2008 Ford Ranger

Ford's compact Ranger pickup debuted as a 1983 model and won its first award that year as Off-Road Magazine's "4x4 Truck of the Year." Another came three years later when Ranger was named Petersen's 4-Wheel and Off Road magazine's "4x4 of the Year." Then, a full decade after its birth, Truckin' magazine named Ranger "Pickup of the Year."

Yes, it's been around a while, and the competition has come and gone and come again, but Ranger remains one of America's favorites and—highly important in an age of big fuel prices—its most fuel efficient pickup. Also Ford's most affordable in its class, according to Edmunds.com.


For 2008, Ranger grows a tad tougher and bolder and, at the same time, more affordable and efficient. Service intervals have been extended to 7,500 miles, which helps lower its cost of ownership, and a major contributor to both freshened appearance and improved fuel economy is the revised lower front bumper with an integrated 1-inch air deflector.

Powertrain and Chassis
Ranger offers three engine choices: a 2.3-liter dual-overhead-cam (DOHC) inline four, a 3.0-liter overhead-valve (OHV) V-6 and 4.0-liter single-overhead-cam (SOHC) V-6. The base 4-cylinder—standard in XL and XLT 4x2 Regular Cab and two-door SuperCab models—delivers 143 hp, 154 lb-ft of torque and the highest EPA-rated fuel economy of any U.S.-market pickup. The 3.0-liter V-6 offers 148 horses and 180 lb.-ft., while the SOHC 4.0-liter V-6 ups the ante to 207 hp and 238 lb-ft. All three drive through a choice of standard 5-speed manual transmission or optional 5-speed automatic.

Models and Series
The '08 Ranger is available in Regular Cab and two- or four-door SuperCab versions and in four model series—XL, XLT, Sport and FX4 Off-Road—with a variety of options and accessories so buyers can equip and personalize their trucks exactly the way they want them. The "bolder and tougher" claims result from appearance upgrades to all models and functional enhancements to FX4 Off-Road models, including standard heavy-duty Rancho twin-tube gas shocks, cast-aluminum wheels, a Class III Trailer Tow Package, front, middle and rear skid plates (Super Cab 4x4) and an available Torsen limited-slip rear axle. Max towing capacity is a hefty 6,000 pounds when properly equipped.