2002 Ford Explorer Sport 2WD
The 2002 Ford Explorer Sport 2WD is a SUV. It has a 4.0-litre six-cylinder engine producing 210 hp (157 kW), with a 5-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. 0–60 mph takes 8.5 seconds and top speed is 109 mph (175 km/h).
ABOUT THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT 2WD
The 2002 Ford Explorer Sport is the two-door Explorer, which stayed on the older second-generation platform after the four-door model was redesigned for 2002. This 2WD entry drives the rear wheels and uses the 4.0-litre overhead-cam V6, which produces a little over 200 hp. It covers the version with the five-speed automatic; a five-speed manual was also offered.
A carry-over model
While the new four-door Explorer moved to independent rear suspension and a third row of seats, the Sport kept its live rear axle and shorter 101.7-inch (2,583 mm) wheelbase. It had been freshened for 2001 with a new front end and interior updates, and the two-door Explorer was dropped after 2003.
Practicality
The short body makes it easier to park than a four-door Explorer, but rear access is through the two long front doors and the cargo area is smaller. The rear-wheel-drive version suits owners who mainly drive on paved roads.
Buying one today
The overhead-cam 4.0 V6 is known for timing chain and tensioner wear, often heard as a rattle at start-up. Automatic transmission faults are also commonly reported, and corrosion should be checked on older examples.
Rivals
It competed with the two-door Chevrolet Blazer, Jeep Liberty and Nissan Xterra.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | Ford | Model | Explorer Sport 2WD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2002 | Version / Trim | Ford 2002 Explorer Sport 2WD |
| Body Style | SUV | Doors | 2 |
| Seats | 5 | Ext. Colour | Oxford White, Black, Silver Metallic, Dark Shadow Grey Metallic, Toreador Red Metallic, Bright Red, True Blue Metallic, Arizona Beige Metallic, Dark Blue Pearl |
| Steering | LHD / RHD | Manufactured In | United States |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) | Transmission | Automatic 5-spd |
| Engine | 4.0L 6-cyl | Engine Size | 4,000 cc |
| Power | 210 hp / 157 kW | Torque | 280 Nm / 207 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) | 8.5 sec | Top Speed | 109 mph (175 km/h) |
| Fuel Economy | 15 mpg city / 20 mpg hwy | ||
| Wheelbase | 2,583 mm | Kerb Weight | 1,950 kg (4,299 lb) |
HOW IT COMPARES WITH OTHER 2002 SUVS
Compared with other 2002 SUVs in our database, its 210 hp is 10% more than the average 2002 SUV (190 hp), and it reaches 60 mph 0.5 seconds quicker than average, and it is 10% heavier than the typical SUV.
| 2002 Ford Explorer Sport 2WD | Average 2002 SUVs | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 210 hp | 190 hp (55 cars) | +10% |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 239 Nm (55 cars) | +17% |
| 0–60 mph | 8.5 s | 9.0 s (46 cars) | -6% |
| Top speed | 109 mph | 112 mph (46 cars) | -3% |
| Kerb weight | 1,950 kg | 1,774 kg (62 cars) | +10% |
| Engine size | 4,000 cc | 3,138 cc (60 cars) | +27% |
Averages are calculated from all cars of the same model year and body type in the CarDetails.org database that have the figure listed. For 0–60 mph, a negative difference means quicker.
CLOSEST RIVALS
Other 2002 SUVs with similar power to the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport 2WD.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 Ford Explorer Sport 2WD | 210 hp | 8.5 s | 1,950 kg |
| 2002 Isuzu Axiom 2WD | 215 hp | 8.5 s | 1,770 kg |
| 2002 Mazda Tribute 2WD | 203 hp | 9.5 s | 1,495 kg |
| 2002 Mitsubishi Montero | 200 hp | 11.0 s | 2,245 kg |
| 2002 Volvo V70 XC AWD | 200 hp | 8.0 s | 1,640 kg |