What can you say about a compact pickup truck that continues to be a hot seller for over 25 years? You say it’s a Ford Ranger. For over two decades, the Ranger has won numerous awards for value, capability, and style. The Ranger is available in four trim levels: XL, XLT, Sport, and FX4. It also comes in two cab configurations: Regular and SuperCab. More choices include three different engine options, two transmissions, three different rear axle ratios, and two bed configurations: Styleside 6-foot or 7-foot lengths and in two-wheel or four-wheel drive.
While many folks are downsizing their vehicles, the Ranger remains the perfect size for those who need a work truck but don’t want to step up to full-size. What makes the Ranger a standout year after year? First and foremost, it’s built Ford Tough. It’s been tested in blazing desert heat and Arctic cold, running steep 20-percent grade hills and tortuous off-road conditions so it can live up to the BFT promises. It has a max tow rating of 6,000 pounds, and the FX4 Off-Road trim includes features for heavy-duty “in-the-dirt work,” like heavy-duty Rancho twin-tube gas shocks, skid plates front, middle and rear, an available Torsen limited-slip diff, and Class III Trailer Tow Package. Combine these with increased spring rates for taking the bumps and jounce with ease.
Safety is always a priority whether it’s a sedan or a truck. The 2008 Ranger features Ford’s Personal Safety System® standard, along with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System, and SecuriLock, which will prevent the engine from starting unless the key and ignition codes match up.
When it comes to power, the Ranger has an engine to suit the casual truck owner as well as those who need it for more serious work. The 2.3-liter inline four-cylinder features 143 hp and 154 lb-ft of torque. This is a great engine for fuel economy, with EPA numbers at 21 city and 26 on the highway with the 5-speed manual transmission. The 3.0-liter V-6 makes 148 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque, and the SOHC 4.0 V-6 is good for 207 hp and 238 lb-ft of torque at a low 3,000 rpm.
For those who like a little show with their go, a limited number of Rangers for 2008 will be painted Grabber Orange. Match that to the available Bright Trim Group, that includes chrome sideview mirrors, chrome side-step bars, and a chrome exhaust tip, and that’s one good-looking sporty truck.
The People's Choice SUVIn the automotive world, crossovers seem to be taking over the universe. Which is fine, since they are a great compromise between SUV practicality and people-moving capability. However, there are still those out there who need a real SUV, and for over 18 years, the midsize SUV of choice has been the Ford Explorer. Talk to people who have ever owned an Explorer and you’ll find that it’s probably not their first one. The Explorer has an...
We’ve got the inside story on the Ford vehicles you’re shopping for! Interested? Click here for a taste of the latest Drivers Talk Reviews that Rick Titus has to offer.
What can you say about a compact pickup truck that continues to be a hot seller for over 25 years? You say it’s a Ford Ranger. For over two decades, the Ranger has won numerous awards for value, capability, and style. The Ranger is available in four trim levels: XL, XLT, Sport, and FX4. It also comes in two cab configurations: Regular and SuperCab. More choices include three different engine options, two transmissions, three different rear axle ratios, and two bed configurations: Styleside 6-foot or 7-foot lengths and in two-wheel or four-wheel drive. 
