1996 Ford Ranger Review & Road Test

nine years. In fact, it's sixth overall on the list of top-selling vehicles in the

U.S. for 1995.

So, what's in store for '96? The good news is that you'll find the same features and

attributes that have made Ranger the truck of choice for a broad range of light pickup

owners, a range that includes increasing numbers of women buyers. And the even better

news is that you'll find a few additions and upgrades well conceived to keep this

vehicle in its current position on the sales charts.

The Ranger may have just one name, but it isn't one truck. It's actually 19 when you

count up all the choices. There are Regular Cab and SuperCab versions; shortbed (6

ft.) and longbed (7 ft.) models; the choice of 2-wheel drive or 4wd; base and uplevel

trim packages (XL, XLT and STX); and the sporty Flareside Splash, with its stepside

bed fabricated from composites rather than sheet steel.

New this year is a Flareside pickup box option for both the Ranger XL and XLT Regular

and SuperCab models, available only with 2wd 4-cyl. models.

Depending on the model, Ranger pickups can accommodate anywhere from two to five

passengers. It can also handle loads ranging from 1450 to 1650 lbs., and tow trailers

weighing from 2000 to 6000 lbs., depending on the powertrain you choose.

But in addition to this wide array of style and capability choices, this small pickup

has evolved from its early history as a rough and ready mini-hauler to a more

versatile and comfortable all-purpose truck with many modern safety features. For

instance, the Ranger is the first compact pickup truck to offer an optional passenger

airbag to complement its standard driver's airbag. And, like its F-150 big brother, it

has an added safety feature. To accommodate a rear-facing child seat, the passenger

airbag can be deactivated with a key-operated dashboard switch.

Civilization is steadily overtaking the compact pickup class, a trend that's reflected

in the Ranger's list of standard and optional features. Standard equipment includes

amenities like illuminated entry, tinted glass and a floor console with dual

cupholders, while options can add fog lamps, power windows/doors/locks, keyless remote

keyless entry and, of course, a variety of sound systems.

Obviously, Ford and other truck manufacturers are responding to all the folks who

drive pickups primarily because they like the style. Driven primarily as image

vehicles, they have to satisfy owners who expect passenger car features and comfort.

Splash--is subdued and a little more traditional than the rounded look of GM's GMC

Sonoma and Chevy S-Series trucks. However, the redesign produced other benefits--flush

glass for reduced wind noise, for example, and limo-style doors that extend well into

the roofline, to make entry and exit easier.

Although the Ranger looks a trifle dated next to its all-new big brother, the

F-150--the best selling vehicle in this country--there's something appealing about the

straighter body lines and slightly snubbed front nose in a world of wind tunnel

lookalikes.

Built on a typical ladder-type truck frame, the Ranger comes with a choice of three

engines--a 2.3-liter 4-cyl., a 3.0-liter V6 and a 4.0-liter V6. Each engine is

available with a 5-speed manual transmission or optional 4-speed automatic. All

specify 100,000-mile tuneup intervals, something that's new for the 4-cyl. engine this

year. Also new is a shield on the Ranger's 12-volt battery, to prevent battery

overheating when underhood temperatures soar.

Our test vehicle was the Ranger SuperCab STX, with a snazzy metallic clearcoat paint

job, a step bumper at the rear and a redesigned grille with integrated aero headlamps.

This 4x4 model also has wheel flares and sporty aluminum alloy wheels. For '96, the

P235/75R-15 tires have a new compound and new tread pattern to improve traction.

The SuperCab has a wheelbase that is nearly 20 in. longer than standard cab models

with a standard cargo bed, and it's 15 in. longer overall. The cargo box is 6 ft. and

can accommodate a 4x8-ft. sheet of building material riding above the wheelwells with

the tailgate down.

'95--and for '96 it remains a carryover with the exception of the optional passenger

airbag. In '95, designers created a more user-friendly instrument panel along with new

seat materials.

It's a relatively easy in and out of the Ranger SuperCab, although, as is the case

with most 4wd trucks, vertically-challenged drivers looking for a driver-side grab

handle have to settle for the steering wheel to hoist themselves up.

We found the gray cloth seats comfortable and appreciated the clear visibility that

comes from the Ranger's tall seating postion, ample glass, narrow A and B pillars and

unobstructed rear view.

The front seating positions have good head, leg, shoulder and hip room. Getting into

the SuperCab's rear seats, however, involves some gymnastics, and there's not much

room once you're there. This space is a much better place for things than people.

However, the pivoting quarter windows and sliding rear window are useful for dialing

in just the right flow of fresh air when the weather permits.

GM's new third-door option on its extended cab Sonoma and S-Series trucks makes the

space behind the front seats easier to use than the Ranger SuperCab, and we expect to

see a similar option in the next Ranger redesign.

The Ranger's seats are newly fitted with automatic locking restraint/emergency locking

restraint (ALR/ELR) belt systems that eliminate child seat clips and comply with new

federal safety regulations. While there's a real globebox--non-locking--for some

stowage, the door pockets are low and Lilliputian. A rear cargo net is handy for

keeping small items from thrashing around in the back of the cab.

dash-mounted electric transfer case which shifts from 2wd to 4wd High to 4wd Low with

a simple flip of a switch--no more wrestling with a separate shift lever to engage the

4wd system.

While the SuperCab's longer wheelbase smooths the highway ride on this truck, its

longer dimensions make it a little less nimble off road. But only a little. All in

all, this is definitely a good light-duty workhorse on and off the pavement.

We found the recirculating ball power steering to be precise and the Twin I-Beam front

and rear leaf spring suspension gave a ride that felt solid and stable, considering

the Ranger's somewhat tall and narrow body dimensions. However, the time-honored Twin

I-Beam setup is something else that will probably be replaced in the next redesign,

following the pattern set by the new F-150.

The 3.0-liter V6 and automatic transmission in our test truck provided smooth

acceleration and decent power, though some engine noise found its way into the cab.

Rear antilock brakes are standard with this engine, as well as the 2.3-liter 4-cyl.

Models equipped with the 4.0-liter V6 get 4-wheel ABS, a definite plus. The 4.0-liter,

of course, also delivers more power, although it's still in third place compared to

GM's 4.3-liter V6 and the Dodge Dakota 5.2-liter V8.

Brake-shift interlock is standard with the automatic transmission, and the STX comes

with cruise control, as well as a tilt steering wheel.

small truck, but it's competitive with domestic makes and lower than

comparably-equipped imports. We think it's worth it.

However, we should also note that the Ranger price scale starts well below this

figure. So you should ask yourself some questions. Do you need 4wd? Do you need to

accommodate five people, or haul lots of gear inside the cab?

Like other pickups, the Ranger line offers lots of choices, and it's a good idea to

have a clear idea of how you'll be using your truck before you start sorting through

the combinations.

Beyond that, of course, is the equally difficult choice of which truck. If you choose

the Ranger, you'll be joining a large club of happy owners, one of whom summed up the

whole experience for us.

"People buy 'em," he said, "because they work and they don't fall apart."

Enough said.