Ford Ranger has consistently set the standard among compact trucks for spacious, comfortable accommodations and convenient features. The 2003 model is even more quiet, thanks to thicker glass, new door and B-pillar seals and a new drive shaft tunnel insulator shield.Seat fabrics for selected models have been upgraded for 2003. XLT now features a soft, contrasting headliner and trim, revised interior door panels, new instrumentation and a new center panel bezel. As before, a tachometer is supplied at all trim levels, and the center pod for climate and audio systems uses large, easy-to-use rotary dials.
The Regular Cab carries a cloth bench seat that can squeeze three aboard. The seat splits 60/40 for access to the space behind it. The SuperCab offers a larger interior storage bay behind the front seat, with a 6-foot (71.8 inch) bed behind that. Two small side-facing jump seats may be added to the SuperCab's rear bay; each folds down from the back wall. Two optional rear-hinged doors (standard on Edge 4x4's) allow easy access to the SuperCab's rear quarters.
The Edge adds a textured rubber floor cover for wash-and-wear convenience. A car-wash jockey put Armor-All on ours, which was a bad idea, making it slippery. A 60/40 split bench is still standard, but new bucket seats with black twill bolters are optional. The fabric in the Edge seemed tough. Our SuperCab Edge test truck also featured the optional Power Equipment Group ($405), with electric assists for windows, locks and mirrors, plus remote keyless entry.