2002 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer Edition

Replacing a proven winner is never easy. It entails walking a fine line that introduces enough to keep one step ahead of the game while avoiding the inevitable temptation to try and fix what ain't broke. With its all-new 2002 Explorer, Ford appears to have done an excellent job of treading that notoriously treacherous path.

Redesigned for '02, the Explorer retains many of its familiar cues. Approximately two inches longer and wider than before, the latest version also has new fascias and a more aero attitude.

Visually, the 2002 Explorer builds on design cues embraced by its eminently successful predecessor, which both entered and left the midsize SUV segment as its undisputed volume leader. A 2.1-inch-longer wheelbase (113.7 inches), over two inches of extra front/rear track and 1.9 inches of additional width endow this new version with an enhanced curbside presence and increased utility while retooled front/rear fascias present both a more contemporary appearance and a tidier aerodynamic profile.


The existing four-tier, four-door Explorer family carries over with XLS, XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited trim levels. But in addition to choosing rear or 4WD, buyers can now opt for 5- or 7-place seating. Displacement of the base V-6 engine remains 4.0 liters, but the old 160-horsepower OHV unit has been fully supplanted by the like-sized SOHC motivator that was added to the Explorer lineup for 2000. Still pairable with either a 5-speed manual gearbox or optional 5-speed automatic, it was previously rated at 205 horsepower and 240 lb.-ft. of torque but now carries output numbers of 210 and 254 for those respective categories.

Two SOHC engines are available. The base 4.0-liter V-6 produces 210 horsepower, while the new-to-Explorer 4.6-liter Triton V-8 (shown) cranks out 239 ponies.

While owners who intend to hold fast to a light-duty work schedule should find it quite serviceable with either transmission, those planning to really stretch the Explorer's performance envelope should definitely consider the V-8 alternative. Replacing the veteran 5.0-liter OHV engine that made 215 ponies and 288 lb.-ft. of twist is Ford's modern 4.6-liter SOHC V-8. Autoshifted-only, this all-aluminum motivator tallies up 239 and 282 counts in those two critical output categories—and does so with considerably less bluster than its predecessor.


Explorer pricing starts at $24,485 for a 2WD XLS. Even in base form, the equipment roster includes air conditioning, power windows/locks/mirrors, cruise control, keyless remote, privacy glass, AM/FM/cassette radio, tilt steering column, variable/intermittent front/rear wipers and a Class II tow hitch, as well as the baseline powertrain. Our travel-mate for this outing was a premium Eddie Bauer model, which (save for minor variations in specific cosmetic trim elements) is mechanically identical and carries the same $32,195 base price tag as an Explorer Limited. At that level, the standard kit expands to include goodies like leather upholstery, dual power front buckets, split/folding rear seatback, 290-watt premium sound system with 6-disc in-dash CD, electrochromatic mirrors and redundant steering-wheel controls for the audio and climate systems. Our tester also had the V-8 engine, running boards, third-row seat, Class III tow hitch, rear air conditioner, reverse-sensing system and side-curtain airbags. Those extras brought its as-tested price to $36,510, including $625 in destination.