With all of its changes, it's almost difficult to recognize
the new Ford Ranger. 2003 sees the compact pickup round
in with a laundry list of upgrades, as everything from performance,
cab comfort, safety and style have been improved upon. Further
beefing up the varied lineup is the introduction of a number
of new packages, which address hard-core enthusiasts and
hard-core music listeners as well. However, in this review,
only the heart of lineup (XL, Edge and Tremor) will be covered.
Available Models
The 2003 Ford Ranger is offered in regular and extended
Super Cab body sizes. Edge extended Super Cab and Tremor
extended Super Cab offer four-doors, while other models
have two. Only Edge models offer a four-wheel drive configuration.
The base XL is given both a short 6-ft and long 7-ft bed;
other models have the short bed only.
Interior Features
Extended Super Cab models can seat five, while regular cabs
handle three. The 2003 Ford Ranger cabin was redesigned
to reduce road noise by adding thicker glass, new door and
B-pillar seals and a new drive shaft tunnel insulator shield.
The XL SuperCab receives a new cloth 60/40 split bench seat.
Edge and SuperCab Edge also receive a similar cloth bench,
while offering additional cloth sport front bucket seats
with black twill bolsters as an option.
While the 2003 Ford Ranger XL is a no-nonsense vehicle,
the Edge and Tremor add a bit of refinement. Some of the
options that are sprinkled between the two models include
a Pioneer Audiophile sound system with 6-disc CD changer,
power mirrors, windows and locks, remote keyless entry,
cruise control, leather-wrapped steering-wheel, a Class-3
trailer hitch and alloy wheels.
Exterior Features
Sonic Blue and Arizona Beige are two new exterior colors.
The 2003 Ford Ranger displays its close ties with the Ford
F-series line, as a part of its design incorporates some
of the same features. In terms of cargo beds, customers
can change their straight-side cargo bed with a flare-fender
Flareside bed.
Performance
There are three different engines offered with 2003 Ford
Rangers. The Base XL comes with either a 2.3-liter 4-cyl
engine with 143 horsepower at 5250 rpm and 154 lb-ft of
torque at 3750 rpm, or an upgrade to a 3.0-liter V6 that
produces 154 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 180 lb-ft of torque
at 3900 rpm.
Edge models offer an available 4.0-liter V6 engine, which
has 207 horsepower and 238 lb-ft of torque at 3000 rpm.
All three engines are available with a five-speed automatic
transmission or a heavy-duty, five-speed manual transmission.
Safety and Security
New for 2003 is the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for
Children) system for installation of child safety seats.
Also offered are dual front airbags, antilock brakes, safety
belts with outboard pretensioners, side intrusion door beams
and the theft-deterrent SecuriLockTM system.
 Get
a Free Price Quote on a 2003 Ford Ranger.
|
Car Reviews
Save
by getting a new car price quote online
2003
Ford Ranger - Specs
