2002 Ford Explorer Sport 4WD
The 2002 Ford Explorer Sport 4WD is a SUV. It has a 4.0-litre six-cylinder engine producing 210 hp (157 kW), with a 5-speed automatic and four-wheel drive. 0–60 mph takes 8.5 seconds and top speed is 109 mph (175 km/h).
ABOUT THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT 4WD
This 2002 Ford Explorer Sport 4WD is the four-wheel-drive version of Ford’s two-door Explorer, which carried on with the earlier body and chassis when the four-door Explorer was replaced for 2002. Power comes from a 4.0-litre SOHC V6 of a little over 200 hp, and this entry covers the version with the five-speed automatic; a manual gearbox was also listed.
The off-road choice
The 4×4 version adds a transfer case with a low range, making the short-wheelbase Sport the better Explorer for tight trails, where its 101.7-inch (2,583 mm) wheelbase helps. It kept the solid rear axle that the new four-door model had dropped in favour of independent rear suspension.
Life with a two-door
The Sport seats up to five and has a modest load space. It was an image-led model rather than a family car, and Ford ended two-door Explorer production after the 2003 model year.
Known weak points
Commonly reported problems include timing chain rattle on the overhead-cam V6, automatic transmission failures and wear in four-wheel-drive components such as the transfer case and front drive shafts. Rust on the frame and body seams is worth checking.
Rivals
Alternatives included the Jeep Liberty, two-door Chevrolet Blazer 4×4, Nissan Xterra and Jeep Wrangler.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | Ford | Model | Explorer Sport 4WD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2002 | Version / Trim | Ford 2002 Explorer Sport 4WD |
| 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 | Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) | 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 | 13 mpg city / 18 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 4WD | 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 4WD.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 Ford Explorer Sport 4WD | 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 |