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Pros : - Multiple trim levels and options
- Functional interior
- Solid off-road capability Cons : - Dated platform
- Weak engines
- Choppy ride
- Lack of modern features and amenities
- No crew-cab body style or side airbags
Review : Although the name started out as a trim designation on the F-Series pickup, the Ranger became a separate model when Ford replaced the Mazda-supplied Courier pickup with an in-house design in 1983. The Ranger quickly became the best-selling compact pickup and has dominated the segment ever since. Today's model still rides on the same basic platform and structure as that 1983 original, though substantial revisions for 1989, 1993 and 1998 have kept the Ranger competitive. Demographically, buyers range widely, with Rangers serving for work, play or both.
A wide range of trim levels and features makes it easy to configure a truck tailored to your needs, unless of course you want a crew cab. The Ranger is offered only in regular- and extended-cab (SuperCab) body styles. After all these years, the Ranger is still a decent truck for light-duty work needs, but competitors offer more spacious interiors and more refined driving dynamics. The Ranger does hold its own off-road when equipped with one of the FX4 packages. The cabin offers a user-friendly control layout, and the seats are acceptably comfortable, particularly with the optional leather upholstery.
Out on the road, though, the Ranger's age becomes apparent. Acceleration is adequate on trucks equipped with the 207-horsepower, 4.0-liter V6 engine, but ride quality, handling and braking are at the bottom of the class. Given that Dodge, GM, Nissan and Toyota have all recently redesigned the compact trucks in their lineups, the Ranger's over 20-year-old design just doesn't cut it anymore. Unless you're a die-hard Ford fan, we would recommend taking a pass on the Ranger.
The Ranger is available in regular- or extended-cab (called SuperCab) body styles. Regular cabs can be ordered with either a 6- or a 7-foot bed. SuperCabs come only with a 6-footer and can be equipped with reverse-opening rear access doors. Trim levels include XL, STX, XLT, Sport and FX4. The XL is basic -- cloth upholstery and an AM/FM radio are among the few amenities. The STX and XLT are the next step up, and they're your ticket to the Power Equipment Group, which offers keyless entry and power windows, locks and mirrors. The Sport has body-color bumpers, while the XLT gets a more traditional chrome finish. Both have a CD player, but the Sport version is MP3-compatible. A Tremor package gets its name from its 510-watt Pioneer stereo system. Two versions of the FX4 are available: Off-Road and Level II. The Off-Road package includes heavy-duty shocks, skid plates, tow hooks, 16-inch all-terrain tires and a limited-slip rear axle. The Level II gets a Torsen limited-slip differential, Bilstein shocks, BF Goodrich all-terrain tires and Alcoa wheels.
The Ranger comes standard with four-wheel antilock brakes. Side airbags are not available. Two-wheel-drive SuperCabs received four stars (out of five) in NHTSA frontal- and side-impact crash tests. Regular-cab models earned a five-star side-impact rating.
Controls are easy to find and use, and the available white-faced gauges add a little extra style. SuperCabs can be equipped with small jump seats in the rear, suitable only for children or small adults.
Press Release : If you have not seen the rave of the moment, this is the tougher-looking, all-new Ford Ranger pick-up that goes on sale in September. Cousins of this ‘toughiosco’ already on Nigerian roads and causing a stir is being pushed by revamped Briscoe, now trading under the compound name of BriscoeFord.
BriscoeFord’s General Manager, Oseme Oigiagbe said the reception that the company had since assuming the dealership of Ford range of vehicles, has been very tremendous. He spoke at the recent launch of Oando’s Oleum premuim motor oil where BriscoeFord exhibited their range of vehicles. BriscoeFord, according to Mr. Oigiagbe, is partnering with Oando to push the brand which the giant marketers say is the best in its category.
Meanwhile, besides the acceptability of the new Ranger, it will face stiff competition from the striking new Mitsubishi L200 and powerful Nissan Navara and the recently launched Toyota Hilux. But Ford promises more comfort and refinement, added practicality, a better drive, improved durability and more power.
The new 2.5-litre diesel engine increases power from 108bhp to 141bhp, although this means the Ranger will still lag behind the Nissan's 174bhp and the Mitsubishi's 160bhp engines.
The loadbay is bigger than before, and can still carry the one-tonne payload that gives pick-ups attractive interest in their use the world over. A customer who was on hand in Briscoe has registered interest awaiting the arrival of the vehicle.
A muscular bonnet, bold wheelarches and wide grille give the Ranger far more presence than the previous model, while the interior is also completely new. Seats are more sculpted and supportive, and there's plenty of stowage space.
Workhorse commercial versions of the Ranger will start at a little below N4million, but models to double as family transport at weekends will start around the N4.2million mark. Top-flight Thunder models will come with plenty of chrome bars, leather seats, air-conditioning and a CD changer.
Competitors : 2007 / 2008 GMC Envoy (compare)
2007 / 2008 GMC Canyon (compare)
2007 / 2008 Chevrolet Colorado (compare)
2007 / 2008 Toyota 4Runner (compare)
2007 / 2008 Nissan Pathfinder (compare)
2007 / 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac (compare)
2006 / 2007 Dodge Dakota (compare)
2006 / 2007 Mazda B-Series (compare)
2006 / 2007 GMC Canyon (compare)
2006 / 2007 Toyota Tacoma (compare)
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