2003 Ford Ranger FX4/Level II 4x4

In today's increasingly crowded world of "active lifestyle" vehicles, one is either a player or a poser. Ford's off-road-oriented additions to its immensely popular Ranger compact-pickup lineup definitely fall into the former category. Using an XLT SuperCab Styleside 4x4 as its foundation, the FX4 package introduced last year now offers a "base" Off-Road 4x4 level and a new Level II "True Off-Road Enthusiast" options bundle. Both FX4 configurations add arrays of functional and cosmetic touches that give dyed-in-the-dirt adventurers a vehicle with graduated measures of style, comfort and go-just-about-anywhere capability.

In addition to FX4 decals, off-road-ready touches include 31x10.50 all-terrain tires, premium gas-charged shocks, front tow hooks, skid plates, and a limited-slip axle.

Price of admission for the base-level FX4-equipped Ranger starts at $25,270, plus $620 for delivery and destination. Our tester had the standard Level II Enthusiast equipment, an optional 5-speed automatic transmission in place of the standard 5-speed manual gearbox as well as a hard tonneau cover with bedliner, which collectively added another $1,895 to its bottom line.


Even at first glance, the Ranger FX4 stands apart from the crowd. Distinguishers include blackout moldings on its fender-wells, grille surround, bumper fascias, and bed rails. The Enthusiast package complements the tow hooks with rear ones and adds 15x7 8-hole forged-aluminum Alcoa wheels mounting oversized 31x10.50 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO tires. Dig a bit deeper and underhood you'll find the Ranger's top-line 4.0-liter V-6 that makes a stout 207 horsepower and 238 lb.-ft. of torque. Regardless of transmission it's backed with, the FX4 Level II Ranger also gets a 4.10:1 rear axle with a Torsen limited-slip differential, beefy front/mid/rear skid plates, heavy-duty springs and Bilstein gas-pressure shock absorbers.


Inside, the FX4 signature trim-out continues. The most prominent change is the fitment of special sport buckets with more aggressive side bolsters and bespoke center inserts that feature an organic vine motif and unique ebony interior trim. In keeping with its avowed mission to press on regardless, the standard carpeted floormats give way to color-keyed rubber "slush mats" in the FX4, and assist grips are found on both A-pillars. Complementing these functional touches is an even longer list of comfort and convenience items, including power windows/locks/mirrors, keyless remote entry, SecuriLock engine immobilizer (now standard on all Rangers), tilt steering column, cruise control with activation buttons on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, manual-sliding rear vent window and an AM/FM/CD/cassette sound system.

FX4/Level II adds extra side bolstering to its sport buckets to help the human body absorb off-road bounce and jounce. Rubber floormats are included with easy mud-and-dirt cleanup in mind.

Like the rest of its Ranger kin, the FX4 feels solidly built and offers controls and switchgear positioned for quick and direct access. Although a height/rake adjuster for the driver's seat cushion would be a most welcome addition to the FX4 package, it's still pretty easy to get comfortable behind the wheel. Being based on a "4-door" version of the SuperCab, rear-hinged mini-doorlets allow the more foolhardy easier entry to the FX4's fold-down, center-facing jump seats. Like most plus-2 perches, these are clearly at their best when securely stowed in a locked and upright position. Adopting that line of thinking provides more space for front-seat passengers and optimal conditions for cargo better stowed in the FX4's temperature-regulated cabin than in its slightly less hospitable 6-foot bed. Note that Ford recommends securing small children in the rear seats, even though front-passenger-side airbag deactivation is standard.