Like its much larger stablemate, the F-150, the 2007 Ford Ranger pickup spans a broad price and equipment range and can be equipped to suit a wide range of uses. There are three different cab configurations (regular cab, and two- or four-door SuperCab), two different bed lengths (six- or seven-foot), three engines with rear- or four-wheel drive, and a bewildering array of six different trims, many of which are available in multiple combinations.

Three different engines are offered on the Ranger. A 143-horsepower, 2.3L four-cylinder engine is standard on XL and XLT two-door SuperCab 4x2 and regular cab 4x2 models. The four-cylinder provides the highest fuel economy of any pickup truck on the market, at an EPA-rated 24 mpg city, 29 mpg highway. On other models, a V6 engine is standard--either a 148-horsepower 3.0L or a 207-horsepower 4.0L. All three engines have a five-speed manual transmission standard and five-speed automatic optional, and both V6 engines are optional for a modest amount on lower-trim models.

The base XL model comes at an extremely attractive price but is also very modestly equipped, with manual side mirrors, wind-up windows, and black flooring. The STX is the next step up in price and adds a more accommodating interior and improved appearance primarily, in the way of alloy wheels, body-color bumpers, improved interior trim, and sport bucket seats, while the XLT adds much of the equipment that most drivers will want, such as air conditioning, an AM/FM/CD player, and 60/40-split bench seat. The Sport further improves the appearance, including fog lamps, and on some models, upgraded wheels.

At the top of the line are the FX4 Off-Road models, which bring a limited-slip rear axle, heavy-duty shocks, larger wheels and all-terrain tires, along with more luxuries inside including keyless entry, power windows, locks, and mirrors, and cruise control. The Level II beefs up the package for serious trail-clambering, with skid plates, Bilstein shocks, a Torsen rear axle, and Alcoa wheels with BF Goodrich all-terrain tires.

The optional TREMOR Package includes even more upscale equipment, including a 510-watt Pioneer sound system with six-disc changer, a Class III towing upgrade, leather-trimmed seats, a bed liner, and a sliding rear window. Several other packages increase payload for those who plan to do heavier hauling.

Sound systems have received an upgrade; all audio systems except the AM/FM receiver on base models now come with an auxiliary input jack, and MP3 compatibility has been added to the single-disc audio system. Sirius satellite radio is available on most of the lineup.

Anti-lock brakes are standard across the line, though side air bags are not offered on the Ranger.

The Ranger does have a reputation for reliability and repeat customers; it has won R.L. Polk & Co.'s Automotive Loyalty Awards five times, according to Ford.

Affordability

Wide Range Of Models And Equipment

Fuel Economy With Four-cylinder.

For 2007, Ford added MP3 compatibility to Rangers with the single-disc CD sound system, and Sirius satellite radio is now available on all models but the base XL. Two new 16-inch wheel designs are available on several of the top trims, and three new colors--Pueblo Gold Clearcoat, Vista Blue Clearcoat Metallic, and Screaming Yellow--join the lineup. Also, the XLT 4x2 Appearance Package has been expanded to all body styles.

The 2007 Ford Ranger is one of the most affordable pickups on the market, has a longstanding reputation for reliability and repeat buyers, and can be equipped to fit a wide range of styles and requirements. It also stands out as having the highest fuel economy of any pickup truck, with an EPA rating of up to 29 mpg on the highway for the base four-cylinder engine.