2006 Ford Ranger XLT 3.0 V6

Despite a lot of new competition, Ford's Ranger has remained one of America's best-selling compact pickups. It has also been honored five straight years for the highest level of loyalty in that segment. Must be some good reasons.


It likely has much to do with the fact that, while others have grown larger, heavier and more expensive, Ranger has stayed truly compact and affordable. In fact, there are few true "compact" trucks in this market any more. Compared to the equivalent 6-cylinder 4wd crew cab Chevy Colorado, Dodge Dakota, Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma, Ranger is five to 16 in. shorter, 100-250 lb. lighter and $300-$2,000 less expensive. Yet it has comparable front leg- and headroom and can tow up to 6,000 lbs. when properly equipped. EPA economy ranges from a best-in-class 24 city, 29 highway, 26 combined for the base 4-cylinder 4x2 to 16/19/17 for the 4.0-liter V-6 4x4.

Style

Styling enhancements for 2006 include a new horizontal grille insert, new fender flares, taillamps and fog lamps, new 9-inch Ford oval badges on the grille and tailgate and a new two-tone paint scheme on FX4/Off Road and Level II models. The FX4/Off Road line expands to include both 2-door and 4-door SuperCab versions, and top lip protectors come standard on the FX4 bedrails and tailgates. Last year's Ranger EDGE model becomes this year's Ranger SPORT, and the limited-slip rear axle and Payload Package #2 become available on STX. There are three bold new colors—Screaming Yellow Clearcoat, Torch Red Clearcoat and Redfire Clearcoat Metallic—and several new options including 15-in. forged aluminum wheels, body color side moldings, a new bright trim package and an XLT 4x2 Appearance Package.


Three engine choices are available. The 2.3-liter DOHC I4 generates a respectable 143 hp and 154 lb-ft of torque; the mid-range 3.0-liter V-6 offers 148 hp and a much stronger 180 lb-ft, while the 4.0-liter SOHC V-6 cranks out 207 hp and 238 lb-ft of torque. All are coupled to either a standard 5-speed manual or optional 5-speed automatic transmission. Our 3.0-liter XLT test truck felt responsive and adequately powerful at any speed, while informal zero to 60 mph runs took just under nine seconds.


The 2006 Ranger is available in a staggering variety of models and trims: Regular Cab and 2- and 4-door SuperCabs in XL, STX, XLT, SPORT, FX4 Off-Road and FX4 Level II variations. A comprehensive selection of options and packages allows buyers to outfit a Ranger to fit their individual needs. For example, there's an optional 7-foot box for XLT Regular Cab Styleside models and optional rugged skid plates for the 4x4 XLT and SPORT.