2005 Ford Ranger | 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. For example, one big area is that of younger people. To appeal to this group, the Ranger has had the Edge for a while now. However, this year a youth-oriented options package, the “Tremor” package is now enhanced and available more widely.
As previously mentioned, there are plenty of trim levels to choose from for 2005. These include the XL and Edge models, reviewed here, but also include the XLT, XLT FX4 and XLT FX4 II trims. XL and Edge models offer both Regular Cab and both 2 and 4-door SuperCab models with drop seats.
Under the Hood
The Ford Ranger, like any pick-up, depends on a solid performance profile to drive sales and the 2005 is no different with exterior style and vehicle configurations added to the line-up. The Edge now comes with the “Hot Wheels and Cool Tunes” Tremor package that adds serious 16-inch five-spoke cast aluminum wheels and an upgraded audio package.
As for powertrain, base XL models offer a 2.3-liter inline 4-cylinder engine with 143 horsepower and 154 lb-ft of torque or a 3.0-liter V6. It generates 154 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. The I4 features new intake and exhaust camshafts, throttle body, exhaust manifold and engine calibration.
Edge models can be equipped with the 3.0-liter V6 or a 4.0-liter V6 with 207 horsepower and 238 lb-ft of torque. Ranger's suspension has improved bushings, springs, tires and shocks for more ride comfort. What’s more, to add to offroad capability the Ranger Edge can now be fitted with optional skid plates.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
The Ranger trucks have options to appeal to the youthful buyer with optional sport bucket seats and leather-trimmed seating surfaces as well as the fully-integrated Tremor Package which includes the machined aluminum wheels mentioned above and a Pioneer® AM/FM "in-dash" MP3/6CD player with a 510-watt multi-channel amplifier, 10-inch bass subwoofer and four 6x8-inch coaxial speakers in each corner.
However, the Ranger isn’t just about youthful exuberance, safety is also considered and standard features include four-wheel anti-lock brakes, second-generation air bags and safety belts with front pretensioners, outboard seating positions and side intrusion door beams. LATCH child seat mounts are provided in the front passenger seat on all models and for added security, Ranger offers 24-hour Roadside Assistance on all models.
There are still plenty of options offered. While many of the packages are reserved for uplevel trims like the XLT (covered separately), there are still stand-alones readily available. Air conditioning, leather upholstery, a bedliner, a bed extender and trailer hitch are just some of the options available.
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