- pickup 15,000
- 743 below average
- 2,995 great
- Orlando, FL
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- autoshopper.com
- 743 below average pickup 15,000 gasoline purple manual
1996 ford ranger review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. Still at the head of a very good class. introductionthe ford ranger has been the best-selling compact pickup truck in america for the past nine years. In fact, it's sixth overall on the list of top-selling vehicles in the u. For 1995. so, what's in store for '96? There are regular cab and supercab versions; shortbed (6 ft.) and longbed (7 ft.) models; the choice of 2-wheel drive or 4wd; base and uplevel trim packages (xl, xlt and stx); and the sporty flareside splash, with its stepside bed fabricated from composites rather than sheet steel. new this year is a flareside pickup box option for both the ranger xl and xlt regular and supercab models, available only with 2wd 4-cyl. Models. depending on the model, ranger pickups can accommodate anywhere from two to five passengers. For instance, the ranger is the first compact pickup truck to offer an optional passenger airbag to complement its standard driver's airbag. And, like its f-150 big brother, it has an added safety feature. To accommodate a rear-facing child seat, the passenger airbag can be deactivated with a key-operated dashboard switch. civilization is steadily overtaking the compact pickup class, a trend that's reflected in the ranger's list of standard and optional features. Driven primarily as image vehicles, they have to satisfy owners who expect passenger car features and comfort. walkaroundredesigned three years ago, the ranger's exterior styling--with the exception of the splash--is subdued and a little more traditional than the rounded look of gm's gmc sonoma and chevy s-series trucks. Each engine is available with a 5-speed manual transmission or optional 4-speed automatic. All specify 100,000-mile tuneup intervals, something that's new for the 4-cyl. This 4x4 model also has wheel flares and sporty aluminum alloy wheels. For '96, the p235/75r-15 tires have a new compound and new tread pattern to improve traction. the supercab has a wheelbase that is nearly 20 in. Longer than standard cab models with a standard cargo bed, and it's 15 in. The cargo box is 6 ft. And can accommodate a 4x8-ft. Sheet of building material riding above the wheelwells with the tailgate down. interiorthe interior makeover of the ranger has come about in two recent phases--'93 and '95--and for '96 it remains a carryover with the exception of the optional passenger airbag. In '95, designers created a more user-friendly instrument panel along with new seat materials. it's a relatively easy in and out of the ranger supercab, although, as is the case with most 4wd trucks, vertically-challenged drivers looking for a driver-side grab handle have to settle for the steering wheel to hoist themselves up. we found the gray cloth seats comfortable and appreciated the clear visibility that comes from the ranger's tall seating postion, ample glass, narrow a and b pillars and unobstructed rear view. the front seating positions have good head, leg, shoulder and hip room. This space is a much better place for things than people. however, the pivoting quarter windows and sliding rear window are useful for dialing in just the right flow of fresh air when the weather permits. gm's new third-door option on its extended cab sonoma and s-series trucks makes the space behind the front seats easier to use than the ranger supercab, and we expect to see a similar option in the next ranger redesign. the ranger's seats are newly fitted with automatic locking restraint/emergency locking restraint (alr/elr) belt systems that eliminate child seat clips and comply with new federal safety regulations. While there's a real globebox--non-locking--for some stowage, the door pockets are low and lilliputian. A rear cargo net is handy for keeping small items from thrashing around in the back of the cab. driving impressionthe ranger is a straightforward, easy-to-drive truck. We particularly appreciated the dash-mounted electric transfer case which shifts from 2wd to 4wd high to 4wd low with a simple flip of a switch--no more wrestling with a separate shift lever to engage the 4wd system. while the supercab's longer wheelbase smooths the highway ride on this truck, its longer dimensions make it a little less nimble off road. All in all, this is definitely a good light-duty workhorse on and off the pavement. we found the recirculating ball power steering to be precise and the twin i-beam front and rear leaf spring suspension gave a ride that felt solid and stable, considering the ranger's somewhat tall and narrow body dimensions. Models equipped with the 4. 0-liter v6 get 4-wheel abs, a definite plus. We think it's worth it. however, we should also note that the ranger price scale starts well below this figure. Power Windows✔ Anti-lock Brakes✔ Power Mirrors✔ Power Locks✔ AM/FM✔ Air Conditioning✔ Passenger Airbag✔ Cruise Control✔ Alloy Wheels
2,995 Orlando, FLOrlando, FL at autoshopper.com