2003 Ford Ranger: Road Test
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2003 Ford Ranger ▼
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- MSRP: $13,645 -$25,450
- Invoice: $12,995 -$22,956
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Our road test for the 2003 Ford Ranger includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Ford Ranger from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Ford Ranger, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Ford Ranger help you decide if a 2003 Ford Ranger is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Edge reg. cab 2WD, 3.0 V6 auto. | XLT SuperCab 2WD, 4.0 V6 auto. | FX4 SuperCab 4WD, 4.0 V6 auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 5 | 4 | 4.4 |
The 3.0-liter V6 is adequate, but we prefer the 4.0; it has fine power at all speeds and works nicely with the 5-speed automatic. We've had no opportunity to test the 4 cyl.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Edge reg. cab 2WD, 3.0 V6 auto. | XLT SuperCab 2WD, 4.0 V6 auto. | FX4 SuperCab 4WD, 4.0 V6 auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
Test FX4 SuperCab with 4.0 V6 and automatic transmission averaged 14.4 mpg overall, and 17.9 in mostly freeway driving. Expect 2WD 4.0 V6s to average about the same. The 4-cyl models should average in the low-to-mid 20s. Ford and Mazda recommended regular-grade fuel for all engines.
RIDE QUALITY
| Edge reg. cab 2WD, 3.0 V6 auto. | XLT SuperCab 2WD, 4.0 V6 auto. | FX4 SuperCab 4WD, 4.0 V6 auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 4 | 3 | 3.6 |
Decent for trucks, regardless of engine or brand name. These pickups jiggle on rough roads, but absorb big bumps pretty well. FX4 has surprisingly civilized ride for an "off-road" model, though we haven't yet tested the new Level II version.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Edge reg. cab 2WD, 3.0 V6 auto. | XLT SuperCab 2WD, 4.0 V6 auto. | FX4 SuperCab 4WD, 4.0 V6 auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.4 |
Stable in corners with moderate body lean, nicely weighted steering, and good directional stability.
QUIETNESS
| Edge reg. cab 2WD, 3.0 V6 auto. | XLT SuperCab 2WD, 4.0 V6 auto. | FX4 SuperCab 4WD, 4.0 V6 auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 3 | 3.3 |
Still not as quiet as Dodge Dakota, but increased cab insulation helps provide better isolation from engine, wind, and road noise than most compact trucks. The 4.0 V6 is smoother, quieter than the 3.0 V6 or 4 cyl.
CONTROLS
| Edge reg. cab 2WD, 3.0 V6 auto. | XLT SuperCab 2WD, 4.0 V6 auto. | FX4 SuperCab 4WD, 4.0 V6 auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.7 |
Ford and Mazda versions share a convenient dashboard design, solid overall assembly, and good-quality interior materials.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Edge reg. cab 2WD, 3.0 V6 auto. | XLT SuperCab 2WD, 4.0 V6 auto. | FX4 SuperCab 4WD, 4.0 V6 auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
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. Regular cab has slightly more seat travel and seatback recline than most rivals.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Edge reg. cab 2WD, 3.0 V6 auto. | XLT SuperCab 2WD, 4.0 V6 auto. | FX4 SuperCab 4WD, 4.0 V6 auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1 | 1 | 1.5 |
Extended-cab's rear half doors are a plus, but are awkward to maneuver around in tight spaces. With or without rear doors, rear cab of extendeds is best used for toddlers or cargo. Explorer Sport Trac (see separate entry) serves as Ford's compact-size crew-cab pickup.
CARGO ROOM
| Edge reg. cab 2WD, 3.0 V6 auto. | XLT SuperCab 2WD, 4.0 V6 auto. | FX4 SuperCab 4WD, 4.0 V6 auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | 3 | 2.7 |
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 reg. cab 2WD, 3.0 V6 auto. | XLT SuperCab 2WD, 4.0 V6 auto. | FX4 SuperCab 4WD, 4.0 V6 auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 10 | 9 | 6.5 |
The Explorer Sport Trac is, in effect, Ford's compact crew-cab pickup. And Dodge's Dakota offers V8s and more-convenient 4WD than Ranger and the Mazda Truck. But the Ford-built pickups have plenty of assets, and both are Best Buys.
Total Score
| Edge reg. cab 2WD, 3.0 V6 auto. | XLT SuperCab 2WD, 4.0 V6 auto. | FX4 SuperCab 4WD, 4.0 V6 auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | 45 | 40 | 39.1 |
Total Score: 40
Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks
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