2005 Ford Ranger XLT | Review | Buying Guide
America’s best-selling compact pick-up, the Ford Ranger, is successful for a number of reasons and the 2005 Ford Rangers will likely follow that success. Firstly they offer a wide range of interior and exterior features choices allowing the same truck to serve many purposes and appeal to many different buyers. Secondly, like the F-150, the Ranger has many different cab and bed configurations, both 2 and 4WD options and three different engines, allowing even more choice.
Where the Ford Ranger is different is in the specially-tailored designs that appeal to one group of consumers or another. In this case, the specialized appeal is toward the off-road aficionados. The FX4 and FX4 Level II Rangers are off-road-tuned compact trucks with great factory-installed all-terrain ruggedness and capability.
As previously mentioned, there are plenty of trim levels to choose from for 2005. These include the XLT, XLT FX4 and XLT FX4 II trims, reviewed here, but also include the XL and aforementioned Edge Editions.
Under the Hood
The two-wheel drive Ranger XLTs start off with a 2.3-liter inline 4-cylinder engine with 5-speed manual transmission. It produces 143 horsepower and 154 lb-ft of torque. However, that’s the just the beginning.
The next available engine with two-wheel drive XLT models is a 3.0-liter V6 that generates 154 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. It offers 5-speed automatic transmission.
The final engine, standard with 4WD XLT, XLT FX4 and FX4 Level II models, is a 4.0-liter V6 with 207 horsepower and 238 lb-ft of torque. With the XLT FX4 and FX4 Level II, the design focuses on the more adventurous side of truck driving. To this end, BF Goodrich 31x10.5R15 all-terrain tires, Bilstein shocks, a rear tow-hook and a Torsen limited- slip differential are all standard (FX4 Level II) or available as an option.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
The 2005 Ranger is offered in regular-cab and extended SuperCab body styles. SuperCabs are available with back-hinged rear doors and add an extra seat for a capacity of five. Regular cabs use a 6 or 7-ft straight side cargo bed; SuperCabs get a 6-ft version.
Different models offer a different collection of standards but the notable highlights include chrome front and rear bumpers and grille surround, styled side mirrors and a wide range of wheel options that include 15-inch, seven-spoke steel wheels, 16-inch, five-spoke aluminum wheels and even, 15-inch forged Alcoa aluminum wheels with 31-inch by 10.5-inch BF Goodrich All-Terrain "KO" T/A tires.
Add style details like unique two-tone leather bucket seats, a center console, chrome shifter (manual) and AM/FM stereo with MP3/CD player and cassette and you get some idea of the recipe followed for the 2005 Ford Ranger..
Many optional extras return this year also. Examples, range from comfort features to additional performance additives. One group option is a bright appearance package, which includes chromed bedrails, side step bars and exhaust tip.
For audiophiles, there’s a premium Pioneer package offered for the XLT and XLT FX4. It features an AM/FM six-disc CD/MP3 stereo, multi-channel amplifier, subwoofer, premium speakers, front bucket seats and tilt wheel with speed control.
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