America's best-selling compact pickup truck, the 2005 Ford
Ranger has a lot to keep up with. Naturally, the designers
are careful not to change the recipe but instead, have focussed
on the elements that make the Ranger so popular. As with
all the Ford pick-ups, the Ranger has an incredible diversity
of trim styles and configurations. This year that has been
added to with an XLT 4x2 and 4x4 Regular Cab with a 7-foot
box and an EDGE 4x4 two-door SuperCab.
Available Models
The 2005 Ford Ranger is available in XL, EDGE, XLT, FX4
and FX4 Level II trims, in Regular Cab and two- and four-door
SuperCab configurations. The lower end of the scale XL and
Edge models are reviewed here. XLT, FX4 and FX4 Level II
are reviewed separately.
Interior Features
Regular cab Ford Ranger models have a front bench seat and
can sit up to three. With the extended cab, a rear seat
compliments the rear doors, pushing the seating up to five.
As the entry-level model the XL has a basic interior with
a floor console, cupholders, an AM/FM radio, a digital clock
and black vinyl floor covering. However, as with other Fords,
many options are available to buyers who want to add selectively
and still enjoy good value. Air conditioning, CD audio and
cruise control are all examples of optional extras.
The Ford Ranger Edge is the same story only more so, with
plenty of options as well as new ones introduced this year.
2005 includes the "Tremor" Package. This fully-integrated
"Hot Wheels and Cool Tunes" package includes five-spoke,
16-inch machined aluminum wheels and a Pioneer AM/FM "in-dash"
MP3/6CD player boosted by a 510-watt multi-channel amplifier
that powers a 10-inch bass subwoofer and four 6x8-inch coaxial
speakers in each corner. This package is offered exclusively
as an option on the EDGE Super Cab.
Exterior Features
The 2005 Ford Ranger is similar to last year's model with
a standard raised power dome hood, an aggressive valance
and a new nostril grille. The grille is offered with a horizontal
look or a honeycomb design.
Performance
Across the lower half of the Ford Ranger lineup there are
three engine choices. The base model is a 2.3-liter inline
4-cylinder engine with 143 horsepower and 154 lb-ft of torque.
The next engine is a 3.0-liter V6. It doles out 154 horsepower
and 180 lb-ft of torque. Finally, there's an optional 4.0-liter
V6 with 207 horsepower and 238 lb-ft of torque.
All three engines are available with a five-speed automatic
transmission or a heavy-duty, five-speed manual transmission.
2WD and 4WD configurations are both offered as well. For
the first time the Edge is offered with available skid plates
for added offroad ruggedness.
Safety and Security
Safety continues to be a watchword in the Ranger line-up.
4-wheel antilock disc brakes are standard as well as second-generation
airbags and safety belts with outboard pretensioners, side
intrusion door beams and a theft-deterrent system. The LATCH
child-seat restraint system is installed on all passenger
seats and for added security, 24-hour roadside assistance
is available.
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2005
Ford Ranger XLT and FX4 Models
2005
Ford Ranger - Price Quote
Vehicle
configurations added to lineup - XLT 4x2 and 4x4 Regular
Cab with 7-foot box, EDGE 4x4 two-door SuperCab
