2004 Ford Ranger: Road Test
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2004 Ford Ranger ▼
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- MSRP: $14,575 -$26,015
- Invoice: $13,850 -$23,498
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Our road test for the 2004 Ford Ranger includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Ford Ranger from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Ford Ranger, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Ford Ranger help you decide if a 2004 Ford Ranger is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD Edge 3.0 reg. cab, auto. | 2WD XLT w/App. Grp. 4.0 SprCab, auto. | 4WD XLT FX4/Off-Rd. 4.0 SprCab, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
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. No 40cyl models made available for testing.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD Edge 3.0 reg. cab, auto. | 2WD XLT w/App. Grp. 4.0 SprCab, auto. | 4WD XLT FX4/Off-Rd. 4.0 SprCab, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3 | 4.1 |
Test FX4 SuperCabs with 4.0 V6 and automatic transmission averaged 12.9-14.4 mpg in mix of city/highway driving. EPA fuel-economy estimates for 2WD versions are 2-4 mpg better. Expect little difference with 3.0 V6. 4-cyl models should average in the low-to-mid 20s. Ford and Mazda recommend regular-grade fuel for all engines.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD Edge 3.0 reg. cab, auto. | 2WD XLT w/App. Grp. 4.0 SprCab, auto. | 4WD XLT FX4/Off-Rd. 4.0 SprCab, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 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 Level II version.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD Edge 3.0 reg. cab, auto. | 2WD XLT w/App. Grp. 4.0 SprCab, auto. | 4WD XLT FX4/Off-Rd. 4.0 SprCab, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.3 |
Stable in corners with moderate body lean, nicely weighted steering, and good directional stability.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD Edge 3.0 reg. cab, auto. | 2WD XLT w/App. Grp. 4.0 SprCab, auto. | 4WD XLT FX4/Off-Rd. 4.0 SprCab, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 3 | 3.5 |
Not as quiet as Dodge Dakota, but 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
| 2WD Edge 3.0 reg. cab, auto. | 2WD XLT w/App. Grp. 4.0 SprCab, auto. | 4WD XLT FX4/Off-Rd. 4.0 SprCab, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 |
Ford and Mazda versions share a convenient dashboard design, solid overall assembly, and good-quality interior materials.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD Edge 3.0 reg. cab, auto. | 2WD XLT w/App. Grp. 4.0 SprCab, auto. | 4WD XLT FX4/Off-Rd. 4.0 SprCab, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
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)
| 2WD Edge 3.0 reg. cab, auto. | 2WD XLT w/App. Grp. 4.0 SprCab, auto. | 4WD XLT FX4/Off-Rd. 4.0 SprCab, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1 | 1 | 1.9 |
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
| 2WD Edge 3.0 reg. cab, auto. | 2WD XLT w/App. Grp. 4.0 SprCab, auto. | 4WD XLT FX4/Off-Rd. 4.0 SprCab, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | 3 | 3.1 |
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
| 2WD Edge 3.0 reg. cab, auto. | 2WD XLT w/App. Grp. 4.0 SprCab, auto. | 4WD XLT FX4/Off-Rd. 4.0 SprCab, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 10 | 9 | 6 |
The Explorer Sport Trac is, in effect, Ford's compact crew-cab pickup. And Dodge's Dakota offers a V8 and more-convenient 4WD than Ranger and the Mazda B-Series. But the Ford-built pickups have plenty of assets, and both are Best Buys.
Total Score
| 2WD Edge 3.0 reg. cab, auto. | 2WD XLT w/App. Grp. 4.0 SprCab, auto. | 4WD XLT FX4/Off-Rd. 4.0 SprCab, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | 45 | 41 | 40.2 |
Total Score: 41
Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks
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