Fresh styling may be the most visible change to the Ranger, but the most beneficial improvement comes from its new chassis. The front third of the frame now features fully boxed side frame rails for a significant increase in torsional rigidity. A rigid frame reduces unwanted vibration and allows the engineers to design a suspension that more precisely controls wheel movement for improved ride and handling.
As a result, they developed a new front suspension with short- and long-arms that works with a rack-and-pinion steering system borrowed from the Ford Explorer for sharp steering response and improved cornering stability. Two-wheel-drive Rangers use coil springs in the front suspension, two-stage leaf springs in the rear, while 4x4 models employ torsion bars up front, single-stage leafs in the rear.
A new vacuum-assisted hub lock system provides nearly instantaneous shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive at any speed. When disengaged, all front driveline components are disconnected at the wheels, so fuel economy is improved and noise and vibration are reduced.
The Ranger's functional changes are wrapped in a tough new look. New sheet metal from the A-pillars forward lowers the hood line for improved visibility, high-speed stability and fuel efficiency. Ford redesigned the grille, bumpers, head lamps and parking lamps. The hood is aluminum to reduce weight. New, larger wheels with exposed lug nuts and color-keyed door handles on higher series models give the Ranger a sportier look.
Ranger 4x4 models come with new contoured wheel lip moldings, integrated mud flaps and front and rear steel tow hooks. Ford has narrowed the price gap between 4x2 and 4x4 models, making four-wheel drive a more attractive option.
Rangers come with a choice of three engines. Ranger's base 119-horsepower 2.5-liter inline-4 offers a 10 percent increase in torque over last year, better idle quality and reduced noise and vibration. It is best suited for those who value fuel economy and low emissions. When equipped with the automatic transmission, it allows the Ranger to qualify for California's Low Emissions Vehicle standard.
Choose one of two V6 engines for serious pulling or hauling power. A 3.0-liter V6 comes with a revised intake manifold that helps increase torque to 178 pound-feet and 147 horsepower.
A 4.0-liter V6 generates 223 pound-feet of torque and 158 horsepower; an optional five-speed automatic transmission is available with this engine that we highly recommend.
All engines are kept cooler by bigger radiators. A new rear-wheel antilock braking system reduces braking distances over the previous system and offers improved control on all surfaces.
A huge selection of models and trim levels is available. Regular cab wheelbases have been stretched to 111.6 or 117.5 inches, depending on body style. Extended cab (SuperCab) versions maintain a 125.9-inch wheelbase.
New Splash models with chrome wheels are available for the fashion conscious in both 4x2 and 4x4 configuration.
Prices start at $11,895. A well-equipped two-wheel-drive SuperCab XLT with a V6 is available for $16,000-$17,000.
Our truck was a $19,290 Ranger 4x4 SuperCab trimmed in cloth with a $2,745 XLT package. The 4.0-liter V6 added $450, the 5-speed automatic added $1,105. Options added another $665, but discounts totaled $1,445, resulting in a $22,810 bottom line for a top-of-the-line model.
Regular cab Rangers have been lengthened three inches. That's a big improvement as last year's regular cab models offered insufficient legroom for tall drivers and restricted rake for the seat backs. This year, there's more interior space, increased seat travel, and the seat can be reclined farther. There's also more space available behind the seat for storing stuff and a storage tray has been added to make this more convenient.
We still recommend the roomy SuperCab models for all but the most serious of work trucks. The big benefits of the SuperCab are the increased cabin space and convenient storage for gear.
The Ranger shares the Explorer's dash and easy to use switchgear and instrument panel. Attractive new seating offers more comfort and support, particularly for off-road driving. Dual airbags come standard with a passenger-side deactivation switch.
New stereos provide improved audio performance, including the one that came on our truck outfitted with in-dash compact disc and cassette players matched with 80 watts of power and four speakers, all tuned to the Ranger's interior.
The new Ranger does not drive like a traditional truck. Steering response and handling in transient maneuvers could almost be described in sports car terms. Winding over narrow mountain roads north of Los Angeles, we found the Ranger to be a vehicle that inspires confidence in the driver. Before long we were rounding curves with bravado usually reserved for sports sedans.
It rides nice, too. Only the slightest choppiness on the four-wheel-drive versions betrays their off-road suspensions with front torsion bars and multi-leaf rear springs. The standard two-wheel-drive versions ride even better than the four-wheel-drive models, a benefit of their front coil springs and two-stage rear leaf springs. The harshest ride is found in the Splash models with suspensions tuned for improved handling. A load improves the ride quality of all of these trucks as the rear tires hop around over bumps when the bed is empty.
While the ride quality of the two-wheel-drive trucks provides a compelling case, it seems a shame to pass up the superb four-wheel-drive system. The vacuum-assisted hublock system works seamlessly, allowing the driver to shift in and out of four-wheel drive at any speed. Shift out of four-wheel drive, and the 4x4 model rides only slightly rougher than the two-wheel-drive model. The ride quality is still surprisingly good and handles twisty roads with amazing prowess for a four-wheel-drive pickup.
Our 4x4 SuperCab came with the 4.0-liter V6, which really shined with the optional five-speed automatic transmission. This five-speed automatic shifts as smoothly as a Lexus and always keeps the V6 in its primary torque range and its efficiency matches that of the 5-speed manual. It's a great combination.