2002 Ford Ranger Consumer Reviews

Great Truck!

Written by: Jack on 06/07/2008

Vehicle

2002 Ford Ranger 2dr SuperCab XLT 4WD Styleside SB (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I have had this truck for 5 years and have had no problems. Runs great. The mileage could be better, but isn't bad considering the 4.0l motor.

Favorite Features

4 wheel drive, 4.0l motor, overall looks.

Suggested Improvements

None.

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Lots of trouble

Written by: dckat on 05/13/2008

Vehicle

2002 Ford Ranger 4dr SuperCab Edge Plus 4WD Styleside SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

City mpg is single digits. At only 56K, had to replace right front wheel bearing (cost double since hub assembly had to come off). Air bag sensor has a mind of its own; light is never accurate. Factory recall on cruise control cable. Steering column locks up sometimes until key is jiggled. After running for many hours (on long trips), the six-CD changer wouldn't eject; the new one (replaced under warranty) does the same. Bought new front tires, and gone through two sets of brakes (soon to be three). It sounds like a valve is tapping in the engine, and engine power is less than when new. Water pools inside front door after heavy rain. Driver's window motor seizes up.

Favorite Features

We love the stepside body and the reverse opening rear doors. Also the 4WD, and the step bar, and the ability to turn off high gear (it's an automatic). We appreciate the cruise control, the fog lights, and the extra power outlet.

Suggested Improvements

Needs better: windshield wipers, defogging capabilities, CD changer, fuel efficiency, electrical system quality. It could use tougher upholstery, a vanity mirror, and map lights (like the '99). Glove box is awkwardly shaped, roll edge on seats is too thick. Odd engineering makes repairs expensive.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Great work truck

Written by: ARE on 05/13/2008

Vehicle

2002 Ford Ranger 2dr SuperCab XLT 2WD Styleside SB (2.3L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Not the fastest, or the strongest out there but a good work truck that is a great value. Easy to work on, and maintain.

Favorite Features

Reliability. In 5.5 years and 140,000 only problem outside of regular maintenance. Window motor went out last year, replaced it for about $85

Suggested Improvements

Interior ergonomics

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Excellent Choice

Written by: Chris on 05/11/2008

Vehicle

2002 Ford Ranger 2dr Regular Cab Edge 2WD Styleside SB (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I purchased the 2002 Ranger Edge to replace my 1999 Mustang because my wife and I needed the cargo space. I could not be more happy with the choice. I have spent a lot of time travelling with work and lived in Japan for 3 years, so the truck has very low mileage (just went over 25k). All I have had to do is change the oil, and purchase new battery/tires when I got back from Japan. It runs like a champion.

Favorite Features

I love how simple it is. I purchased the truck to last forever, and with no power locks or windows, there is much less that can go wrong. It's meant to be a utility vehicle, not a family car.

Suggested Improvements

I wish the 3.0 V-6 had a little more power, but overall it has enough power. I have never fully loaded it down, but I have hauled in the neighborhood of 1k and never had any problems.

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Great truck...but

Written by: Chandros101 on 04/16/2008

Vehicle

2002 Ford Ranger 4dr SuperCab Edge Plus 4WD Styleside SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I have not had a problem with my Edge 4wd. The only complaint I have is the gas mileage. If Im lucky I'll get 13 mpg hiway! If I had known mileage was this bad I would have bought an F150 or F250. Other that that it is a great truck. I have had for 6 years and the only thing I had to put on were brakes and front rotors. It now has 128,000 miles on it.

Favorite Features

Power, body design, reliability

Suggested Improvements

Ford needs to be more realistic with its sticker EPA. It wasn't even close

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Basic truck

Written by: Michael Kinney on 03/16/2008

Vehicle

2002 Ford Ranger 2dr Regular Cab XL 2WD Styleside SB (2.3L 4cyl 5M)

Review

This is a basic no frills truck. Have had no real problems except for the rear window. This leaks and I have tried everything and can't seem to get it fixed. Not a race car. Small 4 cyl. does not have the poop to haul or tow much of anything. It is a basic, small utility truck. Mileage is nothing to be proud of. Factory tires stink. On wet roads the back end has lost traction and sent me into all three lanes of traffic on the freeway. I spent $400 and got better tires! No more problems. Don't drive these small trucks on snow or ice! You're asking for trouble. They are too light in the rear unless you load something heavy into it..

Favorite Features

The truck was cheap.

Suggested Improvements

Cannot really improve on a basic design like this. Put real tires on it.

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Awesome little truck

Written by: timri on 01/22/2008

Vehicle

2002 Ford Ranger 2dr Regular Cab XLT 2WD Styleside SB (2.3L 4cyl 5M)

Review

My Ranger has been one of, if not the most, reliable vehicles I have ever owned. In the 6 years of ownership, have done nothing but oil changes to date. Handles heavy loads easily. Tows my boat with ease. I have been a Ford fan for many years and between this and my 2002 Lincoln Continental I don't foresee needing to buy anoother new vehicle for many years to come.

Favorite Features

Gas mileage( I get 20mpg around town/28 highway), Step Side Bed looks awesome.

Suggested Improvements

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Nice truck, Terrible Fuel Economy

Written by: maxlessca on 12/24/2007

Vehicle

2002 Ford Ranger 2dr SuperCab XLT 2WD Styleside SB (2.3L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I've been looking around for my first vehicle for the last 2 years. I really wanted a car, which could tow a 2000lb trailer. I eventually gave up the struggle and bought a Ranger. It was the 4.0L with every option except 4wd. All my friends/ family love it. I was so happy with my purchase... until I started filling it up. It has terrible fuel economy. I'm very light footed and I average 11mpg city and 18mpg highway with cruise on 60mph. (Worst fill-up so far was 9.5mpg) Also, the 6-disc CD changer went on me the first time I put a CD in it. It jammed up on me. I love the towing capabilities and the features (air, cruise, power everything, strong engine), but the fuel economy is terrible.

Favorite Features

Love the features and 4.0L power. Bought the Ranger model with the highest tow rating (5860lbs)and it is very nice to tow with. It fits in tight spaces, yet hauls bigger loads. Much cheaper than a Toyota.

Suggested Improvements

I bought the step-side (mistake) and it is a couple inches shy of 48" wide. I need a trailer to buy a 4x8 sheet of plywood. Fuel economy is hurting me. Coming from a family of Toyota's and Honda's, I hate Ford's transmissions. They need to be refined more.

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Great!

Written by: flumsteve on 08/19/2007

Vehicle

2002 Ford Ranger 4dr SuperCab Edge 4WD Styleside SB (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I work in a sand mine where I have to constantly go into sand and mud. It handles very well in even the most loose of sand and if 2wd won't do it, than the 4wd will! Great truck all around.

Favorite Features

Rear axle,4wd

Suggested Improvements

Could put a different set of stock tires on it becouse they have a little road noise but they have good tracktion.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Good, reliable truck

Written by: 2002 Ranger Owner on 08/13/2007

Vehicle

2002 Ford Ranger 2dr SuperCab XLT 2WD Styleside SB (2.3L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I purchased my Ford Ranger SuperCab (4- cylinder with a manual transmission) new in 2002. It has been 100% reliable with no problems ever. I am extremely pleased with its reliability, quality of Ford workmanship, and most of all the gas mileage performance. Before I purchased my Ranger, I test drove the Chevy S-10, Nissan Frontier, and Toyota Tacoma. I decided on the Ford Ranger because of its price and the cab size seemed to me to be larger than the other trucks. It is a great truck, fun to drive, and it has been 100% reliable. Preventative maintenance is easy.

Favorite Features

The gas mileage and reliability has been the most pleasing feature of my 2002 Ford Ranger SuperCab. I have always gotten 26 mpg in city driving and 32 mpg highway driving. During these times of high gas prices, filling up the gas tank is not such an excruciating experience.

Suggested Improvements

The trade-in value on Ford Rangers are disapointing. I wish I had purchased my Ford Ranger SuperCab with an automatic transmission and cruise control. I really don't have any negative comments to say about my Ford Ranger. It is a great, little truck.

6 out 7 people found this review helpful

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