Progress doesn't stop... but you can live without it
The current generation of the Ford Ranger compact pickup truck was introduced in 1993 as a 1994 model. Back then, the Liberal Party was running the Parliament with Jean Chrétien as Prime Minister of this great country. It sure was a long time ago.
Since then, the competition answered back not once, but twice. Yet, the sales figures of the Ford Ranger are not only in good shape, but they even made a jump last year. Seriously!
Some might say that this vehicle is now antiquated or obsolete, but the facts remain that the Ranger still hits multiple bull's eyes.
All too attractive pricing
One of the main reasons for the continued success of this small truck was Ford's decision to cut prices at the beginning of the year -- up to $3,000 less for certain models. Incidentally, a base 2007 Ranger XL now retails for just $15,099. Only its Mazda twin, the B2300, is cheaper at $14,995.
I think there is not a single town that does not have at least one Ranger in its public work fleet. That's understandable: this pickup truck can handle a lot of small duties and citizens should be happy to know that their tax dollars are well spent. A comparable Chevy Colorado costs about $5,000 more; this says it all.
Old-school interior
Once you step inside the Ranger, expect to find an age-old design with a very rudimentary dashboard. The CD player, for instance, is outdated; it still works for some, but the sound quality is average at best. The airbag cover on the passenger's side is not perfectly aligned with the glove box. The more you look around, the more you can't believe this is a brand-new 2007 model.
Yet, the controls are all functional and easy to access. In Sport trim, buyers are not spoiled with a host of features. Still, the basic equipment is there. I should point out, though, that air conditioning and cruise control are both optional.
The current generation of the Ford Ranger compact pickup truck was introduced in 1993 as a 1994 model. Back then, the Liberal Party was running the Parliament with Jean Chrétien as Prime Minister of this great country. It sure was a long time ago.
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| The Ranger satisfies the needs of many buyers. |
Since then, the competition answered back not once, but twice. Yet, the sales figures of the Ford Ranger are not only in good shape, but they even made a jump last year. Seriously!
Some might say that this vehicle is now antiquated or obsolete, but the facts remain that the Ranger still hits multiple bull's eyes.
All too attractive pricing
One of the main reasons for the continued success of this small truck was Ford's decision to cut prices at the beginning of the year -- up to $3,000 less for certain models. Incidentally, a base 2007 Ranger XL now retails for just $15,099. Only its Mazda twin, the B2300, is cheaper at $14,995.
I think there is not a single town that does not have at least one Ranger in its public work fleet. That's understandable: this pickup truck can handle a lot of small duties and citizens should be happy to know that their tax dollars are well spent. A comparable Chevy Colorado costs about $5,000 more; this says it all.
Old-school interior
Once you step inside the Ranger, expect to find an age-old design with a very rudimentary dashboard. The CD player, for instance, is outdated; it still works for some, but the sound quality is average at best. The airbag cover on the passenger's side is not perfectly aligned with the glove box. The more you look around, the more you can't believe this is a brand-new 2007 model.
Yet, the controls are all functional and easy to access. In Sport trim, buyers are not spoiled with a host of features. Still, the basic equipment is there. I should point out, though, that air conditioning and cruise control are both optional.
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| The dashboard is rudimentary but functional. |