2002 Ranger Overview

Source: Ford Motor Company Press Release

New for 2002

New FX4 premium off-road package.
Revised 3.0L OHV V-6 engine
Optional MP3/CD audio system (October availability)
Colors added: Dark Highland, Green Clearcoat Metallic, Harvest Gold Clearcoat Metallic, Silver Frost Clearcoat Metallic

Overview

The new FX4 off-road package, built on the four-door SuperCab chassis, brings rugged off-road functionality - and the looks to go with it - to the Ford Ranger, without requiring the owner to purchase a lot of aftermarket parts. The package includes:

Four-wheel-drive, 4.0L V-6 engine with 8.8-inch rear axle with 4.10:1 radio, 24-inch water fording capability.
Manual transmission with manual transfer case or automatic transmission with electronic transfer case.
BilsteinÔ off-road shock absorbers and heavy duty springs.
Heavier front skid plate, two easy-access stainless steel tow hooks in front and a black tow hook in rear, forged AlcoaÒ aluminum wheels with exposed stainless lug nuts, 31-inch by 10.5-inch BF Goodrich T/A KO tires.
Styleside box with four available exterior colors, black exterior trim and FX4 decal.
Two available interior colors, special 4x4 floor mats, unique sport bucket seats and fabric, grab-handles for driver and passenger and unique interior trim.
Power equipment group, including power windows, door locks and mirrors and remote keyless entry system. AM/FM dual media stereo, speed control, tilt wheel, leather wrapped steering wheel, sliding rear window.

The "Built Ford Tough" Ranger, sales leader among compact pickups for the past 14 years, offers more power and performance than at any time during its long history, along with the type of refinement not often found in working-hard, playing-hard compact pickups.

Design

Design elements borrowed from F-series pickups give a visual cue to the Ranger's Built Ford Tough truck evolution. On some models, the hood is raised, to hint at the added power beneath. Alternative grille treatments include high-tech argent mesh or tow-bar design cures for a strong family resemblance.

Configurations

Customers in the compact truck segment love to "customize" their truck, often buying a base-model and adding accessories to taste. To aid in their ability to customize, Ranger offers a choice of regular or SuperCab, wheelbase choices, a traditional styleside or a more distinct flareside box and a number of payload capabilities to fit individual needs. The SuperCab version is most popular with buyers, accounting for about 60 percent of sales.

Edge

The Edge model, introduced to the Ranger lineup in 2001, offers aggressive styling and high stance aimed at your, active-lifestyle customers who want a vehicle with a distinctive appearance, at an affordable price. Edge is positioned in the Ranger stable between the XL and XLT models and offers cosmetic and performance features normally not found at its price. Key Edge features include:

Monochromatic exterior, available in red, white, blue, black or a limited edition Chrome Yellow.
4x4 ride height, even in two-wheel drive configurations.
Thick bed rail covers and raised power dome hood.
A durable interior with maslite floor, for easy clean-up.
A four-speaker CD system with Dolby AM/FM stereo and 60 watts.
Tow hooks on 4x4s, fog lamps and a mesh grille.
Air conditioning.

Powertrain

New under the hood for 2002, is refined 3.0L V-6 engine producing 154 horsepower and 180 lb.ft. of torque. The torque profile of the 3.0L has been modified to provide better driveability, improved fuel economy and towing capability.

The 2.3L I-4 inline four cylinder engine (first available in 2001 models) offers more refinement and power than previous four cylinder powerplants. An optional 4.0L SOHC V-6, produces 207 horsepower.

All three Ranger models offer an available five-speed automatic transmission with adaptive shift strategy for consistent performance over the long term, or a heavy-duty, five-speed manual transmission.

Ride and handling

The suspension has been revised to accommodate the new engines and refine ride and handling characteristics. Changes include updated front-end geometry, increased stabilizer bar rates, spring rates, larger standard wheels, upgraded bushings and adjusted shock tuning.

The 2002 Ranger has a dramatically quieter cab through quality improvements to isolate noise, vibration and harshness. Ranger continues impressive stopping performance, through use of electronic brake force distribution and a standard antilock braking system.

Safety and Security

All Ranger models have second-generation airbags and advanced restraints. In a crash, Ranger's safety belts automatically tighten up to keep occupants in the safest position, and then slowly release their energy to ease occupants to a stop.

Ranger has four-wheel antilock brakes standard, large rotors and rear drum brakes and electronic brake force distribution for enhanced efficiency and impressive stopping distances.

Electric Ranger

Ranger is offered as an Electric Vehicle (EV) to customers in California. The EV Ranger will feature carryover styling and be equipped with advanced nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries. The NiMH Ranger EV offers useful range, payload and longer battery life.