2002 Ford Explorer Sport Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The 2002 Ford Explorer Sport continued to be overshadowed by its top-selling four-door Explorer sibling. It did appeal to people looking...
The 2002 Ford Explorer Sport continued to be overshadowed by its top-selling four-door Explorer sibling. It did appeal to people looking for a smaller, more maneuverable midsize SUV: the '02 Explorer Sport's 180-inch size was a little less unwieldy than the Explorer's 189 inches.
The small exterior size unfortunately translated into a less-than-generous maximum cargo capacity of 71.4 cubic feet. In the 'bigger is better' sport-utility market of the early 2000s, this wasn't too impressive. And Explorer Sport drivers couldn't even brag about their great gas mileage, with ratings of 15 city and 20 highway.
The 2002 Explorer Sport did offer a range of options packages, of which the most popular were the four-wheel drive and 'Leather Comfort' selections. Some people loved its casual-but-comfy interior, and it did garner praise for its handling.
But the writing was on the wall. Whatever market niche the Explorer Sport might have occupied was going to be usurped by Ford's newest SUV, the Escape, and the 2003 model year would be the Explorer Sport's last.
What owners say
"Owners appreciate the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport for its dependability and sporty look, especially for winter driving. They enjoy its solid performance and good visibility, making it a favorable choice for outdoor adventures. However, some felt the interior quality and rear seat comfort could have been better. The compact size is seen as a plus, allowing for easy maneuverability in tighter spaces."
I purchased mine brand new on May 2, 2002. MSRP was $24.500 have original bill of sale that shows extras like off -road metal plates underneath, moon roof etc. etc. I still own it the blue XLT 4x4 version with the tape cassette CD combo.( it was built in Kentucky. The trim level XLT was expanded and changed halfway through the year in production and I believe mine was one of those that had better mechanical push button seat options lumbar support included. In my area there’s at least one record breaking winter storm every few years & the 4 x 4 was unstoppable. You flip a switch on the fly very easy to engage in higher or low four-wheel-drive. It was the only vehicle able to manage winners storm many times. I rolled the truck once off a hill & the windows didn’t even break. It was made tougher than I expected.
May 17, 2026Very dependable.No worries good for 200,000 miles or more just keep oil clean.
January 31, 2023The Ford Explorer Sport caught my eye with its revised look for 2001. Especially with the new options that came with a 2-Door SUV including moonroof and a sound system from Pioneer with an in-dash six cd changer. Also, after driving around the average gas mileage is shockingly 19-20 mpg.
February 6, 2008What owners say
I purchased mine brand new on May 2, 2002. MSRP was $24.500 have original bill of sale that shows extras like off -road metal plates underneath, moon roof etc. etc. I still own it the blue XLT 4x4 version with the tape cassette CD combo.( it was built in Kentucky. The trim level XLT was expanded and changed halfway through the year in production and I believe mine was one of those that had better mechanical push button seat options lumbar support included. In my area there’s at least one record breaking winter storm every few years & the 4 x 4 was unstoppable. You flip a switch on the fly very easy to engage in higher or low four-wheel-drive. It was the only vehicle able to manage winners storm many times. I rolled the truck once off a hill & the windows didn’t even break. It was made tougher than I expected.
May 17, 2026Very dependable.No worries good for 200,000 miles or more just keep oil clean.
January 31, 2023The Ford Explorer Sport caught my eye with its revised look for 2001. Especially with the new options that came with a 2-Door SUV including moonroof and a sound system from Pioneer with an in-dash six cd changer. Also, after driving around the average gas mileage is shockingly 19-20 mpg.
February 6, 2008The Explorer Sport had great exterior styling, but (as whappens with many american cars) the interior was a bit poor, and rear seats were quite uncomfortable. It's short wheel base provided good handling but ride was quite jumpy. Great for fooling around off road.
January 5, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $24,865 | Seating 4 |
Engine 4.0L 203 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 16 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $21,845 | Seating 4 |
Engine 4.0L 203 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 18 | Drivetrain RWD |
