2002 Ford F-150: Road Test
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2002 Ford F-150 ▼
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- MSRP: $18,540 -$35,995
- Invoice: $16,439 -$31,541
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Our road test for the 2002 Ford F-150 includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Ford F-150 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Ford F-150, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Ford F-150 help you decide if a 2002 Ford F-150 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| XL reg. cab 2WD, V6 | XLT SuperCab 4WD, 4.6 V8 | Lariat SuperCrew 4WD, 5.4 V8 | SVT Lightning | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 4.6 |
Noisy base V6 provides leisurely acceleration. The 4.6 V8 is sufficient for most light-duty work, but the 5.4 is satisfyingly stronger. Supercharged Lightning model is a rocket.
FUEL ECONOMY
| XL reg. cab 2WD, V6 | XLT SuperCab 4WD, 4.6 V8 | Lariat SuperCrew 4WD, 5.4 V8 | SVT Lightning | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2.1 |
A 4.6-liter SuperCab 4x4 averaged 12.5 mpg over 10,000 mi. in an extended-use test. Test 2WD SuperCrew averaged 15.2 mpg while a 4WD version returned just 11.9 with more city driving; both had the 5.4 V8. Our test Lightning averaged 10.4 mpg. Ford recommends premium fuel for the supercharged models.
RIDE QUALITY
| XL reg. cab 2WD, V6 | XLT SuperCab 4WD, 4.6 V8 | Lariat SuperCrew 4WD, 5.4 V8 | SVT Lightning | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 3.5 |
Base-suspension F-150s have a stable, relatively comfortable ride. Typical truck bouncing and pitching is evident, but not excessive. Those with off-road, heavy-duty, or sport suspensions ride quite stiffly.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| XL reg. cab 2WD, V6 | XLT SuperCab 4WD, 4.6 V8 | Lariat SuperCrew 4WD, 5.4 V8 | SVT Lightning | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 3.1 |
Body lean and mediocre tire grip are the rule in changes of direction. These traits, like the light, numb steering feel, are shared with other full-size pickups. Notable exceptions are the Harley-Davidson Edition and the Lightning, where wide tires and sport suspension provide surprisingly capable road manners. Brakes on all have good pedal feel and strong stopping power.
QUIETNESS
| XL reg. cab 2WD, V6 | XLT SuperCab 4WD, 4.6 V8 | Lariat SuperCrew 4WD, 5.4 V8 | SVT Lightning | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4.3 |
Wind and road noise are moderate by pickup standards. Ford's overhead cam V8s are among the quieter engines in any truck.
CONTROLS
| XL reg. cab 2WD, V6 | XLT SuperCab 4WD, 4.6 V8 | Lariat SuperCrew 4WD, 5.4 V8 | SVT Lightning | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Radio and climate controls a bit of a reach for the driver. Other controls handy. Large, clear gauges. Materials range from stark to luxurious. Workmanship solid on test F-150s, with impressive fit and finish inside and out.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| XL reg. cab 2WD, V6 | XLT SuperCab 4WD, 4.6 V8 | Lariat SuperCrew 4WD, 5.4 V8 | SVT Lightning | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 8.5 |
Ample passenger room, but entry/exit in the tall-riding 4WD models is more of a chore than in Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| XL reg. cab 2WD, V6 | XLT SuperCab 4WD, 4.6 V8 | Lariat SuperCrew 4WD, 5.4 V8 | SVT Lightning | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 4 | 8 | 0 | 4.4 |
SuperCrew plenty roomy, comfortable for three adults. Step-in high, but crew-cab door openings large. SuperCab's rear-opening doors less accommodating, leg room tight, and seatback uncomfortably upright. GM's extended-cabs more comfortable than F-Series SuperCab.
CARGO ROOM
| XL reg. cab 2WD, V6 | XLT SuperCab 4WD, 4.6 V8 | Lariat SuperCrew 4WD, 5.4 V8 | SVT Lightning | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 | 7 | 1 | 5 |
Regular cabs don't have as much room behind the seat as GM and Dodge competitors, but folding the rear seat in extended and crew cabs creates a large, handy compartment with a tough metal floor.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| XL reg. cab 2WD, V6 | XLT SuperCab 4WD, 4.6 V8 | Lariat SuperCrew 4WD, 5.4 V8 | SVT Lightning | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 9 | 10 | 4 | 6.7 |
A keen blend of good manners, true-truck muscle, and competitive pricing earns F-150 Best Buy status. Silverado and Sierra match up well in performance and comfort, and boast class-leading 4WD convenience. The redesigned '02 Dodge Ram and Toyota Tundra also have their virtues. Shop for the best deal on the combination of attributes that suits you.
Total Score
| XL reg. cab 2WD, V6 | XLT SuperCab 4WD, 4.6 V8 | Lariat SuperCrew 4WD, 5.4 V8 | SVT Lightning | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 38 | 52 | 61 | 44 | 48.9 |
Total Score: 49
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks
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