2007 Ford Ranger XL Review

Date Posted: November 19,2007
Updated: August 31,2008

Introduction

For 2007, Ford had a number of models of the Ford Ranger. There was the base Ranger XL, XLT, Sport, and FX-4 (Level-II).

I purchased my blue Ford Ranger XL new in April 2007. I had a tough time finding the one I wanted, and eventually settled on the one shown here. I wanted a truck that was a regular cab, short box, 2.3L 4 cylinder Duratec truck. And I wanted air conditioning. It was hard to find that combination, as most trucks were Sport SuperCab models with the 3.0L engine. Previous to the Ranger I had a 1995 Ford Escort GT.

It's been said that the 3.0L Vulcan V6 engine has the power of the 4 cylinder with the gas mileage of the 4.0L V6 engine. The 2.3L Duratec engine has 143 horsepower, the 3.0L V6 has 160 hp, and the 4.0L 207 hp. Torque ratings are 154 lb-ft, 180 lb-ft, and 238 lb-ft repectively.

 

Pros

• Proven platform
• Great reliability
• Simple design / construction
• Excellent value ($$) compared to competitors

Cons

• No major changes in the Ford Ranger line-up since around 1993
• Somewhat choppy ride with the reg cab / shortbox combination when truck is unloaded

Conclusion

The Ford Ranger is a great choice for someone who is looking for a basic truck that will get them where they need to go without all the bells and whistles. It's a compact truck that's easy to drive around town, the 4 cylinder truck is great on gas, and it's a proven platform.

Hopefully in the next year (or next few years) Ford will redesign the Ranger. There have been rumours of a new Ford F-100 to replace the Ranger, or a unibody version of the Ranger. Personally I'd like to see a 4-cylinder diesel Ranger come to North America (like they have in other countries).

See Also:

• Ford Ranger - Ford Ranger section @ FordF150.net