Redesigned three years ago, the Ranger's exterior styling--with the exception of theSplash--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