2002 Ford F-150: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

This report covers the half-ton version of Ford's full-size pickup, which receives few changes for 2002. F-150 offers three cab styles. Regular cabs have cargo beds of 6.5 or 8 ft. SuperCab extended cabs have two back-hinged rear doors that do not open independently of the front doors. SuperCabs include a 3-place rear bench seat and use either bed length. SuperCrew crew cabs have four conventional doors, a roomier 3-passenger rear seat, and a 5.5-ft bed. The 6.5-ft bed comes in flat-side Styleside form or as a flare-fender Flareside; the others are Styleside only. F-150s are available with rear-wheel drive or 4WD that must be disengaged on dry pavement but includes low-range gearing. Engines are a 4.2-liter V6 or V8s of 4.6 and 5.4 liters. The 5.4 comes only with automatic transmission, the others with manual or automatic. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard. The SVT Lightning is a high-performance 2WD regular cab with a 380-hp supercharged 5.4 V8 and sport suspension.

For 2002, air conditioning is standard on all F-150s. Lariat and King Ranch SuperCrews add standard automatic climate control. And King Ranch trim is available on SuperCabs as well as SuperCrews. A new FX4 Off-Road package includes heavy-duty shock absorbers, skid plates, unique body cladding, and 17-inch all-terrain tires. Returning midyear was the Harley-Davidson Edition, a SuperCrew with exclusive 20-inch wheels and special trim inside and out. For 2002, it replaces a 260-hp 5.4 V8 with a 340-hp supercharged version, and now comes in gray as well as black.

COMPETITION

With the advent of crossover vehicles this segment has become less defined. Once the domain of work-related heavy-duty pickups, buyers are now demanding that their full-size trucks do double duty. Our Best Buys remain the Chevy Silverado, Ford F-150, and GMC Sierra. These trucks offer a wide range of powertrain combinations, plenty of luxury accommodations, and ample towing power--though the GM twins are the only ones to offer full-time 4WD.

The big-rig-styled Dodge Ram matches the new Ford and GM models feature for feature but can't match their ride comfort or civility. We also like the expensive Toyota Tundra. What it lacks in brute strength, it more than makes up for with refined road manners.