- Sign in
- Write a review
Ford Explorer (2002-2005) has been discontinued. See all Ford Large / 7 Seater SUVs.
Ford Explorer (2002-2005)
Reviewer Photos & Videos
Ford explorer Sport XLT 4WD SUV v8
My Ford explorer Sport XLT 4WD V8 2002 automatically in Australia Perth is something I found at scrap yard and bought it for cheap and re-registration and put 4 new struts battery and rebuild automatically gear box .and . I thing it has a lot of good point lovely car to drive smooth .lot of room indercater and wiper all on one stick air conditioning /heating is great in car sound cool with that 4.6ltr single over head cam motor .
Purchased in February 2019 for $8,000.
A great family SUV - once you sort out the basics
I sold my wife's much loved 2016 HRV and bought her a 2002 Explorer Limited V8. She always complained she wanted more power! So far we are very impressed with the Explorer. We particularly like sitting up higher and being able to tow if we desire and at 1/4 the price - have been able to save some money from the sale.
As soon as we purchased it, I had my mechanic inspect it and tell me everything that should be fixed or replaced. I already knew a wheel bearing was bad, and i think was the tipping point for the previous owner. If you factor in ...
Read moresome basic and well known issues as preventative maintenance, this is actually a rather smart buy. Gets things done early rather than waiting for it to break - it's less painful in the long run. As there were millions sold in the US, every known issue is covered on forums and advice given how to fix it - let alone how cheap the parts are, even shipped to Australia as I opt for. So far we've replaced the front wheel bearings, front rotors and pads, upper and lower ball joints, intake manifold (small leak), fuel, air, trans and oil filters, plus changed out all fluids. On a recent rip on the highway, it averaged 11.9 litres per 100/km and around town is about 15, about double the HRV. While this hurts at the pump, we really only use the car for trips away so it suits us fine. The highway economy is rather good for its size. Be aware that common faults are exactly that - they are likely to happen. If looking to purchase I'd recommend focusing on the big ticket items. Make sure the transmission has already been rebuilt if high km, and that the engine runs smooth and quiet. Get all the other bits and pieces inspected and replaced one you buy it.Purchased in January 2021 for $7,000.
- 13 reviews
- 3 likes
2004 limited
Have owned the car for almost a year now. Previous owner complained about everything to do with it, suspension troubles, transmission problems, cooling system issues, oil leaks, lack of power, high fuel consumption. Well I still ended up buying it because I didn't have the money to go buy a Prado.
After putting new suspension and control arms in along with other bushes and doing a complete major service including the transmission being serviced and servo pistons being replaced, top end gasket set and intake manifold, new water pump and having ...
Purchased in November 2018 for $2,500.
- 18 reviews
- 12 likes
I've owned five Mercedes Benz - the Explorer is BETTER
Great driving position, comfort for up to 7 adults, brilliant long range cruiser, plenty of bells and whistles, air-conditioning and ventilation for ALL passengers and driver, with separate controls for rear seat passengers, all-round independent suspension in a go-anywhere vehicle. Very little engine or road noise in a well sound proofed cabin, plenty of grunt with a well-spaced ratio gearbox. Still relaxed after a 400+km drive with surprisingly good fuel economy. A very recent trip towing a 1.6T caravan resulted in 13.4L/100km in one directi...
Read moreon, and 14L/100km on the return trip (uphill). This is on an untouched engine that has travelled more that 245,000km. Usual travel mixing country with city driving will achieve in the order of 11.7L/100km, with best economy being 9.8L/100km Regularly serviced from day one, all it's required has been one front lower ball joint and two rack and pinion steering rubber boots. Servicing has been at 10,000km as from the 135K mark, using only full synthetic oil. Gearbox was serviced at 150K and is due for another. After purchase of numerous expensive European vehicles over many years , I consider the Ford V8 Explorer to be head and shoulders above them all.Find out how Ford Explorer compares to other Large / 7 Seater SUVs
Know better, choose better.
- 9 reviews
- 11 likes
They are not called Ford 'EXPLODERS' for NO reason !
I love my 2003 4.6ltr 'Exploder' ... is a smaller vehicle & more economical than my previous 100 series Cruiser V8.
Owning one of these in Australia can be EXPENSIVE if you cant do your own mechanical work or understand HOW to buy parts ex USA as buying things here locally is ridiculously expensive ! The auto gearboxes have a known issue that can be fixed cheaply if you can do your own mechanical work ... not many 'mechanics' here have much of an idea about them ... let alone taking it to a FORD dealer & getting wallet raped for having some sn...
- 8 reviews
- 6 likes
Great family 7-seater vehicle; about 30% more thirsty than a Falcon
We picked up a 2005 black 7-seater model imported from Japan with 75,000km on the clock. In great shape, handles really well.
It is a big heavy vehicle so don't expect a zippy experience. Car hesitates slightly before responding to accelerator. A NZD 500 Bluetooth CD radio stereo was thrown in by the dealer, this included a handsfree microphone for phone calls. Surprisingly handy.
The Row-B seats directly next to the rear doors on either side, are hinged so that they can be unlatched and moved out of the way so that those trying t...
Read moreo get into Row-C can step through. In practice, I notice the children just lower the back of the middle Row-B seat and then climb over. They lower that one because we have child-seats buckled into the other Row-B seats. On a Previa, Row-C access is provided by making the entire seat move forward on rails. Wipers and indicators are on a stalk on the LHS of the steering column. Headlights and parking light controls are not on a stalk, they are on the RHS and below the dash.my v8 explorer is just great we dont have many here in Australia but i have owned a few so has one o
My ford explorer is just great heaps of power very comphy plenty of room great for long distance very good on fuel mine is a v8 ido around 320kms on $20 we have long distance between towns my daughter and son own one and they are both very happy wether they are 5 seater or 7seater ther is heaps of room they handle really well on our roads as here in Australia our roads are not good but the explorer does well i love it
Related Articles
8000 kilometers in a rental Explorer
I have recently driven a Ford Explorer around South Eastern USA. The vehicle handled most things well, averaged low 9 l/100ks the gearing off the mark is probably a little high and you do need to bury the boot to get it moving swiftly. Good vision all round assisted by the reversing camera and multi pane external rear view mirrors. The heated seats were wonderful in the sub zero climate and comfortable for long days driving. The Sync radio was useful, however the volume steps through settings and sometimes the steps just couldn't get the requir...
Read moreed volume, too high or too low is a little annoying. The USB and Bluetooth connectivity were excellent and easy to use, the rear seats folded flat very easily (manual seats fitted) however for me a five seater would have been more practical. (luggage area larger without seats). All round a good looking vehicle, the doors go to the bottom of the sill so you don't get dirt on your clothing getting in or out of a dirty vehicle, perfect for touring and I would recommend it for this job. Vision, fuel economy for a large all wheel drive, comfort, on road stability, clean entry over sills, radio volume controls, the no "real position" indicator wand, no engine temperature guage2003 Limited V8
I bought this vehicle as an upgrade from the 2000 V6 Exploder! Can't be happier! This unit tows a caravan as well as bush bashing and being used everyday. Tyre wear very good as is reliability. Lots of accessories available from US that keeps it looking modern. Still a head turner at 10+ years old! Not for sale!
Driving comfort for driver and passengers.
No longer produced!
Find out how Ford Explorer compares to other Large / 7 Seater SUVs
Know better, choose better.
Great base to play with on a budget
Had a 97 and just got a 2002 v6. Got it for $5000 in average condition and for under $3000 gave it a 1 inch lift, spotties and two way fitted, everything fixed on it and new rims and tyres gaining another 2inches in lift. It had been modded and pod filter fitted and a full Sony exploded sterio fitted. I took the 3 seats in the back out and for $200 and some tools made myself a flat rubber tray in the back that frees up a lot of room. Is it a landcruiser or a patrol. No and nor should you comparison it at that price. $8000 and I have taken it on...
Read more a 5000km road trip with 1000kms of dirt and never skipped a beat. Best bang for my buck I have ever spent. Is it firstly? It is. My work land cruiser used to get 450kms off a tank, this gets 550-600 and with the money I saved on it I'm happy with it. Definitely get the manual if you can find it. I did and definitely the better option as removes the gear box issues some have. Cheap, very room as I'm well over 6 ft. Decent interior for the year and a very solid feel. Getting parts can be a hassle but importing is more viable then ever with eBay.- 3 reviews
- 4 likes
Excellent
We bought our new ford explorer after being happy with the previous 6 cylinder model. Straight away we noticed the difference between the two cars in that the older model explorer was a bit like driving a rocky boat at times and was sloppy in the suspension, but the new explorer seems to hold alot firmer to the road and around corners. I love the traction control and find this car incredibly safe. I am a women driver and this car does not feel too big to drive or park. Love my V8!!!!
The room of a 7 seater. A good car for larger people and larger families. Traction control. Beautiful V8 engine.
Original muffler really was not efficient. We had it changes and not only does it sound excellent now but goes even better!!
Excellent
Very impressive vehicle overall, considerably moreso than the Jap equivalents regardless of age. I'd put off owning such a car for many years in the belief that I didn't require one for the driving I did, but I realised that I've been missing out on a lot of fun. I bought my 2003 UX V8 with 147k on the clock with full log books and did comprehensive searches on it's history before purchase. There had been no issues with the vehicle apart from a couple of broken wheel studs, a common occurrence I was told, and it presented beautifully both insid...
Read moree and outside. The economy is quite amazing considering the bulk of the car. I'd expected 17-18 litres per 100km around town, with a corresponding reduction for country running, but travelling at 100kmph, I achieve less than 12 litres per 100, quite amazing. This, of course, is the figure that the on-board computer tells me, but it's confirmed at the petrol pump. I consider it most important that a proper maintenance regime be carried out and to this end, a full auto transmission service at 150k was deemed necessary, together with a a replacement serpentine belt. Unfortunately, Ford Australia's pricing structure is almost out of the reach of the average driver, thus servicing is entrusted to qualified mechanics who carry out the same work for approximately a third of Ford's price. Likewise parts can be sourced from America and even with postage, result in a 50% saving. An instance is a Ford centre plastic wheel cap - locally $47, overseas $13 or less, plus postage. Be aware of Ford's overpricing when you consider the purchase of an Explorer Excellent driving position, all controls come easy to hand, aircon excellent, very fast to cool. Seating well moulded and comfortable on long trips, plenty of adjustments available. Tremendously good looking vehicle, appears smaller than some Jap machinery, but is in fact roomier. Surprisingly economical for a 4.6 litre - around 11 litres per 100km on highway travelling at 100 kmph, 13+ per 100 locally in our country town area. Wonderfully small turning circle, almost unbelievable in a 4 wheel drive vehicle weighing around two tons. Fiddly cruise control, too many buttons as compared with the stalk control on my Benz. Computer read-out too small and awkward to read in daylight. Somewhat of a stiff ride unless carrying passengers, although quite acceptable.Find out how Ford Explorer compares to other Large / 7 Seater SUVs
Know better, choose better.
- 3 reviews
OK
We have the 2002 limited model. Bought it new, currently there is 185km on the clock. Would love to know if it can be converted to LGP have had difering opinions.
the v8 is a pleasure to drive around town. Plenty of room with the third row seats. excellent towing vehicle cant fault it.
Engine is alittle thirsty, some of the parts (waterpump) are expensive, fairly low resale value. Low ground clearance makes it difficult off road.
Good
We wanted a functional 7 seat AWD with all the features. Very happy to say this is just what we got.
We actually have the Limited model with the 4.6L V8, which is optional in the XLT. Ours is a 2004 model but we didn't take delivery of it (as a demonstrater) until mid 2005.So far it's been a great car. Very comfortable with everything that opens and shuts. Have also taken it offroad where it performed very well.The things that attracted us to it most were the value for money (compared with the Prado Grande and VX, Landcruiser, Pajero Exceed...
Excellent
Great motor car, I am glad I own the two Explorers I have.
A bit more about the gas conversions. If you go with liquid injection you are limited to what size do-nut tank they can get in the spare wheel well, which will give you about 400km. If you need to go further like 500-600k before refills then you will have to consider going with vapour injection where they can then fit two tanks. You cannot fit two tanks on liquid injection. You would be looking at $6000 to get this sort of conversion.
The second tank(s) can go above the donut usin...
If it's a V8, yes, if it's a V6, no!
Questions & Answers
my girlfriends Explore has a rather loud rattle in the engine bay at which point her engine oil pressure light came on too, checked there is plenty of oil
the noise is like a really loud tappet noise & only just happened yesterday
I have a 2003 ux Explorer it has a 1600kg towbar I need to upgrade it to a 2500kg do I need to get a hole new Towbar or do I just have to get a 2500kg goose neck with a levelling kit
is there a 4 wheel drive explorer
All Ford Explorers are four wheel drive, those manufactured from 2001 to 2005 that were imported by Ford to Australia have high and low ratios and limited slip differentials
Get an answer from our members and Ford representatives
Details
Category | Large / 7 Seater SUVs |
---|---|
Release date | Jan 2002 |
Discontinuation date | Dec 2005 |
ProductReview.com.au has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence our content moderation policies in any way, though ProductReview.com.au may earn commissions for products/services purchased via affiliate links.
I Want to buy a Ford Explorer 2002, it has 135K millage on the clock. used from Japan. Can some one advice me?