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2008 Ford Ranger Full Review
Date Published: 4/09/08
2008 Ford Ranger Review
The 2008 Ford Ranger gets slightly revised front styling but is otherwise unchanged from 2007. This compact pickup truck offers regular-cab and extended SuperCab models spanning four trim packages. SuperCabs are available with two rear fold-down jump seats and back-hinged rear access doors. Regular cab models offer 6- and 7-foot cargo beds; SuperCabs use the 6-foot only. The 2008 Ford Ranger is available with three engines: a 143-hp 2.3-liter 4-cylinder; a 148-hp 3.0-liter V6; and a 207-hp 4.0-liter V6. All are available with manual or automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 5980 lb. Rear-wheel drive is standard. Ranger offers part-time 4-wheel drive that includes a low-range gear for off-roading, but should not be left engaged on dry pavement. ABS is standard. No side airbags are offered. Mazda's B-Series trucks are retrimmed Rangers with a different pricing and features mix, but they do not offer the 3.0-liter V6.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Pickups offer a true-truck design in a relatively modest package. They are best suited for personal or light-duty use rather than commercial use, heavy hauling, or towing.

Our Best Buy is the Toyota Tacoma. Our Recommended picks are the Dodge Dakota, Honda Ridgeline, and Nissan Frontier.

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2008 Ford Ranger Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration (4.0-liter V6) Rear-seat comfort (extended cab)
Price Ride
Rear-seat entry/exit (extended cab)
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

2WD Sport 3.0 reg. cab, automatic 4WD XLT 4.0 SuperCab, automatic 4WD XLT FX4 SuperCab, automatic Class Average
3 5 5 4.9

Acceleration is adequate with 3.0-liter V6, but we prefer Rangers with the 4.0 for its extra power, especially at low speeds. Either engine works nicely with the 5-speed automatic transmission. No 4-cylinder or manual-transmission Rangers or B-Series trucks have been made available for us to test.
Fuel Economy

2WD Sport 3.0 reg. cab, automatic 4WD XLT 4.0 SuperCab, automatic 4WD XLT FX4 SuperCab, automatic Class Average
3 2 2 3.5

In Consumer Guide testing, 4WD Ranger SuperCabs with the 4.0 V6 and automatic transmission averaged 12.9-14.4 mpg in city/highway driving. We have not had the opportunity to measure with other models. All Rangers and B-Series trucks use regular-grade gas.
Ride Quality

2WD Sport 3.0 reg. cab, automatic 4WD XLT 4.0 SuperCab, automatic 4WD XLT FX4 SuperCab, automatic Class Average
3 4 3 4.6

Decent for trucks. Ranger and B-Series jiggle on rough roads but absorb big bumps pretty well. Ranger FX4 versions have a surprisingly civilized ride for "off-road" models.
Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD Sport 3.0 reg. cab, automatic 4WD XLT 4.0 SuperCab, automatic 4WD XLT FX4 SuperCab, automatic Class Average
3 3 3 3.9

As usual with pickups, bumpy corners can cause rear-end hop without a substantial load in the bed. Otherwise, Ranger and B-Series handle competently, with good steering feel and directional stability.
Quietness

2WD Sport 3.0 reg. cab, automatic 4WD XLT 4.0 SuperCab, automatic 4WD XLT FX4 SuperCab, automatic Class Average
3 4 3 4.5

Good isolation from engine, wind, and road ruckus, but no Ranger or B-Series is as refined as the pacesetting Dodge Dakota. The 4.0 V6 is smoother and quieter than the 3.0 V6.
Controls

2WD Sport 3.0 reg. cab, automatic 4WD XLT 4.0 SuperCab, automatic 4WD XLT FX4 SuperCab, automatic Class Average
6 6 6 5.9

Though dated overall, Ranger and B-Series share a convenient dashboard design with easy access to audio and climate controls.
Details

2WD Sport 3.0 reg. cab, automatic 4WD XLT 4.0 SuperCab, automatic 4WD XLT FX4 SuperCab, automatic Class Average
5 5 5 4.7

Interior materials are appropriate for the price, and all models we've tested have been solidly built.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD Sport 3.0 reg. cab, automatic 4WD XLT 4.0 SuperCab, automatic 4WD XLT FX4 SuperCab, automatic Class Average
3 4 4 5.6

Good headroom and legroom up front, but three adults are a tight squeeze. The regular cab has enough seat travel and seatback recline for acceptably comfortable positioning. Entry and exit borders on awkward in high-riding 4x4s and 2WD Ranger Sports.
Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD Sport 3.0 reg. cab, automatic 4WD XLT 4.0 SuperCab, automatic 4WD XLT FX4 SuperCab, automatic Class Average
0 1 1 2.7

Rear half-doors are an extended-cab plus but are awkward to maneuver around in tight spaces. With or without those, the rear seat is skimpy, cramped, and thus best used for toddlers or cargo.
Cargo Room

2WD Sport 3.0 reg. cab, automatic 4WD XLT 4.0 SuperCab, automatic 4WD XLT FX4 SuperCab, automatic Class Average
1 3 3 3.6

Regulars have useful space behind the bench or bucket seats. Extended cabs carry lots of stuff. The rear access doors don't open independently of the fronts, making loading difficult in confined spaces.
Value within Class

2WD Sport 3.0 reg. cab, automatic 4WD XLT 4.0 SuperCab, automatic 4WD XLT FX4 SuperCab, automatic Class Average
5 7 6 5.8

This basic design is more than a decade old and shows it. Rivals, all much newer, offer better power, refinement, even room and comfort. Still, Ranger and the similar Mazda B-Series are proven workhorses that are attractively priced and often heavily discounted. Ford offers a wider array of features than the B-Series does, plus the convenience of more dealers.
Total Score

2WD Sport 3.0 reg. cab, automatic 4WD XLT 4.0 SuperCab, automatic 4WD XLT FX4 SuperCab, automatic Class Average
35 44 41 49.7
Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks

Low Score
35
Average Score
49
High Score
61
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2008 Ford Ranger Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/27/2008
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD XL 2.3-liter regular cab, short bed $14,330 $13,727 $695
2WD XL 2.3-liter regular cab, long bed $15,600 $14,908 $695
4WD XL 3.0-liter regular cab, short bed $18,175 $17,303 $695
4WD XL 3.0-liter regular cab, long bed $19,280 $18,330 $695
2WD XL 2.3-liter SuperCab ext. cab 2-door, short bed $15,805 $15,099 $695
4WD XL 4.0-liter SuperCab ext. cab 2-door, short bed $19,685 $18,708 $695
2WD Sport 3.0-liter regular cab, short bed $16,590 $15,663 $695
4WD Sport 3.0-liter regular cab, short bed $20,090 $18,883 $695
2WD Sport 3.0-liter SuperCab ext. cab 2-door, short bed $18,245 $17,185 $695
2WD Sport 3.0-liter SuperCab ext. cab 4-door, short bed $19,500 $18,340 $695
4WD Sport 4.0-liter SuperCab ext. cab 2-door, short bed $21,290 $19,987 $695
4WD Sport 4.0-liter SuperCab ext. cab 4-door, short bed $22,545 $21,141 $695
2WD XLT 2.3-liter regular cab, short bed $16,055 $15,171 $695
2WD XLT 2.3-liter regular cab, long bed $17,180 $16,205 $695
4WD XLT 3.0-liter regular cab, short bed $19,645 $18,473 $695
4WD XLT 3.0-liter regular cab, long bed $20,770 $19,508 $695
2WD XLT 2.3-liter SuperCab ext. cab 2-door, short bed $17,455 $16,459 $695
2WD XLT 3.0-liter SuperCab ext. cab 4-door, short bed $18,910 $17,797 $695
4WD XLT 4.0-liter SuperCab ext. cab 2-door, short bed $20,645 $19,393 $695
4WD XLT 4.0-liter SuperCab ext. cab 4-door, short bed $21,900 $20,548 $695
4WD XLT FX4 Off-Road 4.0-liter SuperCab ext. cab 2-door, short bed $22,820 $21,395 $695
4WD XLT FX4 Off-Road 4.0-liter SuperCab ext. cab 4-door, short bed $24,075 $22,549 $695
Price note: 4WD XL SuperCab requires air conditioning.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
XL
Powertrain
2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock brakes, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Vinyl upholstery (regular cab), cloth upholstery (SuperCab), split bench seat, AM/FM radio, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, black vinyl floor covering.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, painted bumpers.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
225/70R15 tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, 3.0-liter V6 engine (regular cab), 4.0-liter V6 engine (SuperCab), raised ride height, 235/75R15 all-terrain white-letter tires.
Sport adds to XL:
Powertrain
3.0-liter V6 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, cloth upholstery, rear jump seats (SuperCab 4-door), rear-hinged rear doors (SuperCab 4-door), AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media player connection.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Color-keyed bumpers, side steps, fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Raised ride height, 225/70R15 white-letter tires (regular cab), 235/75R15 all-terrain white-letter tires (SuperCab), alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, 3.0-liter V6 engine (regular cab), 4.0-liter V6 engine (SuperCab), front tow hooks, Class III trailer hitch (SuperCab), skid plates (SuperCab), 235/75R15 all-terrain white-letter tires (regular cab), 255/70R16 all-terrain white-letter tires (SuperCab),.
XLT adds to XL:
Powertrain
2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine or 3.0-liter V6 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, cloth upholstery, rear jump seats (SuperCab 4-door), rear-hinged rear doors (SuperCab 4-door), AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media player connection, carpeting, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Color-keyed bumpers.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
225/70R15 white-letter tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, 3.0-liter V6 engine or 4.0-liter V6 engine, fog lights, tow hooks, skid plates (SuperCab), 235/75R15 all-terrain white-letter tires, chrome steel wheels.
XLT FX4 Off-Road adds to XLT:
Powertrain
4.0-liter V6 engine, 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, limited-slip differential.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, front bucket seats, center console, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Side steps, fog lights, rear privacy glass.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Front tow hooks, Class III trailer hitch, skid plates, raised ride height, heavy-duty shock absorbers, 255/70R16 all-terrain white-letter tires, alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Bright Appearance Pkg.
2WD Sport/XLT SuperCab
$495
$411
4WD Sport/XLT SuperCab
$245
$203
Chrome mirrors and bed rails, bright step bars, chrome exhaust tip. 2WD XLT requires chrome steel wheels. NA w/2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine.
Bright Trim Group
2WD Sport/XLT SuperCab
$355
$295
4WD Sport/XLT SuperCab, XLT FX4 Off-Road
$105
$87
Bright step bars and exhaust tips.
Power Equipment Group
Sport, XLT
$405
$336
Power mirrors and windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry. Std. XLT FX4.
BFT Component Pkg.
XLT SuperCab
$490
$407
Limited-slip differential, Payload Pkg. 2, Class III trailer tow-hitch receiver. Requires full-size spare tire. NA w/2.3-liter engine.
Powertrain
3.0-liter V6 engine
2WD XL/XLT 2.3-liter
$425
$353
4.0-liter V6 engine
4WD XL/XLT regular cab, 2WD SuperCab 3.0 liter
$800
$664
2WD XL/XLT regular-cab long bed, 2WD SuperCab 2.3 liter
$1,225
$1,017
XL requires air conditioning.
5-speed automatic transmission
Sport, XL, XLT, XLT FX4 Off-Road
$1,000
$830
Limited-slip rear differential
Sport, XL, XLT
$300
$249
Requires Payload Pkg. 2. 2WD requires 3.0-liter. 4WD requires 4.0-liter V6 engine. Std. XLT FX4.
Special axle ratio
Sport, XL, XLT, XLT FX4 Off-Road
$50
$42
Requires 4.0-liter V6 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning
XL
$850
$706
Cruise control and tilt steering wheel
Sport, XL, XLT
$385
$320
Std. XLT FX4.
AM/FM/CD/MP3 player
XL
$355
$295
Includes digital-media player connection.
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
Sport, XLT, XLT FX4
$240
$199
Pioneer AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
Sport/XLT SuperCab, XLT FX4
$450
$374
Requires 5-speed automatic transmission. Sport, XLT require front bucket seats.
Satellite radio
Sport, XL, XLT, XLT FX4 Off-Road
$195
$162
XL requires optional radio.
Cloth upholstery
XL regular cab
$220
$183
Leather upholstery
Sport/XLT SuperCab
$385
$320
Requires 5-speed automatic transmission.
Leather front bucket seats
Sport/XLT SuperCab
$715
$593
XLT FX4
$385
$320
Front bucket seats
Sport/XLT SuperCab
$330
$274
Rear jump seats
SuperCab 2-door
$225
$187
Rear jump seat delete
SuperCab 4-door (credit)
$-225
$-187
Remote engine start
Sport, XLT, XLT FX4
$435
$177
Requires 5-speed automatic transmission. Sport, XLT require Power Equipment Group.
Rubber floormats
XLT
$0
$0
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Bed extender
Sport, XLT, XLT FX4 Off-Road
$195
$162
NA XL. NA w/bedliner.
Under-rail bedliner
Sport, XL, XLT, XLT FX4 Off-Road
$275
$168
Sport marine bedliner
Sport, XLT, XLT FX4 Off-Road
$410
$304
NA XL.
Fog lights
2WD XLT
$115
$96
Step bars
Sport regular cab, XLT
$300
$249
Rear privacy glass
Sport, XL, XLT
$110
$91
Std. XLT FX4.
Sliding rear window
Sport, XL, XLT, XLT FX4 Off-Road
$125
$104
Requires rear privacy glass.
Bodyside moldings
Sport, XL, XLT, XLT FX4 Off-Road
$60
$50
Bug deflector
Sport, XLT, XLT FX4 Off-Road
$80
$47
NA XL.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Payload Pkg. 2
Sport, XL, XLT, XLT FX4 Off-Road
$75
$62
Heavy-duty rear springs and shock absorbers.
Skid plates
4WD regular cab, 4WD XL SuperCab
$140
$116
NA long bed.
Class III trailer hitch
Sport, XL, XLT
$215
$178
NA w/2.3-liter engine. Requires full-size spare tire. Std. 4WD Sport/XLT FX4 SuperCab.
235/70R16 white-letter tires
2WD Sport SuperCab
$205
$170
Full-size spare tire
Sport, XL, XLT
$110
$91
NA 4WD Sport, XLT FX4.
Chrome steel wheels
2WD XLT SuperCab
$190
$158
Alloy wheels
4WD XLT SuperCab
$250
$208
Includes 255/70R16 all-terrain white-letter tires. Requires side steps, skid plates, Class III trailer hitch.
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2008 Ford Ranger Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Ford Ranger regular cab short bed Ford Ranger regular cab long bed Ford Ranger extended cab
Wheelbase, in. 111.5 117.5 125.7
Overall Length, in. 189.4 201.4 203.6
Overall Width, in. 69.3 69.4 69.4
Overall Height, in. 66.2 66.2 66.3
Curb Weight, lbs. 3030 3069 3189
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. -- -- --
Standard Payload, lbs. 1260 1260 1260
Fuel Capacity, gals. 17.0 20.0 19.5
Seating Capacity 3 3 5
Front Head Room, in. 39.2 39.7 39.2
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 42.4 42.4 42.4
Rear Head Room, in. -- -- 33.3
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. -- -- 39.3
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  dohc I4 ohv V6 sohc V6
Size, liters/cu. in. 2.3 /140 3.0 /182 4.0 /245
Horsepower @ rpm. 143 @ 5250 148 @ 4900 207 @ 5250
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 154 @ 3750 180 @ 3950 238 @ 3000
Availability Standard Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
     
5-speed manual 21/26 16/22 15/20
5-speed automatic 19/24 15/20 15/20
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Ford Ranger regular cab short bed Ford Ranger regular cab long bed Ford Ranger extended cab
4WD Rollover 3 NA 3
Front Impact, Driver 5 NA 5
Front Impact, Passenger 4 NA 4
Rollover Resistance 3 NA 3
Side Impact, Driver 5 NA 4
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain 5/60,000 --
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion 5/unlimited --
Free roadside assistance 5/60,000 --
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
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