I’m in the market for a smaller 4-door SUV. My daily driver is a lifted ‘92 F-250HD 4x4, which isn’t the most practical now that we have a newborn. My wife has a 4-cylinder, 5-speed Escape, but it’s not quite stout enough for my liking as a daily.
I’ve been considering an Expedition but don’t necessarily need something that big or thirsty. The 2002-2005 Explorers look great to me, but I keep hearing horror stories about them. I’d like to avoid anything newer, and I’m not a fan of the “bug-eye” front end on older models.
So, to those who own one—are they as bad as the internet says? Worse? Have you had good experiences? Should I keep looking?
For context, I work in a full shop, can rebuild axles, and handle most repairs myself. My shop specializes in engine and transmission rebuilds, mainly on high-end cars like Porsches, so I’m not afraid of a project.
Is a 2002-2005 Explorer worth buying, or should I look elsewhere?
I wish I had taken online reviews more seriously. Bought an ‘02 a year ago, and I regret it. So far, I’ve had to do rear diff work, multiple wheel bearings ($600 a pop), and now I need another $1k in front-end repairs. My transmission shudders into overdrive, and the auto 4x4 doesn’t work.
Paid $4k for it, and after listing it for two weeks, I can’t even get a private offer over $2k. I love how it handles and looks, but the full-time 4WD is awful. If I could go back, I’d keep looking.
@Remy
Yeah, I got the front left wheel bearing done at a local shop, and it was pricey. The rear was quoted similarly at a chain shop, but I never went through with it. 4x4 control module has been disconnected when I don’t need it.
I took it in for an alignment and was told I need sway bar links, bushings, ball joints, and more—by two different shops. I could do some of this myself, but it’s too cold where I am, and I don’t have a heated garage.
Lesson learned: This thing has needed way more work than expected.
I bought a 2004 Eddie Bauer last October after my ‘98 Mountaineer died at 176k miles. The Explorer had 116k when I bought it for $4k.
Did my research and had my mechanic inspect it before purchasing. He estimated about $3k in necessary maintenance, and I negotiated the price down from $7k. Since buying it, I’ve put 7k miles on it and spent about $2k in repairs, including control arms, a transmission fluid change, and a solenoid pack. I’ve done some of the labor myself.
If you know what to look for and take care of maintenance, these can be solid vehicles. Just don’t expect them to be bulletproof.
I’ve got a 2003 Explorer. The transmission will need replacing eventually, but overall, I love it. I think this generation looks better than most others. Had a ‘99 before this one, and I’ve had a lot of fun with them.
Been a Chevy guy all my life, but a 2003 Explorer 4x4 fell into my hands recently, and I’ve been pretty happy with it. Having some mechanical knowledge helps. When the water pump went, I replaced it myself for cheap.
The transmission has some quirks. The logbook shows trans work at 131k (currently at 203k), but who knows what that means? As long as it’s been treated well, these are solid underdogs. Just make sure it isn’t rusted out before you buy.
I’ve got a 2004 XLT 4x4. Love it, but the transmission WILL go out at some point—mine needed a rebuild at 102k miles. Around 130k, I had to replace wheel bearings ($500 total). Now, I’ve got a front-end whine—probably another wheel bearing or a CV axle.
Suspension is due for replacement (130k miles, so not unexpected). Idler pulley failed at 120k. Also, if you’re looking at a white one, be aware that Ford’s white paint SUCKS. The roof on mine is almost bare.
The 4x4 is fantastic, though. I’ve tried to get it stuck, and it just keeps pulling through. MPG is about 14-15 city, 16-17 highway.
Would I buy it again? Maybe. The cargo space is great (third-row seats fold flat), and I love the 4x4, but I’d definitely have a mechanic check it first—especially if it’s over 100k miles.
Had a 2001 Explorer Sport—drove it to 170k miles. Only major repairs were intake manifold gaskets ($40 DIY job), an O2 sensor, and Schrader valves for the A/C.
Now driving a 2006 Explorer with 100k miles. Only issue so far was replacing the thermostat. Both had the 4.0L V6 and no 4WD. Solid family cars, but if you’re looking for something practical with kids, don’t overlook minivans—they’re way easier for car seats.
Our ‘02 XLT AWD has been fantastic. Bought it from the original owner at 130k, drove it for 5 years, and my kids have been driving it for the last 5 years.
At the end of the day, how well it was maintained makes all the difference.