2002
Ford Mustang reviews and buying guide.
2002
Ford Mustang resources:
2002 Ford Mustang
review continued...
Powertrains
The
standard Mustang engine is a 3.8-liter OHV V-6, producing
190 horsepower at 5,250 rpm and 220 foot-pounds of torque
at 2,750 rpm. The engine features split-port induction,
which helps optimize fuel economy, along with enhanced-flow
cylinder heads and anti-friction piston coatings.
GT
models have a standard 4.6-liter SOHC V-8 that produces
260 horsepower at 5,250 rpm and 302 foot-pounds of torque
at 4,000 rpm. The engine features large valves, equal-length
intake manifold runners, and cams with high lift and
long duration to increase engine air intake for increased
horsepower. A coil-on-plug ignition system provides
improved ignition control for more consistent starting.
Combustion
chambers are shaped for optimum power and fuel efficiency.
Aluminum upper main, upper thrust and rod bearings help
to improve engine durability. The Mustang GT uses the
Tremec TR3650 manual transmission with a new 5th
gear ratio for improved fuel economy.
The
engine has been recalibrated for 2002 to meet emissions
regulations. An electronic returnless fuel system uses
a high-pressure pump to deliver fuel directly to the
injectors at variable pressure, adjusted to meet the
precise demand. Eliminating the fuel return line from
the engine to the fuel tank reduces fuel tank vapor
and evaporative emissions.
Ride
and Handling
Mustang's
rear-wheel drive layout provides excellent performance
feel and handling response. Mustang uses a modified
MacPherson strut front suspension to allow each wheel
to react to road imperfections independently, while
its weight balance of 57 percent front, 43 percent rear
contributes to agility. Four-bar link rear suspension
and power rack-and-pinion steering are standard on all
Mustang models.
A
traction-lock rear axle, standard on the GT, transfers
driving force to the rear wheel with the best traction
for improved performance on slippery or uneven surfaces,
or under strong acceleration.
Safety
and Security
The
2002 Mustang features advanced restraints, with pretensioners
to tighten the lap and shoulder belts in the first moments
of a crash, and load-limiting retractors that slowly
release safety belt material to spread crash forces.
BeltMinderTM provides a gentle reminder to
the driver to buckle up.
Antilock
braking system and four-wheel disc brakes enhance stopping
power, while all-speed traction control harnesses dynamic
forces. A second-generation air bag restraint system
provides occupant protection in frontal collisions.
The
Mustang is fitted with an emergency trunk release handle
and child seat top tether anchors. The SecuriLockTM
passive anti-theft system scans an encoded chip embedded
in the proper ignition key to help prevent a thief from
starting the engine.
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