2007 Ford Ranger XLT 4WD 5-Speed

Model Highlights

Like its much larger stablemate, the F-150, the 2007 Ford Ranger pickup spans a broad price and equipment range and can be equipped to suit a wide range of uses. There are three different cab configurations (regular cab, and two- or four-door SuperCab), two different bed lengths (six- or seven-foot), three engines with rear- or four-wheel drive, and a bewildering array of six different trims, many of which are available in multiple combinations. Three different engines are offered on the Ranger. A 143-horsepower, 2.3L four-cylinder engine is standard on XL and XLT two-door SuperCab 4x2 and regular cab 4x2 models. The four-cylinder provides the highest fuel economy of any pickup truck on the market, at an EPA-rated 24 mpg city, 29 mpg highway. On other models, a V6 engine is standard--either a 148-horsepower 3.0L or a 207-horsepower 4.0L. All three engines have a five-speed manual transmission standard and five-speed automatic optional, and both V6 engines are optional for a modest amount on lower-trim models. The base XL model comes at an extremely attractive price but is also very modestly equipped, with manual side mirrors, wind-up windows, and black flooring. The STX is the next step up in price and adds a more accommodating interior and improved appearance primarily, in the way of alloy wheels, body-color bumpers, improved interior trim, and sport bucket seats, while the XLT adds much of the equipment that most drivers will want, such as air conditioning, an AM/FM/CD player, and 60/40-split bench seat. The Sport further improves the appearance, including fog lamps, and on some models, upgraded wheels. At the top of the line are the FX4 Off-Road models, which bring a limited-slip rear axle, heavy-duty shocks, larger wheels and all-terrain tires, along with more luxuries inside including keyless entry, power windows, locks, and mirrors, and cruise control. The Level II beefs up the package for serious trail-clambering, with skid plates, Bilstein shocks, a Torsen rear axle, and Alcoa wheels with BF Goodrich all-terrain tires. The optional TREMOR Package includes even more upscale equipment, including a 510-watt Pioneer sound system with six-disc changer, a Class III towing upgrade, leather-trimmed seats, a bed liner, and a sliding rear window. Several other packages increase payload for those who plan to do heavier hauling. Sound systems have received an upgrade; all audio systems except the AM/FM receiver on base models now come with an auxiliary input jack, and MP3 compatibility has been added to the single-disc audio system. Sirius satellite radio is available on most of the lineup. Anti-lock brakes are standard across the line, though side air bags are not offered on the Ranger. The Ranger does have a reputation for reliability and repeat customers; it has won R.L. Polk & Co.'s Automotive Loyalty Awards five times, according to Ford.