Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Options
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
As far as blaming the "product" people, I'm not so sure. I think that the dealership is responsible for the most part in ordering in vehicles. When we bought our Merc, most had moon roofs, and since we saw ourselves utilizing the third row often we wanted the aux air. We we told that the dealer management opted for ordering many more vehicles with the roof instead of the air because they felt they would have stronger interest. We got what we actually wanted (lucky) but the overall selection was slanted heavily toward roofs.
And as far as trudging to the dealerships to check out their inventories, you could do that online either by building to order and requesting a match or just searching all in stock units by dealership. That's what we did and ironically the dealer most local to us had the most extensive inventory.
Happy Shopping
Side curtain airbags replaced the side airbags with the 2002.5 Explorers built since April 1. I saw several on the lot today and some in web inventory. Mostly on Limited models but some on XLT's. They are not plentiful yet. Try the Ford website for local dealer and peruse his inventory and maybe you will find what you are looking for. The easiest way to separate 2002 from 2002.5 when cruising dealer lots is look for fog lights on XLT and two piece front seats with separate headrests, not tombstone seats as on 2002.
> AWD is fantastic in rain or snow. In fact, the AWD Mountaineer handles better
> than the 4WD explorer because 35% traction is always going to the front wheels.
I think this is a little over-stated. An Explorer and "fantastic handling" should never be used in the same sentence. My Mountaineer V8 AWD weighs something approaching 5,000 pounds. The stock A/T tires are too hard to work well on ice. 2 1/2 tons of sheet metal wants very much to go in a straight line. In the snow, you absolutely must drive with extreme caution going down hills and in corners. It's essential that you use the Overdrive defeat switch and that 3-2-1 thingie on the steering column to control speed. If you ever touch the brakes, it's very difficult to maintain control and you risk becoming the next SUV upside-down in the median strip.
Sometimes that weight works to your advantage... The car is very docile in 6" of wet slop in the left lane of a straight highway. It's fairly predictable charging through puddles at highway speeds. Traction at a standing start is never an issue.
The advantage of AWD is the simple fact that it's always engaged. I drive to a ski resort every weekend in the winter. When I had conventional 4WD systems, I tended to leave them disabled even when the roads were snow-covered since 4WD mode chewed up gas mileage and held me at 50 mph. If I needed 4WD in a hurry, it was always a problem to get the speed down low enough that I could engage the system. I'm willing to deal with the wear and tear issues of AWD to have it there when I need it.
Until ground clearance becomes an issue, my VW GTI with Nokian Hakka Q high tech snow tires is far better in the snow than my Mountaineer. Half the weight, lower center of gravity, _MUCH_ better tires, lots of weight over the drive wheels. Too bad it can't tow my 5,000 pounds of boat or haul around all my ski gear.
I'm a new owner of a 2002.5 XLT v8 4x4 Explorer. I've just recently noticed a wind noise at highway speeds (over 55mph), it appears to be coming from the passenger side (can't tell if its near the front window or in the 2nd row). The noise actually sounds just like a window is cracked or something (a rushing of air sound). I've confirmed all windows tightly closed and have inspected the trim molding around each window--nothing looks obviously wrong with it.
Anyone else experienced this problem? Any solutions or diagnosis?
Thanks.
rear door, fender well area. I had the dealer check the door seals and
everything he could think of. No solution was found, but the tech. told me that the way the fender well was designed keeps you from adding sound insulation. The only thing he thought of was adding a lot of undercoating in that wheel well.
If you have the V-6, you might have noticed the vibration of the engine at stop signs or red lights. Mine is excessive and the Ford regional rep. has even checked it out. It's been 3 month's and no solution has been found. I'm not the only one, but the service manager said mine is the worst he's seen. If your thinking of a Explorer or Mountaineer, don't take a chance on the V-6. Get the V-8 or choose another manufacturer. That's my 2 cents.
I've not noticed whether the right rear door appears out of alignment or anything. There is a definate air leak somewhere. Logically, it would seem that a fix would exist with replacing the trim molding around the door / window?
I've also noticed a hum / wistle sound that appears to be coming from the passenger side front. This is very infrequent and seems to depend on the wind outside, speed and direction of travel. One person suspected it was the mast antenna.
I had a very similar problem on my 2001 Accord and there was a TSB for it, the dealer replaced the rubber molding around the front windshield and the problem is gone. Makes me wonder if something similar couldn't be done with the Explorer?
I've got an appointment with the dealer on Monday for the wind noise. Although I'm skeptical they will be able to "fix anything."
Otherwise, I love my truck. The v8 is awsome and smooth. After two tanks of gas, I'm averaging 14.50mpg with a mix of city / highway driving with the AC on all the time and I'm not light footed when accelerating.
THanks for any comments.
jposter
Last weekend I was waiting for my Dad in his truck while he ran into a store for an errand, and the truck had a seizure of sorts. Engine RPM's went from idle to almost 4,000RPM, then dropped down to 500 or so. The Check Engine light then popped on.
The dealer took the truck on Monday and read the code from the computer. Turned out to be a code they had never seen before, so they contacted Ford Engineering who indicated it was the second bank of oxygen sensors that needed to be rebuilt. The dealer performed the work and returned the truck the following day. The engine idles as smooth as can be and there is no more vibration or shudder to be felt.
Seems like dealers need to have a code to read these days to be able to fix vehicles. The funny thing is, both my '00 Explorer and my parent's Mountaineer have had unusual problems that required the dealer to contact Ford Engineering because they didn't know how to fix it (the only difference being that Ford actually sent someone out to analyze my Explorer; my parent's problem was fixed over the phone). Either we got two oddballs, or it is more commonplace then we ever knew.
I think the more likely problem is that many dealers don't have the proper level of training for their technicians. The dealers gross about $100/hour from their employees but neither train nor compensate those employees properly.
Kent
I looked at other options, aftermarket and it was going to cost about $100 to get something custom fitted. The $25 option worked well for me, since that back row will rarely see use.
I am interested in the 3rd row mat you referred to. Is the one described below the one you are talking about? (I pulled it off the site).
1L2Z-7813182-AAD - Med. Dk. Graphite (zubo) Full Rear, 3rd Row, No Logo
I don't want to get the wrong one. Thanks.
The mountaineer does seem more appealing because of its new safety designs and more robust engine offerings. We would like sufficient amounts of safety, performance, towing/hauling ability, reliability, and comfort. We were also looking at the Trailblazer and I think that there is a model that comes with a 3rd row of seats now. We also like the Durango, I think that it is getting redesigned soon so it maybe a good time for rebates and discounts.
I am a little unsure of this trio's American reliability so I have also thrown the Toyota sequoia into the mix. The mountaineer and the trailblazer are brand new so they maybe prone to problems.
If you could send back any input that would be nice!
THANKS!
I have the same issue with towing capacity. The crossover vehicles like the MDX are exactly what I want but they can't tow my 5,000 pound boat/trailer. If you don't have that much weight to tow, take a look at the new Honda Pilot. It's able to tow 4,500 pounds (if it's a boat). You don't get the torque of a V-8 but you're not paying for the fuel, either. The depreciation hit is also likely to be less with a Honda if you trade cars every 3 years.
Wind noise update - I haven't messed with the roof rack yet. I was getting a wind noise, sounded like a cracked open window, on the passenger side. The dealer diagnosed a defective rubber molding around the door frame (passenger side). They've ordered the part and I should get it installed next week. I hope this solves the problem as the noise is driving me nuts.
homer61388 - can't speak as to the Mountaineer, but we love our 2002.5 Explorer. I also considered the Trailblazer, the new Honda Pilot (3rd row was a joke and towing capacity stinks) and the Acura MDX. I thought the Trailblazer was a little too rough compared to the Explorer. With the v8, the towing ability and smooth power is hard to beat in the Explorer. Although the Trailblazer has more horses, in my opinion, its not nearly as smooth as the ford v8. Although I have heard the Envoy / Trailblazer will soon be offered with a small v8 option.
Right now Ford has like $2500 rebates on '02 Explorers (pretty hard to beat), plus interest rates are quite low. I think we got like 5.4% over 60 months through www.peoplefirst.com (the easiest way to buy a car in my opinion, they send you a blank check you fill in the amount to any licensed dealer).
Good luck.
Dealer also says this occurs on Windstars.
Does Ford always look the other way? Where's the service?
England w/ my 2002.5 Explorer and have NO complaints whatsoever. If you need more, here's a link to Trailer Life magazine's review of 2002 Ford Explorer V8. http://www.trailerlife.com/output.cfm?ID=42067
They also did one in their latest issue on the V6. Also, as far as a Toyota Sequoia being just about as big as a Suburban? I recently had to rent an Excursion which is similar to the Suburban. Well, that Excursion makes any Sequoia, Durango, Trailblazer, heck, even Expedition small. I saw them all while tooling 2000 miles up & down the east coast this week. A nice, comfortable ride, but its BIG. Anyway, sorry to get off topic, happy trailering.
http://www.trailerboats.com/trailerboats_cfmfiles/articles/darticle2.cfm?id=235
I have had mine for two months (02.5 XLT)and have put on 2700 miles and have had NOT ONE PROBLEM. This is an excellent vehicle. Yes, I did my research. Yes I test drove the competition. Yes I would recommend this car to anyone. Thank you and have a nice day.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion without having to pass any kind of litmus test for patriotism. We're discussing vehicles, not infectious diseases.
Thanks.
tidester
Host
SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
2002.5 Explorer XLT Flex Fuel V6. Running boards are the only option. MSRP is $31,520 with destination charge.
Invoice is $28,676.
I will be paying $28,571, minus $500 Ford Targeted e-mail rebate = $28,071, @ 0.0% over 60 months. No advertising charges.
Option to purchase the 7 year or 75K Extra Care Warranty with $50 deductible for $1,015, dealer cost.
I choose the 0% over the $2,500 rebate.
Is this a good deal in today's market?
I know exactly how you feel - I've gone on two long trips since buying the vehicle two months ago and the vibration angers me to no end. A brand new 30,000 SUV shouldn't feel like a tractor at highway speeds.
Good luck.
My experience with a 1995 Explorer XLT was great with one oxygen sensor, rear brake pads, and one set of Michelins in 130,000 miles of comfortable driving.
Mr. HOST, your remarks about patriotism were off-base. The point is that the bias away from Ford and GM is unwarranted by the facts. This should be a forum that can point out shortsightedness from any direction.
My remarks were precisely on target. Everyone here is entitled to their opinion without having to pass any kind of litmus test for patriotism. We are discussing vehicles and not infectious diseases.
My error, if any, was in not summarily removing the post to which I replied and which, apparently, you did not read. But I let it stand.
tidester
Host
SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories
5w-20 motor oil per a Ford spec.
The only Motorcraft oil I have found at parts stores and Wal-Mart is 5w-20 Premium Synthetic Blend and it meets the Ford spec.
Does anyone know if this is the correct oil? The manual does not say to use a "Synthetic Blend"
I used Quaker State 5w 20. I was considering Mobile one but am staying the course with the recommended oil.
Now, the characteristics have changed. The shift into 4th or overdrive is noticeable with a shudder..almost like driving over a defect in the road surface (that is what I first thought it was). This past weekend, I was towing my 2000# pop-up camper up an incline at about 60mph. It downshifted to maintain speed, and then upshifted back to 4th (not OD) with a horrifying chatter-type clunk. It lasted for a good 1 second. WOW!! I was then very cautious from then on to avoid that circumstance.
I may have the only such situation, but I am suspicious this AWD system may have some issues. I can't find any way to seek technical info from FoMoCo directly (no contacts on web site)and before I go back to the dealership (OK, recreate the problem for us scenario), does anyone have any experience on this?
Thanks for your favorable consideration.
Zderf, Seattle
Only problem seems to be occasional rough idling upon starting. I noticed one wiper blade needs to be replaced too.
I'm bummed to see that the seats have been re-designed. This truck could be more comfortable.