The 2002 ford ranger is a popular compact pickup truck that has been a favorite among truck enthusiasts for many years. It was introduced in 1983 and has been in production for over 30 years, making it one of the longest-running models in the Ford lineup. The 2002 model year was a significant year for the Ford Ranger as it received a facelift, making it more modern and stylish. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive review of the 2002 Ford Ranger, highlighting its key features, performance, safety, and reliability.
Exterior Design
The 2002 Ford Ranger has a classic and timeless design that has aged well over the years. It is available in two body styles; regular cab and super cab. The regular cab has a single row of seats, while the super cab has a second row of jump seats that can accommodate up to two passengers. The exterior of the Ranger was updated in 2002, giving it a bolder and more aggressive look. The front end of the truck features a large chrome grille and a redesigned bumper that gives it a more muscular appearance. The Ranger is also available in a range of colors, including black, white, silver, blue, and red.
The Ranger’s exterior features are also noteworthy. The truck comes standard with 15-inch wheels, but 16-inch and 17-inch wheels are available on higher trims. The truck features a bed length of either 6 feet or 7 feet, depending on the cab style. The bed also has a range of bed liners and covers available, making it a versatile vehicle for transporting cargo. Additionally, the 2002 Ranger has a towing capacity of up to 5,600 pounds, making it a capable vehicle for towing trailers or boats.
Interior Features
The 2002 Ford Ranger has a simple yet functional interior. The cabin space is comfortable and spacious, with plenty of headroom and legroom for both the driver and passengers. The front seats are supportive and offer excellent visibility of the road ahead. The Ranger’s interior is also equipped with a range of comfort and convenience features, including air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, and a CD player. Higher trims come with additional features such as leather seats, a premium sound system, and a six-disc CD changer.
The Ranger’s technology and entertainment features are also worth noting. The 2002 model year introduced an optional four-wheel-drive system that makes it more capable off-road. The Ranger also features a four-speaker audio system with an AM/FM radio and a CD player. Higher trims come with additional features such as satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and a premium sound system. The Ranger also has a range of safety features, including anti-lock brakes, front airbags, and a security system.
The 2002 Ford Ranger is available with two engine options. The base engine is a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 135 horsepower and 153 lb-ft of torque. The second engine option is a 3.0-liter V6 engine that produces 154 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. Both engines come standard with a five-speed manual transmission, while a four-speed automatic transmission is available as an option. The Ranger’s fuel efficiency is also noteworthy, with the four-cylinder engine achieving an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The V6 engine achieves an EPA-estimated 17 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.
The Ranger’s performance is also impressive. It has a smooth and responsive ride, with precise handling and steering that makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The Ranger’s off-road capabilities are also noteworthy, with the optional four-wheel-drive system providing excellent traction on rough terrain. The Ranger’s towing capacity is also impressive, with the V6 engine capable of towing up to 5,600 pounds when properly equipped.
In the next sections, we will be looking at the safety and reliability of the 2002 Ford Ranger and its pros and cons.
Interior Features
The 2002 Ford Ranger’s cabin space is one of its biggest selling points. Despite its compact size, the Ranger’s interior is spacious and comfortable. The regular cab model seats three passengers, while the super cab model seats up to five passengers. The front seats are supportive and comfortable, with plenty of legroom and headroom for taller drivers. The super cab model’s rear jump seats are ideal for short trips and can be folded up to create additional cargo space.
The Ranger’s comfort and convenience features are also notable. The base model comes with air conditioning, cloth seats, and a four-speaker audio system with an AM/FM radio and a CD player. Higher trims come with additional features such as power windows, power door locks, cruise control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Ranger’s interior is also equipped with a range of storage compartments, including cup holders, door pockets, and a center console with a storage bin.
The Ranger’s technology and entertainment features are also impressive. The 2002 model year introduced optional four-wheel drive and an electronic shift-on-the-fly transfer case, making it more capable off-road. The Ranger also has an optional premium sound system with a six-disc CD changer and a subwoofer. Higher trims come with additional features such as satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and a navigation system.
Performance and Engine Specs
The 2002 Ford Ranger comes with two engine options. The base engine is a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 135 horsepower and 153 lb-ft of torque. The second engine option is a 3.0-liter V6 engine that produces 154 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. Both engines come standard with a five-speed manual transmission, while a four-speed automatic transmission is available as an option.
The Ranger’s engine options provide a good balance between power and fuel efficiency. The four-cylinder engine achieves an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, while the V6 engine achieves an EPA-estimated 17 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. The Ranger’s towing capacity is also impressive, with the V6 engine capable of towing up to 5,600 pounds when properly equipped.
The Ranger’s transmission options are also noteworthy. The five-speed manual transmission is standard on both engine options and provides a smooth and responsive ride. The four-speed automatic transmission is available as an option and is ideal for drivers who prefer an automatic transmission. The Ranger’s optional four-wheel-drive system also makes it more capable off-road, providing excellent traction on rough terrain. Overall, the Ranger’s performance and engine specs make it a versatile and capable vehicle for a range of tasks, from hauling cargo to towing trailers.
Safety and Reliability
The 2002 Ford Ranger is a safe and reliable vehicle that has been well-regarded for its durability and longevity. The Ranger comes standard with a range of safety features, including anti-lock brakes, front airbags, and a security system. Higher trims come with additional safety features such as side airbags, traction control, and stability control. The 2002 Ford Ranger also received good ratings in crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Ranger received a four-star rating for front crash tests and a five-star rating for side impact tests.
In terms of reliability, the 2002 Ford Ranger has been a dependable vehicle over the years. According to J.D. Power, the 2002 Ranger received an above-average rating for overall quality and reliability. The Ranger has also been known for its durability, with many owners reporting that their vehicles have lasted well over 200,000 miles with proper maintenance.
Conclusion
Overall, the 2002 Ford Ranger is an excellent choice for anyone in the market for a compact pickup truck. It has a classic and timeless design, a range of powerful and fuel-efficient engines, and a comfortable and functional interior. The Ranger is also a safe and reliable vehicle that has been well-regarded for its durability and longevity.
In summary, the 2002 Ford Ranger is a versatile and capable vehicle that can handle a variety of tasks, whether it be hauling cargo or towing a trailer. While the Ranger does have its drawbacks, such as its lack of modern technology and limited cab space, its pros far outweigh its cons. If you’re in the market for a used pickup truck, the 2002 Ford Ranger is definitely worth considering.
