Ranger comes in two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive models, spread through three trim designations, three cab configurations, and three wheelbase lengths, with six- and seven-foot beds, and flat Styleside or notched Flareside fender shapes.
Three engines are available, two V6 engines and a four-cylinder. The 2.3-liter four-cylinder with dual overhead cams and four valves per cylinder is rated at 135 horsepower and 153 foot-pounds of torque. The 3.0-liter V6 is rated at 154 horsepower and 180 pounds-feet of torque. The 4.0-liter V6 develops 207 horsepower and 238 foot-pounds of torque.
Five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmissions are offered with all three engines.
The price-leading base edition is the XL Regular Cab Styleside ($12,270) with the 2.3-liter engine, manual transmission, and two-wheel-drive. Add an extended SuperCab, four-wheel drive, and a 4.0-liter V6, and the price climbs to $21,250. Opt for a SuperCab Flareside XLT with 4WD, and the tab rises to $22,645.
Options include a new five-speed automatic transmission, a limited-slip rear differential, power windows and auxiliary rear doors for the SuperCab, all of which can load the bottom line by as much as $3,000.
Special models supply a surplus of attitude. The Edge sports monochromatic color schemes that include a vivid Chrome Yellow. Edge comes in 4x2 and 4x4, but either way it rides at 4x4 height. Tow hooks, fog lights, and a 60-watt stereo with CD player all contribute to its attitude. Edge prices start at $17,295 with a 3.0-liter V6, but can climb as high as $23,905 with a 4.0-liter, 4WD, and four-door SuperCab.
New for 2002 is an off-road package called the FX4 ($24,830). Based on a four-door SuperCab XLT, FX4 comes with 4WD, 4.0-liter V6, a 4.10 rear end, skid plates, tow hooks, Bilstein shocks, and other serious off-road equipment; interior trim includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, and a host of power luxuries and conveniences.