2002 Ford Ranger Review

2001 Ford Ranger 2dr Regular Cab Edge 2WD Styleside SB

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List Price Estimate:	$1,471 - $2,984

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Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Four-door extended cab, available 207-hp V6, functional control layout.

Cons

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.

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 Highlights

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.

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Ford Ranger.

5(59%)

4(29%)

3(8%)

2(3%)

1(1%)

4.4

148 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Good reliable truck for the money!

Bill Slater,11/13/2015

XLT FX4 4dr SuperCab 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Very reliable truck I've owned 5 rangers in my lifetime when I grew up my family has owned them dad and grandfather My recent ranger I've owned for over 3 years 2002 4x4 fx4 great truck great in the snow 4x4 works awesome I get poor fuel economy 13 city lucky if I get 17 highway but no need to complain no 4x4 midsize truck will get good fuel economy I have 93000 miles on it besides

I'm gonna miss her when she's gone

jim bob bobkin,08/15/2018

XL 4dr SuperCab (3.0L 6cyl 5A)

I've owned this truck since it was new... over 16 years! Been very dependable and capable for a small truck. After moving from Texas to snow country, I'm afraid it may be time for 4WD. Can't stress enough how reliable this truck has been. Power is adequate but works hard to go up winding mountain roads. MPG has always been better than advertised.

Best vehicle EVER!!

glm75,05/12/2013

XL 2dr Regular Cab (2.3L 4cyl 5A)

I bought this truck new and barely had any problems during the 13 years i owned it. I performed regular maintinence as suggested and drove this truck to 200,000 miles until someone rearended me. During those 200k, i replaced the MASS AIRFLOW SENSORE at 120k, the coil pack at 178k, fan clutch at 180k and manual transmission broke at 185k (i should have never tried to drive from NJ to New

The only rig i havent been able to kill!....yet

John handy,06/09/2016

XLT FX4 4dr SuperCab 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

I will tell you this is a tough s.o.b! I've always been known as a hard drivin, evil Duke boy kinda guy .I have driven rallied and raced more vehicles to death than i can count .I purchased my 2002 Ranger FX4 right after a very long relationship ended and as usually is the case the ex releived me of my new truck.Being of irish decent and pissed at the world i took ALOT of my issues out

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Features & Specs

See all Used 2002 Ford Ranger specs & features

Safety

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Driver4 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Side Barrier Rating
OverallNot Rated
Driver5 / 5
PassengerNot Rated
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front SeatNot Rated
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
Rollover3 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of RolloverNot Rated

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Side Impact Test
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Not Tested
IIHS Small Overlap Front Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test
Acceptable

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More about the 2002 Ford Ranger

Used 2002 Ford Ranger Overview

The Used 2002 Ford Ranger is offered in the following submodels: Ranger SuperCab, Ranger Regular Cab. Available styles include Edge Plus 4dr SuperCab 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A), Edge Plus 4dr SuperCab (3.0L 6cyl 5A), Edge 2dr Regular Cab (3.0L 6cyl 5A), XLT Appearance 4dr SuperCab (3.0L 6cyl 5A), Edge 2dr SuperCab (3.0L 6cyl 5A), Edge 4dr SuperCab 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A), XLT Appearance 4dr SuperCab (4.0L 6cyl 5A), Edge 4dr SuperCab 4WD (3.0L 6cyl 5A), XLT 2dr SuperCab 4WD (3.0L 6cyl 5A), XLT 2dr SuperCab (3.0L 6cyl 5A), XLT 2dr Regular Cab LB (3.0L 6cyl 5A), XL 4dr SuperCab 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A), XL 2dr Regular Cab (2.3L 4cyl 5A), XLT 2dr SuperCab 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A), XL 2dr Regular Cab LB (3.0L 6cyl 5A), XLT 4dr SuperCab 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A), XLT Off-Road 4dr SuperCab 4WD (3.0L 6cyl 5A), Edge 2dr SuperCab (4.0L 6cyl 5A), XLT Appearance 2dr SuperCab (3.0L 6cyl 5A), XLT 2dr Regular Cab (2.3L 4cyl 5A), XLT Off-Road 4dr SuperCab 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A), XL 2dr Regular Cab 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A), XLT 2dr SuperCab (2.3L 4cyl 5M), XLT FX4 4dr SuperCab 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A), Tremor 4dr SuperCab (3.0L 6cyl 5A), XL 2dr Regular Cab (2.3L 4cyl 5M), XL 4dr SuperCab (3.0L 6cyl 5A), XL 2dr Regular Cab SB (3.0L 6cyl 5A), XL 2dr Regular Cab (4.0L 6cyl 5A), XLT 2dr Regular Cab SB (3.0L 6cyl 5A), XL 2dr SuperCab (3.0L 6cyl 5A), Tremor 2dr SuperCab (3.0L 6cyl 5A), Edge Plus 2dr Regular Cab 4WD (3.0L 6cyl 5A), XL 2dr SuperCab (2.3L 4cyl 5A), XL 2dr SuperCab 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5M), and XLT Off-Road 4dr SuperCab 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5M). Pre-owned Ford Ranger models are available with a 4.0 L-liter gas engine or a 3.0 L-liter flex-fuel (FFV) engine or a 3.0 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 207 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2002 Ford Ranger comes with four wheel drive, and rear wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 5-speed automatic, 5-speed manual. The Used 2002 Ford Ranger comes with a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. basic warranty, a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. roadside warranty, and a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. powertrain warranty.

What's a good price on a Used 2002 Ford Ranger?

Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.

Which used 2002 Ford Rangers are available in my area?

Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2002 Ford Ranger for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2002 Ford Ranger.

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Should I lease or buy a 2002 Ford Ranger?

Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.

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2002 Ford Ranger Review

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Edmunds' Expert Review

Vehicle overview

2002 Highlights

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Ford Ranger.

Most helpful consumer reviews

Features & Specs

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Used 2002 Ford Ranger Overview

What's a good price on a Used 2002 Ford Ranger?

Which used 2002 Ford Rangers are available in my area?

Can't find a used 2002 Ford Rangers you want in your area? Consider a broader search.

Should I lease or buy a 2002 Ford Ranger?

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