Model Highlights
Like its much larger stablemate, the F-150, the 2008 Ford Ranger pickup spans a broad price and equipment range and can be equipped to suit a wide range of uses. There are three different cab configurations (regular cab, and two- or four-door SuperCab), two different bed lengths (six- or seven-foot), three engines with rear- or four-wheel drive, and a bewildering array of four different trims, many of which are available in multiple combinations.
Three different engines are offered on the Ranger. A 143-horsepower, 2.3L four-cylinder engine is standard on XL and XLT two-door SuperCab 4x2 and regular cab 4x2 models. The four-cylinder provides the highest fuel economy of any pickup truck on the market, at an EPA-rated 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway. On other models, a V6 engine is standard--either a 148-horsepower 3.0L or a 207-horsepower 4.0L. All three engines have a five-speed manual transmission standard and five-speed automatic optional, and both V6 engines are optional for a modest amount on lower-trim models.
The base XL model comes at an extremely attractive price but is also very modestly equipped, with manual side mirrors, wind-up windows, and black flooring. The XLT is the next step up in price and adds a more accommodating interior and improved exterior appearance, as well as sport bucket seats, air conditioning, an AM/FM/CD player, and a 60/40-split bench seat. The Sport further improves the appearance, including fog lamps, mud flaps, and on some models, upgraded wheels.
At the top of the line is the FX4 Off-Road model, which brings a limited-slip rear axle, tow hooks, heavy-duty shocks, skid plates, larger wheels and all-terrain tires, and a number of luxuries inside including keyless entry, power windows, locks, and mirrors, and cruise control. True to its name, the FX4 Off-Road only comes with four-wheel drive.
Safety features include a tire pressure monitor, anti-lock brakes, and Ford's Personal Safety System standard on all models. The Ranger also has a reputation for reliability and repeat customers; it has won R.L. Polk & Co.'s Automotive Loyalty Awards five times, according to Ford.
