zzdcar' Expert Review
by the zzdcar Experts
What’s new
A new FX4 model debuts, designed to appeal to Ranger XLT Extended Cab buyers who need to do some serious off-roading. Among the hardware goodies are a limited-slip differential, 31-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires, special 15-inch alloy wheels, tow hooks, skid plates, Bilstein shocks, special exterior trim and sport seats. All Rangers get a SecuriLock antitheft system, while XLT and Edge 4WD models have a new 16-inch wheel design. An MP3 player is newly optional, and models equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 get improved fuel economy.
zzdcar says
The 2002 Ford Ranger isn't the freshest compact pickup on the market, but it has aged gracefully. We like this truck plenty, especially when equipped with the available 207-horse V6 engine.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Ford Ranger XL 2dr Regular Cab (2.3L 4cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.
Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota
$167/mo for Ranger XL
Ranger XL
XL 2dr Regular Cab (2.3L 4cyl 5A) - $12,565 MSRPXL 2dr Regular Cab SB (3.0L 6cyl 5A) - $12,955 MSRPXL 2dr Regular Cab LB (3.0L 6cyl 5A) - $13,490 MSRPXL 2dr Regular Cab (2.3L 4cyl 5M) - $13,675 MSRPXL 2dr Regular Cab (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $15,940 MSRPXL 2dr SuperCab (2.3L 4cyl 5A) - $16,235 MSRPXL 2dr SuperCab (3.0L 6cyl 5A) - $16,625 MSRPXL 4dr SuperCab (3.0L 6cyl 5A) - $17,910 MSRPXL 2dr Regular Cab 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $19,250 MSRPXL 2dr SuperCab 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5M) - $19,495 MSRPXL 4dr SuperCab 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $21,545 MSRPXLT 2dr Regular Cab (2.3L 4cyl 5A) - $14,585 MSRPXLT 2dr Regular Cab SB (3.0L 6cyl 5A) - $15,305 MSRPXLT 2dr SuperCab (2.3L 4cyl 5M) - $16,820 MSRPXLT 2dr Regular Cab LB (3.0L 6cyl 5A) - $16,930 MSRPXLT 2dr SuperCab (3.0L 6cyl 5A) - $17,215 MSRPXLT 2dr SuperCab 4WD (3.0L 6cyl 5A) - $20,510 MSRPXLT 2dr SuperCab 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $20,690 MSRPXLT 4dr SuperCab 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $22,330 MSRPEdge 2dr Regular Cab (3.0L 6cyl 5A) - $15,035 MSRPEdge 2dr SuperCab (3.0L 6cyl 5A) - $17,475 MSRPEdge 2dr SuperCab (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $18,195 MSRPEdge 4dr SuperCab 4WD (3.0L 6cyl 5A) - $21,020 MSRPEdge 4dr SuperCab 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $21,200 MSRPTremor 2dr SuperCab (3.0L 6cyl 5A) - $18,825 MSRPTremor 4dr SuperCab (3.0L 6cyl 5A) - $21,130 MSRPXLT Appearance 2dr SuperCab (3.0L 6cyl 5A) - $18,865 MSRPXLT Appearance 4dr SuperCab (3.0L 6cyl 5A) - $19,950 MSRPXLT Appearance 4dr SuperCab (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $21,035 MSRPEdge Plus 2dr Regular Cab 4WD (3.0L 6cyl 5A) - $19,270 MSRPEdge Plus 4dr SuperCab (3.0L 6cyl 5A) - $19,960 MSRPEdge Plus 4dr SuperCab 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A) (Most Popular) - $24,085 MSRPXLT Off-Road 4dr SuperCab 4WD (3.0L 6cyl 5A) - $22,180 MSRPXLT Off-Road 4dr SuperCab 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5M) - $22,360 MSRPXLT Off-Road 4dr SuperCab 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $24,515 MSRPXLT FX4 4dr SuperCab 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $25,010 MSRP
vs
$218/mo
Avg. Compact Truck
Vehicle overview
Whether it's image or utility that attracts you to a compact truck, Ford stands ready to seduce you into its strong-selling Ranger, which is sold in XL, Edge or XLT trim in a variety of cabs, bed styles and drivetrains. Pick a regular cab or SuperCab with either two- or four-wheel drive. Need a longbed? You're stuck with a regular-cab two-wheeler, chum.
The standard engine on 2WD models is a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine. It makes 135 horsepower and 153 pound-feet of torque. A 3.0-liter V6 is standard on 4WD models and gets better fuel economy for 2002. It produces 150 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of twist. The Explorer's 4.0-liter V6 is also available packing 207 horsepower and 238 lb-ft of grunt.
With the largest V6, acceleration is sprightly, both from a standstill or when merging and passing. This year, the big engine can be matched to a five-speed manual transmission, but only in the new FX4 off-road truck.
Designed to appeal to the Ranger buyer who needs a serious off-roading rig, the new FX4 includes a limited-slip differential, 31-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires, special 15-inch alloy wheels, tow hooks, skid plates and Bilstein shocks. Special exterior trim dresses the outside, while sport seats, A-pillar grab handles and rubber "slush" floor mats are added to the cabin. The FX4 package is only available on XLT 4WD SuperCab models.
Other changes for 2002 include the addition of a SecuriLock anti-theft system on all Rangers. A new MP3 player is optional, a first in the compact pickup segment, according to Ford. Edge and XLT models configured as 4WD SuperCabs get a revised 16-inch alloy wheel design, and color-keyed floor mats are standard on all XLTs. Three new paint colors round out the changes.
Well-controlled overall, with good steering feedback, Rangers handle easily, corner capably, maneuver neatly and stay reasonably stable on curves. Occupants aren't likely to complain about the ride, either, though it can grow bouncy around town. This is not surprising, as mileage isn't the greatest with the powerful four-liter engine and five-speed automatic.
The four-door SuperCab makes it easy to access the storage compartment from either side of the truck, a big assist when loading cargo and gear. The standard rear doors on SuperCab models hinge off the corner pillars of the cab and swing out 90 degrees from the vehicle. There are no B-pillars to obstruct loading. If you're looking for a true crew cab truck, you'll have to shop for an Explorer Sport Trac.
Ford has had the best-selling small trucks in the U.S. for years. Fun to drive, sharp-looking and well-built, the Ranger delivers a solid compact-pickup experience. Its most serious competition comes from the Dodge Dakota and Toyota Tacoma. The Dakota is slightly larger and offers V8 power while the Toyota has a reputation for stout build quality and infallible reliability. Still, Ford's entry is worth a look, if the Dodge and Toyota don't meet your needs.
2002 Ranger Highlights
Type: SuperCabRegular CabRegular Cab
Trim: XLXLTEdgeEdge PlusXL
| Base MSRP | $12,565 |
|---|
| Engine Type | Gas |
|---|
| Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
|---|
| Cost to Drive | $167/month |
|---|
| Seating | 3 seats |
|---|
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
|---|
| Max Towing Capacity | 6,070 lbs. |
|---|
| Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
|---|
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