America's best-selling compact pickup truck continues to
be offered in a wide variety of models, with tantalizing
options attending each one. Built Ford tough like all trucks
from the manufacturer, the compact Ranger is nice, rugged
little pickup.
The 2004 Ford Ranger has a new look that reshapes its front
end for a more prominent appearance. That, plus improved
ride features and new equipment, highlight the changes for
this year.
Rangers come in regular-cab and extended SuperCab body
styles. SuperCabs are available with back-hinged rear doors.
Regular cabs use a 6 or 7-ft straightside cargo bed; SuperCabs
get a 6-ft version.
Available Models
The 2004 Ford Ranger is offered in seven trims: XL, Edge/Edge
Plus, Tremor/Tremor Plus, XLT and XLT FX4. XLT and XLT FX4
models are covered in a separate review.
Interior Features
Regular cab Ranger models have a front bench seat and can
sit up to three. With the extended cab, a rear seat compliments
the rear doors, pushing the seating up to five.
The XL model is on the lowest end of the price range for
a reason. Though it will still handle all the driving, it
doesn't have too many interior features. A floor console,
cupholders, an AM/FM radio, a digital clock and black vinyl
floor covering top the list.
A new item for 2004 is a Pioneer Stereo System. It includes
an AM/FM CD/MP3 player that delivers 290 peak watts of power
through nine speakers and an integrated power subwoofer.
Exterior Features
The front end of the 2004 Ford Ranger features a standard
raised power dome hood and a new nostril grille. The grille
is offered with a horizontal look or a honeycomb design.
Performance
Across the lower half of the Ranger lineup there are three
engine choices. The base model is a 2.3-liter inline 4-cylinder
engine with 143 horsepower and 154 lb-ft of torque.
The next engine is a 3.0-liter V6. It doles out 154 horsepower
and 180 lb-ft of torque. Finally, there's a 4.0-liter V6
with 207 horsepower and 238 lb-ft of torque.
All three engines are available with a five-speed automatic
transmission or a heavy-duty, five-speed manual transmission.
2WD and 4WD configurations are both offered as well.
Safety and Security
Antilock brakes are standard. In addition, all 2004 Rangers
have second-generation airbags and safety belts with outboard
pretensioners, side intrusion door beams and a theft-deterrent
system.
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Car Reviews
2004
Ford Ranger XLT - Review
2004
Ford Ranger - Price Quote
Raised
power dome hood standard on all trim levels
