The Ford Ranger is a decent truck for light-duty work needs, but its rivals offer more spacious interiors and more refined driving dynamics. For 2006, the Ranger pickup receives revised exterior trim and styling details. Available on both two- and four-door extended cabs this year, the FX4 model now comes with rubber flooring.
The Ford Ranger is available in regular or extended-cab body styles. Trim levels include XL, STX, XLT, Sport and FX4. The XL is the basic model, with cloth upholstery and an AM/FM radio. The STX and XLT offer keyless entry and power windows. The Sport has body-color bumpers, and is equipped with a CD player.
Three engine choices are available on the Ford Ranger. The base engine is a 2.3-liter, inline four cyl with 143 horsepower and 154 lb-ft of torque. Next is a 3.0-liter V6, rated for 148 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. The third is a 4.0-liter, overhead-cam V6, rated for 207 hp and 238 lb-ft of torque. A 4.0-liter Ranger can tow up to 5,740 pounds. Transmission choices include a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic.
For safety, the Ford Ranger comes standard with four-wheel antilock brakes. Side airbags are not available. Two-wheel-drive extended cabs received four stars in NHTSA frontal- and side-impact crash tests. Regular-cab models earned a five-star side-impact rating.
The Ford Ranger is fairly competitive on most levels, except that the 2.3 liter and 3.0 liter engines are weak for a pickup. Also, the lack of side airbags means that you will have to spend extra for these features.
