There are a lot of truck enthusiasts and car people out there who are on the fence about whether to buy a Ford Ranger. It can be tough for someone unfamiliar with the history and designs behind this vehicle to figure out if it’s worth it or not.
History
The first-ever Ford Ranger was produced in 1983. It is a compact pickup which has evolved into a midsize truck, with four doors rather than two, different engine options, folding rear seats for added cargo space, and other additional features.
Features
1. Interior Design
It is a very practical pickup. The cabin is much like that of a car, complete with a soft-touch steering wheel, automatic climate control, and the standard features you would expect on any new model. It also has the traditional pickup look and feels to it.
2. Engine
There are several engine options with the Ford Ranger. The base engine is a 3.0-liter V6, producing 220 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. A 4.0-liter V6 as found in the Limited/Sport/X Limited trim models, where produces 285 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. The Ranger XLT comes with a 3.2-liter V6, producing a little less power at 236 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque.
3. Rear-Drive Layout
The Ranger has the rear-drive layout, which is why it handles so well and feels much nimbler than other pickups in its class.
4. Fuel Economy/CO2 Emissions
Fitting all of the above under the hood and with a standard four-speed automatic transmission, this pickup gets decent fuel economy estimates of around 17/21 mpg city/highway for a 3.0 V6 model.
5. Safety Features
This pickup has six airbags, an anti-lock braking system, and traction/stability control built-in. The Ranger is also a very safe vehicle that can absorb a lot of damage in accidents and protect its occupants from serious injury.
6. Exterior
The Ranger is a very handsome and stylish pickup. The styling is different from the typical F-150, but it still has that classic truck look and feels to it. The body-colored grille surround, black bumpers, and big headlamps give the Ranger a classy appearance and make it look like a successful competitor in the compact pickup segment.
Conclusion
The Ranger may be the best truck you can find in the compact segment. It is a practical and stylish pickup that gets decent fuel economy and has excellent safety features. The interior is more of a car than some of its smaller competitors, but it will have a space for all your stuff, whether it’s in the back or front.