Friday, July 19, 2013
2007 Ford Ranger Preview
Fords compact pickup offers regular-cab and extended SuperCab models spanning six trim packages. SuperCabs have two rear fold-down jump seats as standard or optional, depending on trim, and are available with back-hinged rear access doors. Regulars offer 6- and 7-ft cargo beds; SuperCabs use the 6-ft only.Engines comprise a 2.3-liter 4-cyl and 3.0- and 4.0-liter V6s. All use manual or 5-speed automatic transmission and standard rear-wheel drive. V6s also offer 4WD that should not be left engaged on dry pavement but includes low-range gearing. All models come with 4-wheel ABS. Leather upholstery is among the many options. Mazdas B-Series trucks are retrimmed Rangers with a different pricing and features mix.
News
Only one plant now builds the Ranger (and Mazdas B-Series pickups), and its set to close in 2008 as part of Fords "Way Forward" recovery effort. So what then? Ford is said to be weighing several options, including a replacement based on the Explorer SUV or an import designed and built overseas. The latter could come from Asia or South America, where Ford branches build Rangers tailored for those markets, including crew-cab models never offered in the U.S.
Ranger Truck Configurations & Trim Levels
Ranger trucks are available in regular-cab and two- and four-door SuperCab configurations. A 7-foot box is available on XL and XLT regular-cab trucks.
XL trucks are the Ranger starting point -- economical but without a lot of frills. Youll find a 60/40 bench seat on the XL truck.
STX trucks start to bring in more options, like alloy wheels, body-color bumpers and lower valance, fog-lights in the body-color grille, different gauges and bucket seats.
The next step up is the XLT truck, with A/C standard and more punch to the audio system. Youll find lots of variations throughout this model. A Sport version brings in even more configurations.
The FX4 Off-Road truck has:
Limited-slip rear axle
Tow hooks
Heavy-duty, gas-charged shocks
Mid and aft skid plates
Additional body styling options
And then theres the FX4 Level II, with the features of the FX4 off-road plus tweaked styling and a standard rear sliding window with privacy glass.
Exterior Changes
Two new 16-inch wheels available on most Ranger trucks
New truck colors: Pueblo Gold Clearcoat and Vista Blue Clearcoat Metallic; Screaming Yellow is back
Special appearance package is available on all XLT 4x2 body styles and powertrain configurations
Truck Audio & Interior
SIRIUS satellite radio available on STX, XLT, SPORT and all FX4 models
Auxiliary audio input jack is standard on all audio systems except the base AM/FM radio
MP3 compatibility with single-disc CD audio system
Sculpted bolsters and seat backs for extra support
Sport bucket seats and leather-trimmed steering wheel are available
Three New Safety Features on all Ranger Trucks
Personal Safety System (front-passenger sensing system and dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags)
Tire pressure monitoring system (sensors mounted on each wheel except the spare to monitor air pressure)
SecuriLock passive anti-theft system
Other Safety Features:
Four-wheel anti-lock brakes
Safety belts with front pretensioners for outboard seating positions
Side-intrusion door beams
LATCH child safety seat mounts in the front-passenger seat on all trucks
Three Ford Ranger Engines
2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine producing 143 hp at 5,250 rpm and 154 lb-feet of torque at 3,750 rpm. Rangers with this engine are at the top of the EPA fuel economy pack for small trucks -- rated 29 highway and 24 city. The four-cylinder is standard on the STX 4x2 regular cab, two-door SuperCab, and the XL and XLT two-door SuperCab trucks.
3.0-liter overhead-valve V-6 engine producing 148 hp at 4,900 rpm and 180 pound-feet of torque at 3,950 rpm.
4.0-liter, single-overhead-cam V-6 producing 207 hp at 5,250 rpm and 238 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm.
A five-speed manual transmission is standard on all Rangers, but a five-speed automatic is available.
2007 Ford Ranger, you cant go wrong here!
Nice all around small truck for the money. Great gas mileage and reliability. You wont be disappointed.
What reviewers liked most about the Ford Ranger:
"Ranger team revised the suspension to quell the previous trucks somewhat wallowy ride and herky-jerky handling."
—Automobile
"The engine (4.0-liter) felt powerful at all times and even sporty."
—Edmunds.com
"Latest Rangers serve up bolder, more aggressive styling."
—PickupTruck.com
"Transmission will shift hard and fast when instructed by a heavy right foot."
—Car and Driver
