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Overview:
Like its archrival the Chevrolet
S-10, the Ford Ranger is also getting a little long in the tooth
but Ford has some tricks up its sleeve for the best selling compact
pickup.
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.
All
new for 2002 is the FX4 off-road package, built on the four-door
SuperCab chassis, brings rugged off-road functionality to the Ford
Ranger, without requiring the owner to purchase a lot of aftermarket
parts.
Ford
also continues sales of its Ranger Edge model, introduced to the
Ranger lineup in 2001. The Edge offers aggressive styling and high
stance aimed at your, active-lifestyle customers who want a vehicle
with a distinctive appearance, at an affordable price. This package
is positioned between the XL and XLT models and offers cosmetic
and performance features.
Finally,
look for SLP Engineering to offer an aftermarket peformance version
of the Ford Ranger that can be ordered by buyers at dealerships.
SLP has traditionally worked its horsepower and body magic on GM's
F-body cars, the Pontiac Firebird Firehawk and GM Camaro SS.
Exterior
Design:
There are no significant exterior changes for the Ranger in 2002.
Design
elements borrowed from F-series pickups give a visual cue to the
Ranger's heritage.
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.
Interior
Design:
The 2002 Ranger has a dramatically quieter cab through quality improvements
to isolate noise, vibration and harshness.
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.
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