2003 Ford Ranger: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

America's best-selling compact pickup gains a new off-road package and additional power for 2003. Ranger offers regular-cab and extended SuperCab body styles. SuperCabs have two rear fold-down jump seats as standard or optional, depending on model. SuperCabs are available with back-hinged rear doors. Regular cabs use a 6- or 7-ft straight-side cargo bed; SuperCabs get the 6-ft version. A 6-ft flare-fender Flareside bed is optional. The base engine is a 2.3-liter 4 cyl, which gains 8 hp this year, as does the available 3.0-liter V6. Also offered is a 4.0-liter V6. All use manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. Ranger has rear-wheel drive or 4WD that must be disengaged on dry pavement but includes low-range gearing. Four-wheel ABS is standard.

In other '03 changes, Ford says thicker glass and added insulation quiet Ranger's cabin. And the XLT FX4 off-road model gains a Level II version with heavy-duty shock absorbers, Torsen limited-slip axle, and special wheels and tires. Ranger's design is also used by the Mazda Truck, but the two differ slightly in styling and available features.

COMPETITION

Dodge Dakota and Ford Ranger (and clone Mazda Truck) are our Best Buys. Dakota is the only one to offer a V8 engine, full-time 4WD, and near-full-size cargo and towing capacity. Ranger is the most refined and probably the best daily use vehicle.

Toyota Tacoma is our Recommended choice. It's every bit as good as the Ranger in daily use, just a tad more expensive.