2002 Ford F-150 Regular Cab

Although the F-150's design is getting a bit long in the tooth—GM redesigned and updated its basic pickups last year and Dodge just did the same with its Ram models—it's still very competitive. Ford sells more F-150s than any other truck or car in America. And F-Series trucks have been the bestsellers here for 24 years consecutively, so Ford's huge volume allows dealers to discount their trucks enticingly. This is particularly true if the model with most of the features you're seeking is sitting on your dealer's lot.

F-150 Regular Cab choices are extensive: Styleside (shown) or Flareside (stepside) beds, two- or four-wheel drive, V-6 or V-8 power, 6.5- or 8.0-foot-long beds, and on and on.

Fords have a reputation for being tough, reliable performers. Personalization is popular with pickups today. Although many are still workhorses, a heavy level of feature availability makes them popular as everyday, dual-use vehicles. To suit buyers, the Ford catalog lists a staggering number of accessories and upgrades—and that's before you look at all the available equipment the aftermarket offers. Ford's Regular Cab pickup trucks allow you to choose between Flareside and Styleside (stepside) beds with either 6 1/2-foot or full 8-foot beds. An optional $195 easy-to-use, flipover bed extender helps make up the difference. There's also a choice of two- or four-wheel-drive.


For 2002, Ford has added interest with several different trim levels and upgrade packages, including the supercharged SVT Lightning Regular Cab model with an explosive 380 horsepower. If you need room for family and friends, there's a new FX4 4x4 off-road package in the SuperCab series (two front doors and two auxiliary rear doors, with seating for five) and a classy King Ranch variant with Castano saddlebag-like leather interior in both SuperCab and SuperCrew (four full, outside-opening doors, five seats) variations. The entire Ford line of 4x2 and 4x4 pickups, including the bigger F-250/F-350 models and all Regular Cab, SuperCab and SuperCrew variations, offers seven different wheelbases.

Regular Cab F-150s are powered by either a 4.2-liter OHV V-6 or a choice of SOHC Triton V-8s: 4.6-liter or 5.4-liter (shown). The 5.4 puts out 260 horses and 350 lb.-ft. of torque.

The F-150 Regular Cab comes standard with a 4.2-liter 202-hp V-6 that's ULEV rated. Optionally, there's a 231-hp 4.6-liter V-8-and the meaty Triton 5.4-liter V-8 boosts horsepower to 260. Torque ratings are 252/293/350 lb.-ft. respectively.