Apparently "known issues" with the 2002:

high failure rate on wheel bearings. (I had three go at once, and I've herd
of numerous other instances)
high failure rate on rear differential (there is a program on this - you
still pay part)
(minor) propensity of the rear appliqué panel (under the rear window) to
crack in cold weather. (also a program and you still pay part) (just look
closely at as many as you can find in one parking lot).

2002 V-8 XLT, now at 66,000, meticulously maintained synthetic oil miles.
Not my first Ford, but probably my last.

Wow am I lucky, have a 2003 V8 with 88000 miles. I pull a Bass Boat and
do all kinds of strange things, mine has the 3:73 axle. Not one major or
minor problem, in fact no problems. This is my 5th. Explorer and would
purchase another in a heartbeat. From day one I have had the K&N filter
in use with duel exhaust. The right side exhaust is run under the rear
axle like the Corvette. GM and Toyota SUV's can't do what I do with mine
and live. You get what you pay for. If you like Ford go for it, if not
do what makes you happy not what someone tells you to do. As for MPG
it's 15 in town and 19 on the road, with boat 15. Also I pull the boat
at 70 MPH in OD unless going up a very steep incline.

Ron

I just traded my 2000 Explorer XLT 4.0 V6 for a 2005 Sport Trac.  I bought
it with 25k miles on it and it had 78k miles when I traded.  I towed my 3000
lb 19 ft walk thru boat with it on a regular basis and my only problems were
the rear window wiper, and (of course) 10 mpg while towing.  Other wise it
got 17 to 18 mpg city and 21 to 22 mpg hwy with K&N air filter.