Exploder shopping

You would have to try it yourself, but I've leased a '98, a '00, and now I own an '03 XLT. The only similarity between them is the Ford emblem. The '03, while still a truck feels and handles like a car. When you hit large bumps in the road, the rear end doesn't skip sideways. It's far quieter on a long trip. I could go on and on. Buy the '02

Sy Cohen

I concur. I just got an '02 XLT and it's a pleasure to drive. My old ride was a '92 Blazer S10, and it was pretty tough on the juevos. Although I haven't driven an '00 or '01, from what I've read the '02 is a completely different beast due to the IRS and the wider stance. The reviews were good enough, for me. I heeded their advice, and I'm glad I did.

Bob

I also agree. I leased a '99 XLT, and now an '02 EB, and the '02 is simply much better. My '02 was one of the first built, very early in the production run of an all-new model. It's given me no trouble, aside from a DPFE valve that only made the engine stumble a little, and needed only a ten-minute replacement. The '02 is more stable at high speeds, it feels much more like a car, it's quieter, and the exhaust note with the 4.0 SOHC has a much better sound than the old model.

Thanks guys....keep the feedback coming. The other thing that was a surprise to me was how much headroom you lose when you get the moonroof option. I really wanted one this time but it left me with barely an inch of room to spare....I'm 6'2", btw.

Here's another wrinkle in this question: If you had identically outfitted (and aged) Explorers and Expeditions, how much difference should there be in price between them on the used market?

Dave