2001 Ford Ranger: Road Test
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2001 Ford Ranger ▼
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- MSRP: $12,110 -$24,335
- Invoice: $11,702 -$22,098
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Our road test for the 2001 Ford Ranger includes a full evaluation of the 2001 Ford Ranger from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 Ford Ranger, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 Ford Ranger help you decide if a 2001 Ford Ranger is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Edge 3.0 reg. cab 2WD, auto. | XLT SuperCab 2WD, 4.0 V6 auto. | XLT SuperCab 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
New V6 feels noticeably stronger than old 4.0, has fine power from all speeds, and meshes nicely with 5-speed automatic. We've had no opportunity to test the new 2.3 4 cyl but expect slight improvement over previous four, which felt underpowered when heavily loaded or going uphill.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Edge 3.0 reg. cab 2WD, auto. | XLT SuperCab 2WD, 4.0 V6 auto. | XLT SuperCab 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.5 |
Test 4x4 SuperCab with prior 4.0 and automatic averaged 15.9 mpg. No opportunity to measure with new 4.0 V6 or 2.3 4 cyl. Ford estimates 4.0 with automatic at 17 mpg city/22 highway, new 2.3 with manual transmission at 24/28.
RIDE QUALITY
| Edge 3.0 reg. cab 2WD, auto. | XLT SuperCab 2WD, 4.0 V6 auto. | XLT SuperCab 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 4 | 3 | 3.4 |
Decent for trucks, regardless of engine or brand name. They jiggle some on rough roads, but absorb big bumps well.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Edge 3.0 reg. cab 2WD, auto. | XLT SuperCab 2WD, 4.0 V6 auto. | XLT SuperCab 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.3 |
Stable in corners with moderate body lean, nicely weighted steering, and good directional stability.
QUIETNESS
| Edge 3.0 reg. cab 2WD, auto. | XLT SuperCab 2WD, 4.0 V6 auto. | XLT SuperCab 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 3 | 3.3 |
Not quite car-quiet as Dodge Dakota is, but has better isolation from engine, wind, and road noise than most compact trucks. New ohc V6 is smooth, quieter than gruff previous 4.0.
CONTROLS
| Edge 3.0 reg. cab 2WD, auto. | XLT SuperCab 2WD, 4.0 V6 auto. | XLT SuperCab 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.9 |
Ranger and B-Series have a convenient dashboard, solid overall assembly, and good-quality interior materials.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Edge 3.0 reg. cab 2WD, auto. | XLT SuperCab 2WD, 4.0 V6 auto. | XLT SuperCab 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 3.9 |
Good head and leg room, but three adults are a tight squeeze, and entry/exit borders on awkward in high-riding 4x4s and 2WD Edge models.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Edge 3.0 reg. cab 2WD, auto. | XLT SuperCab 2WD, 4.0 V6 auto. | XLT SuperCab 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1 | 1 | 1.3 |
Explorer Sport Trac serves as Ford's compact-sized crew cab pickup, but extended-cab Rangers and B-Series' rear half doors a plus. With or without rear doors, rear-seat area best used for toddlers or cargo. Regular-cab has slightly more seat travel, seatback recline than rivals.
CARGO ROOM
| Edge 3.0 reg. cab 2WD, auto. | XLT SuperCab 2WD, 4.0 V6 auto. | XLT SuperCab 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | 3 | 2.5 |
Better-than-average behind-seat regular-cab space. Extended cabs carry lots of stuff. Dual rear doors are nice, but don't open independently of the fronts, making loading difficult in confined spaces.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Edge 3.0 reg. cab 2WD, auto. | XLT SuperCab 2WD, 4.0 V6 auto. | XLT SuperCab 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 10 | 10 | 6.2 |
Dodge's larger Dakota offers V8s and more convenient 4WD, but these Ford-built trucks have plenty of assets. Changes for '01 add appeal. Ranger is justifiably a best-seller, and basically interchangeable with the B-Series.
Total Score
| Edge 3.0 reg. cab 2WD, auto. | XLT SuperCab 2WD, 4.0 V6 auto. | XLT SuperCab 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | 46 | 43 | 38.3 |
Total Score: 41
Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks
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