it caused no other problems.

I agree with the earlier post that they are not the brightest lamps (I had PIAA 90W fog lamps on my prior Explorer) but they do help the already good headlights. I like the looks, and did them as much for that reason as for lighting. I'm sure other '02 owners are confused by them, too!

The kit retails for around $220.

ryster

Hi

I have the factory foglights on my '00 Explorer. The '97 was the last year of the rectangular fogs, with '98 - '01 models having the larger round units. The round units are superb. I find them very effective in rain and snow. They are also very useful during deer season as they illuminate the shoulder of the road very well and make deer that may be crossing the road show up much better at night. Mine operate with just the parking lights on, as do my parents '00 Mountaineer, which still has the rectangular units; Mercury kept those through the '01 model year. They are very good as well.

My goal is to swap the headlight bulbs for the brighter halogen bulbs that are available (not the HID's or those cool blue/bluevision things, just the 30% brighter 9007 bulbs). The stock bulbs are OK but they could stand to be a little brighter.

mazman1

The post 97 explorers and mountaineers have fog lamps that are brighter and operate independently of the headlights.. but you do need the parking lights on.

One thing to keep in mind, and I leaned this the hard way, is that installing brighter bulbs in Ford factory fixtures can cause them to melt, because the brighter bulbs put out more heat. I ruined my taillamp lenses when I replaced the stock backup lights with brighter ones.

ryster

That's rather disturbing that doing something as routine as installing brighter bulbs can cause melting of the fixtures! I had planned on installing the Sylvania hi-Visibility halogens (9007HV), but now I am somewhat reluctant if it means I would have to eventually buy new headight fixtures due to melting. Ford needs to get their act together. These are things that we, as the vehicle owners, should not have to worry about. If I want brighter bulbs I should be able to install them wih no problems. Oh well, thanks for the warning!

zman3

It really isn't a problemn with Ford, but most/all manufacturers. The harnesses are design to work with certain wattage bulbs. I know of several people that have melted harnesses by upping the wattage of the bulbs, not just Ford customers.

This doesn't help you at all, but don't only blame Ford. A Toyota or Honda would/may do the same thing.

marsha7

PIAA lamps (9007) in my 2000 Sable...the light sure improved, but am I in danger of melting the system???...the stock bulbs, for the first time, were so inadequate that it was difficult to see at night...my Intrepid stock lamps are fine...do I throw out the PIAAs and my $80?????

zman3

Do you know what the wattage is of the old bulbs and new bulbs?

ryster

Both a standard 9007 halogen and the HiVisibility 9007HV bulbs are rated at 110W. I assume there would be no problems if that is the case. Even the BlueVision/Cool Blue (9007 BV/CB)bulbs are rated at 110W.

Not sure what the PIAA's are rated at...

sherryske

I picked up my new 2002 explorer on 10-22-2001. The day we bought it the left rear hatch door striker was out of alignment and the arm popped off. They had to reset the left side brackets and it worked fine for a month and on 11-26-01 I had to take it back in for the same thing. It worked fine for a month and on Christmas day the whole rear window broke into a million pieces. My Ford dealer is refusing to fix it saying that they are not responsible for broken glass. Although my insurance company is taking care of it, I still feel this is a Ford issue and would like to know if anyone else is have this type of problem?

marsha7

they are rated at 110/100 watts (not 100/110, but 110/100)...the store guy said they put out about 1.5 to 2 times the light of standard bulbs...never said anything about the heat, though, and I never considered the possibility of anything melting or burning...is 110W too much??? ...I have no idea what the standard bulb wattage or heat may be...any thoughts???

eweygrin

I have owned my 02 Mountaineer for about 6 mo. I always play the stereo and have not noticed a strange noise until recently. When the stereo is off I can hear a click noise coming from the glove box area everytime a step on the brakes. The click takes place everytime the brake ights come on and clicks again when I remove my foot off the brake. It is pretty noticeable. I don't want to waste time going to dealer if this is occuring on all vehicles. Anyone else experience?

gregb882

My guess is that a relay is being actuated by the brake switch to operate lights, etc. Mine makes similar noises.

tigerjon1

Thanks for the advice. I am familiar with a few truck shops. I'll see if they carry the PIAA lamps.

nextmoon

eweygrin - I don't a answer to your question but I do know what your saying. I get the same clicking sound when I step on the brakes off my Ford Contour, especially on very cold days.

slowhands

I am getting ready to order a '02 XLT and because of all the publicity about rollovers, etc. have been wondering whether a wider than normal tire would be of any benefit. Any thoughts?

stewert

There was a technical service bulletin a few months back concerning improperly aligned latches causing the tailgate glass to shatter.Sounds to me like your dealer is trying to feed you B.S. .I would mention the TSB to your dealer and if they still refuse to replace the glass under warranty I would go to the regional Ford rep. Turning this in to your insurance may cause your rates to go up.And you may have to pay a deductable.All because of a defect by Ford. You shouldn't have to pay!! good luck!!!

njdevilsrn

The changes is suspension, stance, and increasing the tires to 16" from 15" have all made the Explorer more steady on its feet. The Explorer, though, was really not that rollover prone to begin with. This has been shown in studies of rollover statistics among SUVs (per capita). Of course there will probably be more TOTAL Explorer rollovers, because for the last 7 years there have been over 300,000 sold per year.

starrow68

Wider tires will not change the Center of Gravity. So although it may provide a little heavier base the handling may be an offset to any improvement that provides. Back in February Ford said they would put stability control into the mid year 2002 Explorer, but still don't see them talking about release, might want to get a dealer to send in an inquiry about availabilty. This provides yaw control, skid prevention using the antilock brake system. If you don't skid, it is less likely you will leave the roadway which is where the rollover issue begins in most cases. Good luck.

jayp4

Ordered a 2002 Merc Mountaineer,V-6, 2WD, fully loaded exc moon roof back in mid May. Vehicle arrived early Sept, approx 2 mos later than projected.Here are my observations after 4500 mi and 3 mos of operation. My previous vehicle (& frame of reference) was a 95 Grand Cherokee,4x4, V-8 which I greatly enjoyed owning exc for the horrible reliability.
My special requirement is towing a 3500 lb boat/trailer rig.The V-6 has ample power for pulling the rig on the flatlands of central fla and there has not been any problem hauling the boat out of a very steep ramp( ordered the lim slip differential with a 3.73 axle). However, if the boat was much heavier or if I trailing in hilly or mountainous terrain then the V-8 would be better. In the meantime, I'm enjoying 14-15 mpg hauling the rig and 18-20 mpg on the highway w/o the rig.That's more than a 20% improvement over my Grand Cherokee.
There's lots more space than the G. C. and the ride is considerably better. An unexpected bonus is the turning radius is smaller than the G. C. despite a 8" longer wheelbase. Have not had any of those strange transmission sounds previously reported on this board. Engine is incredibly smooth and quiet and has plenty of power for accelerating w/o the rig.The exterior finish is nearly flawless, only 1 tiny blemish that's real hard to find. The interior quality and layout is almost on par with the G.C. Main 2 shortfalls which need improvement are: when all the back seats are folded down,the rear cargo area slopes to the rear and large holes exist betw the seats which swallow up grocery bags.Sort of a minor inconvenience which can be easily corrected. The message center/display is somewhat small and difficult to read when sunlight is coming from over your shoulder.The vehicle when equipped with luxury package and the upgraded stereo is extremely rich in features. As best I can tell it's the eqivalent of the Eddie Bauer Explorer, only $1500-2000 less for the same stuff.The vehicle has not had any problems and overall the performance has been great. Only hope the reliability holds up.
Bought the vehicle from Pompano Lincoln Mercury in Pompano Beach because they had the best price in Fla. What I didn't know was that their service would be so good, simply outstanding. They did exactly what they promised, no games, highly professional, reliable, thorough,etc. Quite a contrast to my experience in central fla. The 2 1/2 hour drive was more than worth it.THe LM zone manager was also very helpful in dealing with the 2 month delay. A final thanks to the hosts of this message board. I heavily relied on info from this site and board to make my decisions and I'm obviously happy with the results!

mwmcdonald1

In regards to the large holes between the 2nd and 3rd rows when folded, there should be a sliding panel on the back of the third row seat. Slide it forward when the seat is folded and it very effectively covers the holes. If yours is missing this panel then you need to talk to your dealer.

mwmcdonald1

I received the Mountaineer I described in message 419 yesterday. Very happy so far. Took just under 9 weeks for delivery. Just have a few minor things for the dealer to take care of. Very happy with the V6. I had read in some reviews that it is noisy, but I haven't found that to be the case in the day we've had it.

kheintzelman

As you may recall from my previous posts, in mid-November I purchased a new 2002 4WD XLT with V8, leather, towing package, single CD/cassette, etc. I've since put >3000 miles on this vehicle, and I'm happy to report that to date, this vehicle has simply been a gem to own and drive. I've not yet had ANY problems to bring to my dealer's attention, i.e., I don't have a legal pad in the truck which I'm filling up with bitches and complaints that need attention from my dealer-- glory-be! Indeed, my biggest problem is thinking-up more weekend road-trips in order to spend more time in my vehicle, as well as wishing for some heavy snow to play in!

Thus far, I'm highly impressed with my new XLT, and I've especially fallen in love with the performance of the V8, 4-wheel disc brakes, Michelin Cross Terrains, suspension, transmission, handling, cruise control, power accessories, audio system, etc., as well as the quality fit-and-finish and comfort of the interior (and exterior). (You'll find no cheap-feeling, hollow-plastic, GM-like crap in this vehicle). It seems clear to me that the Ford design team spent a great deal of time thinking and re-thinking almost every nuance of this vehicle, and it shows. Furthermore, this vehicle is quite handsome, and I just keep getting genuinely nice comments from bystanders and passengers alike. And indeed, this is precisely the sort of experience that we as consumers should be enjoying for our hard-earned money-- that is, for what these vehicles cost, they SHOULD be of a quality and reliability that allows us to focus on simply enjoying and driving them with great satisfaction and peace-of-mind, rather than being forever dissatisfied and worried by them. I happen to be very finicky and "neurotic" (I'm a resident physician...), and thus far, my vehicle has been a jewel, and I would recommend this SUV most highly.

In the past, I've had extensive time behind the wheels of a Honda Accord (awesome quality for the $$); a '95 Grand Cherokee (over-priced, small payload, notoriously unreliable, and an annoying in-out-in-out shifting of overdrive on up/down grades such as encountered on the acid-test-track of I-77 through West Virginia); as well as a '97 Explorer Sport, and for those of you who may still be undecided about this new Explorer, here's my arm-chair analysis of the Explorer:

1) Past incarnations of the Explorer have been a cash-cow for Ford, and in the wake of the Firestone tire/?rollover problem, Ford surely recognized that even if the design of their older Explorers was not at fault in most cases, they could not risk endangering the ongoing sales of one of their main cash-cows, and thus, they redesigned this 2002 vehicle with a vengeance. Indeed, I suspect that with the totally redesigned 2002 Explorer, its current and prospective buyers may well be the beneficiaries of a sort of temporary windfall in which this SUV may currently be priced somewhat below what it's really worth in terms of the quality of its redesign. (In fact, I was initially planning on buying a $45,000.00 Toyota Sequoia Limited, but when I happened to inspect and test-drive a loaded 2002 Explorer XLT, I began to come to my senses...) At any rate, it would not surprise me if the prices for this new Explorer tend to go up as time goes on, IF there proves to be an ever-greater demand for this new vehicle once the word really gets out, if the market will then support higher asking prices;

2) After owning a Honda Accord for many years, I often felt that American vehicles simply lacked the quality feel, and the fit-and-finish, of the better Japanese vehicles. To this day, I dislike GM products, and for a long time I held most American vehicles in contempt (very common for Honda and Toyota owners), but then later, my girlfriend's '97 Explorer began to change my mind. And more recently, when I inspected and drove the 2002 Explorer XLT (after having my heart set on a Sequoia), I was very impressed, so much so that I soon decided to opt for the loaded Explorer XLT, saving $15,000.00 over the Sequoia in the process, and lo' and behold, I still have money left over to continue to live well in other areas of life!

3) Within two weeks of taking delivery of my new 2002 Explorer, I drove her down-and-back to Zionville, NC., and this included a long stretch of I-77 through WVa., and let me tell you, while traveling through the mountains of WVa, I never once had to take my V8 Explorer out of overdrive due to excessive shifting; in fact, the V8 pretty much "walked" up those steep grades without breaking a sweat, and the 5-speed automatic transmission rarely shifted down to a lower gear, and when it did, our coffee never spilled due to lurching;

4) Let's face it, most truck-like SUVs have a much higher center-of-gravity than cars, and if we've spent most of our driving time in only a car, our driving habits had better change when we get behind the wheel of an SUV. I've had to learn this by experience with the Jeep GC and '97 Explorer (fortunately, none of which resulted in roll-overs, but damn-near...) It's as simple as this: Among those of us who grow-up driving only CARS, and who are often otherwise good drivers from a technical and instinctual standpoint, when faced with a sudden obstacle in our path, those many years of experience behind the wheel of a CAR may tend to instinctively prevail, and we may tend to instinctively JERK the wheel in order to avoid and steer out of the hazard, but if you apply those same reflexes while driving an SUV or truck (reflexes which often serve us well in a car), you may very well cause even the most stable, wide-stanced, and sure-footed SUV or truck, to teeter, or even to flip-over. In my opinion, when driving an SUV or pick-up truck, one must really revise their good driving skills, and this should especially include a renewed commitment to watching, reading, and ANTICIPATING the not only the road and traffic AHEAD, but also a constant and frequent checking of the REARVIEW mirrors. With SUVs, one must learn to constantly READ and MONITOR the fluidity of the surrounding traffic (rather like motorcyclists who wish to stay alive). If, while driving an SUV, you happen to be a foolish and aggressive driver who likes to tailgate and intimidate those in front of you who aren't going fast enough to suit you, AND you've recently acquired an SUV or truck, then you are an accident and possible felony just waiting to happen, and you are very likely to kill yourself and/or others. In my opinion, the safety reputation of the Explorer (and other SUVs) has been tarnished in part by the fact that too many of its drivers don't really have a clue as to how to best handle and drive such vehicles, since these vehicles are NOT cars, and too many SUV drivers seem unfortunately to be morons who like to tailgate, and seem to have no understanding of the concept of "maintaining a safe and clear distance ahead".

smith53

if you install wider tires on both sides(surely you will) and use the same rims you will widen the track of the vehicle and lessen the chance of rollover provided these tires are not taller than the original tires

dcd

I have only noticed positive comments about the V8 here, but if you read MT's SUV of the Year issue (where they chose the GMC Envoy), you would think the Explorer/Mountaineer's V8 was puny. It is listed as a "weak" point. Interestingly, the 3.5L V6 engine on the Isuzu Axiom is listed as a strong point. Also, the 0-60, 1/4 mi. times for the Explorer was on par with the Envoy and its inline 6 engine that MT raves about. Go figure.

kenttrudiw

I agree fully with the last couple of post's. I came from the Ford Windstar which felt very fast right off the line and fairly good passing. The V-8 X does feel slower at take off (it weigh's over 2 tons) but you get it spooled up and it will really hunker's down and goes! Passing and in the mountains of Colo. it just flat out moves!
So MT has just not spent enough time in the seat of the X to fully appreciate the V-8.

gregb882

In another discussion, kendall69 provided a link to a site that explains 4X4 systems. Being pretty unfamiliar with drive mechanics, I found it interesting and helpful. My question is, does anyone know what type of system Ford uses on the 2002? I have the 4.0L XLT with the 3.73 limited-slip axle.

cdavant

I've been a happy EB 2002 owner for four months. I finally got around to turning the annoying autolock feature off. But now I notice the "THEFT" indicator light blinks whenever the ignition is off. Doesn't matter if the key is in or out or the doors are locked. It's possible it's been doing this all along and I just never noticed it. Anybody know anything about this?
Thanks.
cdavant@pol.net

gregb882

Yep, mind always has.

mazman1

It relates to the PATS system for the ignition key. When the ignition key is out of the receptacle, the 'theft' light will blink.

tigerjon1

Pretty much in agreement with you. Our 2002 XLT is our first Explorer or SUV for that matter. I don't know what past models were like but I'm extremely disapointed about the cheap front seat backs. I can't beleive you have to upgrade to a Limited or an EB to get adjustable head rests( I beleive I'm correct in saying this). I'm 5'10" and my head nearly clears the seat back. I hope I'm never hit from the rear in this truck. I have no beef with paying up for luxary, but in my opinion this is a simple safety feature. You will find this feature in 9 out of 10 vehicles on the road no matter how many extras are on the vehicle.

tigerjon1

I must admit, when I entered the above response I had not completly read your last entry. I apologize. As a first time SUV owner your comments have and will continue to be very helpful. Thank you for the good advice.

kheintzelman

Hello, Tigerjon-- Yeah, I couldn't figure out what you were referring to, because thus far, I've had only good things to say about my 2002 XLT.

At any rate, this weekend my local aftermarket dealer will be installing PIAA #1451 fog lamps, and a CIPA electrochromatic mirror (with additional compass, and INSIDE temperature display). These PIAA fog lamps will be mounted to each side within that elongated oval opening in the front bumper, rather than attempting to custom fit them into the inserts where the factory fogs would normally go. No matter-- I think they'll look fine and distinctive where I've decided to have them mounted, and they should be very functional.

I've also ordered a Husky floor liner for the rear cargo area, and a black Wheelskins leather steering wheel cover. I'm also looking into a set of easily removable sheepskins to cover only the FRONT aspects of the front seats, for greater "butt" comfort on long drives, cold mornings, etc. (Leather is great, but it's not perfect).

I'm 5'10" and weigh about 205 lbs., and as you can surmise from my last paragraph, I've occasionally found that my 2002 Explorer XLT's leather seats can start feeling a bit too firm on long drives, although I must also say that my driver's seat seems to be slowly breaking-in and softening-up as time goes on. However, to be fair here, I'll admit that on longer trips, I tend to top-off the tank and drive straight-through for many hours without stopping and stretching my legs, and this tends to invite a sore butt in most any vehicle. Nonetheless, I plan to take this vehicle on some very long trips, and I'd rather have a set of removable, "partially-covering" sheepskins available.

tigerjon1

Do your leather seats have adjustable headrests(front)? If so, I guess they don't have them on just the cloth seats. So far I'm very happy with the vehicle other than the headrest complaint. Can you give me a number where you ordered your cargo liner from. I need to get one of those along with the front floormats that trap snow and water. Thanks again.

bcollison

What is everybody averaging for Mileage City/Highway with the V-6 and V-8 4X4? I have a 98 and get about 19MPG with Mixed City and Highway driving. I have the SOHC V-6, 3.55 Axle, and the Automatic. Was just curious. Saw a nice Black Eddie Bauer on the showroom floor and fell in love with the damn thing.

gregb882

My 2002 XLT w/V-6, 3.73 Rear end and about 4800 miles is averaging about 16-1/2 to 17 MPG. I try to remember to disable the OD in city driving and the freeway driving is usually fairly congested (metro-Detroit) so I'm not unhappy with it.

stever

Spin Around Town: 2002 Ford Explorer V8 4WD

Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

kheintzelman

Howdy, Tigerjon-- I'm not familiar with the 2002 Explorer's cloth seats, but My XLT's front leather buckets don't have adjustable headrests, and i don't think they're needed. Why? Because the seatbacks of my leather, front "bucket" chairs have a tapered, high-back shape, rather like a modern dental chair. (Feel the back of your head--you should notice a midline, bony protuberance or ridge back there; this anatomic landmark is known as the "occipital protuberance", and when I'm in my truck and I fully relax my back and head against the seatback, the seatback reaches high enough to cradle and support my head at the level of my occipital protuberance, and that's pretty high if you think about it. In the event of a REAR impact (which would thrust my head BACKWARDS), I'm confident my front seats would well-support the head and neck of myself and my front passenger, but this is assuming that the seatbacks are safely positioned UPRIGHT enough to start with .

[As a side note that has nothing to do with the participants at this forum, I often shake my head and chuckle over how certain drivers (especially those who subscribe to the "hip-hop" urban "culture") prefer to keep their front seats RECLINED to a degree that is frankly comical, absurd, and dangerous. Such drivers look as though they're trying to drive a car while laying in bed and lounging, and their necks are usually at about a 90 degree angle to their torso, in order to see out the front window, perhaps while puffing-on and passing around a roach, and perhaps while being more focused on lighting another stick of incense for the ashtray, rather than watching the road... Where go'est thou, American youth and culture? To arraignment? Rehab? Prison? Graveyard?]

Tigerjon--I ordered my Husky liners (and other after-market goodies) through a business called "Funtrail" here in Columbus, OH., but these various products can be ordered on-line, direct from the manufacturer's web sites. Simply go to www.google.com, enter your search parameters, and enjoy.

gregb5

My '02 XLT with 4WD and V8 is getting exactly 15.66 MPG through the first 9400+ miles. It does better than the rated 14 in town (about 14.8) but worse on the highway than the rated 19. The best I've seen is around 18. I think the highway mileage suffers from the speeds we drive at on the highway these days. The EPA numbers are arrived at through testing at 55 MPH, I think.

kenttrudiw

My 02 V-8 with trailer tow is getting consistently 14 in town (wife drives 4 miles to work, 3 miles to store, winter gas, warm-ups, high altitude, Denver) Is this enough excuses! When we do take it in the mountains we can get 17-18 on the road. I do love the V-8 and it dosent seem to be much worse mileage then the V-6.

mountainowner

Our 2002 Mountaineer V8 (no towing package)is getting 16mpg, back and forth to work which is all 'in town' driving. My wife drives it and does not have a 'heavy' foot. I have tracked the miles and gallons used closely, but I have not done any extended highway driving to report on highway mileage.

thatbytes

Can anyone tell me if it is possible to get the medium wedgewood blue with the brown trim around the bottom on an XLT? I know you can on the E.B. but I saw a picture on page 43 of ford's mail catalog, for their suv's, that shows it on an XLT (but may be one of those, you want it? too bad you can't have it things). All the dealers in the area have the gray trim with that color. If the answer to the above is yes then I would also like to know if you can get that color combo outside with the graphite interior. This may be stretching it but my truck has the parchment and it gets dirty quick.

Second question. When I bought my supercrew this last summer I read on these boards that it was better to get the 5.4 V8 because it wouldn't shift as much going up hills like the smaller V8 would do (and be annoying). Is there anything like that with the explorer's 6 vs 8? We have the truck for the heavy pull so I don't need the 8 but don't want the funky shifting to occur going up an incline.

Should I be looking for more than just the $2000 rebates just announced this week?

Thanks in advance.