The existing
four-wheel drive system which is electronically operated by an instrument-panel
mounted selection knob will be augmented later this fall by a manually
operated, true "shift-on-the-fly" transfer case as part of a Premium
Off-road package (yet to be named -- also yet to be priced) that
will also provide enhanced suspension tuning, 16-inch wheels and
tires, and uniquely specific interior appointments.
Standard Ranger XL features include: the 2.5 liter 4-cylinder
engine; driver/passenger air bags; Solar glass; rear-step bumper;
power steering with auxiliary cooler for automatic transmission
models; automatic transmission coolers on 3.0 and 4.0 V-6 powered
models; floor consolette; lighter and separate 12-volt power outlet;
four bed tie-down hooks; mud flaps; speed sensitive wipers; 15-inch
wheels and tires (4x2 models) mounted on Argent steel wheels; vinyl
60/40 split seat and stereo system with clock.
The Edge model
adds as standard: the 3.0 liter V-6 mill; a monochromatic color
scheme (except for the matte black door and tailgate handles); a
matte black finish honeycomb grille; OWL tires (15-inch) on chrome
steel wheels; a power dome hood with center sculpted chevron; AM/FM
single CD stereo system with four speakers; air conditioning; cloth/vinyl
60/40 split bench seat; vinyl rear jump seats (SuperCab 2-door models);
special cargo bed rail protectors; integrated fog lamps; spare tire
lock; textured rubber floor; and front tow hooks.
XLT standard
goodies consist of: the 2.5 L I-4 with 5-speed manual overdrive
gearbox; 15-inch B/W tires on chrome steel wheels (2WD) or 15-inch
OWL rubber with silver aluminum wheels (4WD); 4WD tow hooks; air;
vinyl jump seats (S/C 2-door); AM/FM stereo with 4 speakers; and
spare tire lock.
The major option
list offers: the 4.0 liter SOHC V-6 engine; Flareside cargo box
(Edge & XLT); step bars (Edge & XLT); in-dash 6-disc CD player;
leather-wrapped steering wheel (XLT); speed control; tilt steering
wheel; power windows and locks (Edge & XLT); 4.10 rear axle ratio;
limited slip rear axle; bed extender (which adds two feet to the
load length); Class iii towing hitch; and hard tonneau on 6-foot
Styleside. A special Off-road package is also an available option
and includes: Bulge body shocks; 5-spoke, 16-inch aluminum wheels
with P245/75R-16 OWL all-terrain tires; skid plates (which 4x4s
without this package do not offer) and 4x4 Off-Road graphics.
Ranger pricing
will range from $11,840 for an XL Regular cab 4x2 with a 6-foot
Styleside box, powered by the 2.5L four-banger to $29,930 for a
loaded Edge 4x4 Flareside with the 4.0L V-6 and automatic transmission.
Add $560 to each for destination and delivery charges. Come next
spring, one can actually part with more expendable income when equipping
an Edge model Ranger with the optional $1,195 high-powered Tremor
560-watt, audiophile pleasing, sound system by Pioneer. The Tremor
system requires the SuperCab configuration eliminating the jump
seats to accommodate speakers.
We
were afforded the opportunity to experience 2001 pre-volume production
Ranger models in various levels of trim and equipment offerings,
under real-world, on-road and off-road scenarios. City and highway
testing was accomplished in and around Reno, Nevada, while the off-road
venue consisted initially of non-paved roads that stretched over
hill and dale, through an arid and barren desert landscape (Moonscape
actually seems more appropriate) amidst curious herds of cattle
and little else. The Rangers were put through more grueling paces
over a specially prepared and challenging practice course set up
for members of the "Best in the Desert Racing Association" which
annually conducts a demanding 2000 mile race, all within the Nevada
state boundaries.
SUMMARY:
The Ranger lineup from Ford offers the ideal vehicle for virtually
every compact pickup buyer, regardless of age, sex, ethnic background
or religion. You may literally order your Ranger the way you want
it, to suit your personal taste and requirements. We've already
outlined the myriad of equipment choices and configuration available.
Of the
models that we tested, the 4.0 liter V-6 is the way to go
if performance is on your shopping list. The 3.0 liter seemed
somewhat anemic on steep grades when an extra boost was needed
for passing. The clutch take up was a little touchy at first
with the manual 5-speed floor shifter, but familiarity rendered
its operation more comfortable. The 5-speed adaptive automatic
transmission is exceptionally smooth with transparent gear
changes.
As for
4x4 operation, the electronic function, on-dash knob selector
for drive mode is easier to use when going 'over the river
and through the woods' gets a little on the hairy side --
while the soon-to-come, Premium Off-Road Package provides
a better ride with a more confident level of control during
the rough stuff. The "Best of the Desert" practice course
(though toned down some for our use) threw down the gauntlet
with powdery, silted, tight banking turns, dips and bumps,
mudholes and greasy, steep grades. Both the regular Off-road
and Premium Off-road versions came through with flying colors
(mostly muddy brown tones).
Kudos
go to the standard four-wheel ABS braking, seat belt minder
warning, on-board vapor recovery system with a missing gas-cap
alarm, second generation air bags, the air bag on/off key
switch and the extensive improvement in insulation and noise
reduction. The optional hard tonneau cover for 6-foot Styleside
beds gets a gold star as well -- it is hinged in the middle,
providing two equal storage compartments in the bed. Both
sides are spring loaded with gas assists for ease of operation.
The front compartment is lockable with the ignition key for
security (a lockable rear would be a nice touch too), and
the center divider folds up for longer loads. The rear half
of the cover folds forward to accommodate hauling taller items.
The Tonneau cover comes with a full bed liner for a reasonable
$895.
Things
we would like to see for an even better Ranger are: a locking
tailgate for extra security; a memory return for the seats
on two-door models for added convenience; a hand-operated
parking brake instead of the foot operated type for easy hill
holding capability with manual transmissions; and an elevated
console cup holder for reduced reach (deeper for small water
bottles).
Bottom
line, the 2001 Ford Ranger stable is a more refined vehicle,
is quieter, provides more power with greater fuel efficiency
and a longer range and it promises to extend its sales leadership
title as a result. It is also more environmentally friendly
-- Mark Bill, Ranger Chief Program Engineer, points out that
"The 2001 Ranger will meet low emission vehicle standards
and achieve approximately 20-29 miles per gallon, allowing
customers to use their vehicles for work and play while still
being an environmentally responsible citizen." If that's not
friendly enough for you, the electric version -- the Ranger
EV, will return for 2001.
Specifications: 2001
Ford Ranger Compact Pickup
Base
Price: $11,840 - $23,940 (Add $560 for Destination &
Delivery)
Price
as Tested: $12,400 - $29,930 (From base with D&D - Top
of the line with all options - well, almost -- some
yet to come)
Transmission:
5-speed manual with overdrive or 5-speed adaptive automatic.
Drive
Train:
Longitudinally mounted front engine / Rear-wheel or
part time 4WD
Suspension:
Front - Short, Long Arm (SLA) with gas-pressurized shocks
and stabilizer bar. Edge & 4x4s use torsion bars and
heavier gas shock. Rear - Four-leaf spring with stabilizer
bar standard on 4x4s.
Brakes:
Power-assisted front disc / rear drum with 4-wheel Anti-lock
Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution
(EBD).
