The Ford Ranger has been one of the best-selling compact trucks on the market since it launched. The 2002 Ford Ranger brings all kinds of options to the used-car buyer. This compact truck offers regular or extended cab body styles and comes in a staggering number of trim levels. With a nice ride and impressive handling, the comfortable Ranger makes a good choice for anyone looking for a competent, small truck.
The Range
Body Styles: compact pickup truck
Engines: 2.3-liter four-cylinder, 3.0-liter V-6, 3.0-liter V-6 flex fuel, 4.0-liter V-6
Transmissions: five-speed manual, five-speed automatic
Models: regular cab: Ford Ranger XL, Ford Ranger XLT, Ford Ranger Edge, Ford Ranger Edge Plus; extended cab: Ford Ranger XL, Ford Ranger XLT, Ford Ranger Edge, Ford Ranger Tremor, Ford Ranger XLT Appearance, Ford Ranger Edge Plus, Ford Ranger XLT Off-Road, Ford Ranger XLT FX4
What's New
Ford makes several changes to the Ranger line of trucks. The FX4 debuts this year and goes offroad for those buyers who require all-terrain capabilities. It has 31-inch all-terrain tires and 15-inch alloy wheels among other features. The Ranger also receives an anti-theft system. The XLT and Edge four-wheel-drive models get a new 16-inch wheel design. Improved fuel economy makes its way to the 3.0-liter, V-6 engines. An MP3 player provides a new option for the 2002 Ford Ranger.
Exterior
The 2002 Ford Ranger offers a compact truck with a lot of character. This truck features a wide-looking front end and grille with the Ford logo in the center of the grille. The headlights look squared and the bumpers match the rest of the truck’s body color. The extended cab body design offers a four-door design. Sleek, modern lines run down the doors and sides of the Ranger. Ford offers this truck in several colors including Black, Bright Red, and Harvest Gold Metallic just to name a few.
Interior
The cabin of the 2002 Ford Ranger offers some nice features. It includes cloth bench seats. It also has cruise control with the controls conveniently placed on the steering wheel. The front console offers some storage in the cabin. It also comes equipped with cup holders. The lower trim levels feature a four-speaker, 60-watt stereo system. The upper trim levels offer a few more comforts. A tilt-adjustable leather steering wheel and an improved stereo system complete with CD player enhance the upper trims.
Performance & Handling
As one of the best-selling compact trucks, the 2002 Ford Ranger has to live up to the hype. With its choice of several engines, it offers a well-controlled and comfortable ride. Drivers note that the Ranger can feel a little bumpy when driving in town, however. It handles easily and corners like a dream, unusual for this class of vehicle. Maneuvering seems easy and the Ranger offers a great deal of steering feedback. It feels stable and secure on curves as well.
Safety
Ford includes a lot of standard safety features in its vehicles and the Ranger makes no exception. The 2002 Ford Ranger comes equipped with four-wheel anti-lock brakes and ventilated front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. It also includes a passenger-airbag deactivation switch for smaller passengers or children. The center of the seat has a lap seat belt. Pretensioners come standard for the front seat belts as well. Electronic brake force distribution and an engine immobilizer add to the list of standard features.
EPA Fuel Economy
Ford Ranger 2.3-liter four-cylinder: 21/25 mpg city/highway
Ford Ranger 3.0-liter V-6: 21/25 mpg city/highway
Ford Ranger 3.0-liter V-6 flex fuel: 15/20 mpg city/highway
Ford Ranger 4.0-liter V-6: 15/20 mpg city/highway
You'll Like
- Nice V-6 engine option
- Four-door extended cab design
- Well-designed control layout
You Won't Like
- Uncomfortable seats
- No V-8 engine option
- No crew cab design
- Limited rear space in extended cab
Sum Up
A well-known compact truck with plenty going for it.
If You Like This Vehicle
- GMC Sierra 1500
- Dodge Dakota
- Toyota Tacoma