2001 Ford Ranger Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

by the zzdcar Experts

　　

What’s new

　　Most notable for the 2001 Ford Ranger is the availability of the Explorer's 207-horsepower, 4.0-liter SOHC V6. In other engine news, the flexible-fuel feature on the 3.0-liter V6 has been dropped and there will also be a new base 2.3-liter four-cylinder coming soon after the model-year introduction. ABS is now standard on all models. A new Edge trim level has a monochromatic appearance, which includes color-keyed bumpers and wheel lip moldings. Exterior changes are numerous. All models get a new grille, bumpers, and headlamps, while the XLT 4x4 and Edge get a new hood and wheel lip moldings. Four colors are new as well as an optional in-dash, six-disc CD changer.

　　

zzdcar says

　　Despite its substantial age, the 2001 Ford Ranger is still one of the wiser choices in the compact truck market.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2001 Ford Ranger 2dr Regular Cab XL 2WD Styleside SB (2.5L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$179/mo  for Ranger XL

　　Ranger XL

　　2dr Regular Cab XL 2WD Styleside SB (2.5L 4cyl 5M) - $12,010 MSRP2dr Regular Cab XL 2WD Styleside SB (2.3L 4cyl 5M) - $12,110 MSRP2dr Regular Cab XL 2WD Styleside SB (3.0L 6cyl 5M) - $12,505 MSRP2dr Regular Cab XL 2WD Styleside LB (3.0L 6cyl 5M) - $13,040 MSRP2dr SuperCab XL 2WD Styleside SB (2.3L 4cyl 5M) - $15,785 MSRP2dr SuperCab XL 2WD Styleside SB (3.0L 6cyl 5M) - $16,175 MSRP2dr Regular Cab XLT 2WD Styleside SB (2.5L 4cyl 5M) - $14,120 MSRP2dr Regular Cab XLT 2WD Styleside SB (2.3L 4cyl 5M) - $14,220 MSRP2dr Regular Cab XLT 2WD Flareside SB (2.5L 4cyl 5M) - $14,595 MSRP2dr Regular Cab XLT 2WD Flareside SB (2.3L 4cyl 5M) - $14,695 MSRP2dr Regular Cab XLT 2WD Styleside SB (3.0L 6cyl 5M) - $14,940 MSRP2dr SuperCab XLT 2WD Styleside SB (2.3L 4cyl 5M) - $16,455 MSRP2dr Regular Cab XLT 2WD Styleside LB (3.0L 6cyl 5A) - $16,565 MSRP2dr SuperCab XLT 2WD Styleside SB (3.0L 6cyl 5M) - $16,850 MSRP4dr SuperCab XLT 4WD Styleside SB w/392A (4.0L 6cyl 5M) - $20,765 MSRP2dr SuperCab XLT Appearance 2WD Flareside SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $21,145 MSRP4dr SuperCab XLT 4WD Styleside SB w/393A (4.0L 6cyl 5M) - $21,965 MSRP4dr SuperCab XLT 4WD Flareside SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $22,745 MSRP2dr Regular Cab XLT Appearance 2WD Styleside SB (2.5L 4cyl 5M) - $14,445 MSRP2dr Regular Cab XLT Appearance 2WD Styleside SB (2.3L 4cyl 5M) - $14,545 MSRP2dr Regular Cab XLT Appearance 2WD Flareside SB (2.5L 4cyl 5M) - $14,920 MSRP2dr Regular Cab XLT Appearance 2WD Flareside SB (2.3L 4cyl 5M) - $15,020 MSRP2dr Regular Cab XLT Appearance 2WD Styleside SB (3.0L 6cyl 5A) - $16,785 MSRP2dr Regular Cab XLT Appearance 2WD Flareside SB (3.0L 6cyl 5A) - $17,260 MSRP2dr SuperCab XLT Appearance 2WD Styleside SB (3.0L 6cyl 5A) - $18,585 MSRP4dr SuperCab XLT Appearance 2WD Flareside SB (3.0L 6cyl 5A) - $19,175 MSRP4dr SuperCab XLT Appearance 2WD Styleside SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $20,670 MSRP2dr Regular Cab Edge 2WD Styleside SB (3.0L 6cyl 5M) (Most Popular) - $14,700 MSRP2dr SuperCab Edge 2WD Styleside SB (3.0L 6cyl 5M) - $17,140 MSRP4dr SuperCab Edge 4WD Styleside SB (4.0L 6cyl 5M) - $20,645 MSRP2dr Regular Cab Edge Plus 2WD Flareside SB (4.0L 6cyl 5M) - $16,000 MSRP2dr SuperCab Edge Plus 2WD Styleside SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $18,960 MSRP2dr SuperCab Edge Plus 2WD Flareside SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $19,440 MSRP2dr Regular Cab Edge Plus 4WD Styleside SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $19,925 MSRP2dr Regular Cab Edge Plus 4WD Flareside SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $20,685 MSRP4dr SuperCab Edge Plus 4WD Styleside SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $23,750 MSRP4dr SuperCab Edge Plus 4WD Flareside SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $24,190 MSRP4dr SuperCab XLT Off-Road 4WD Styleside SB w/391A (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $22,765 MSRP4dr SuperCab XLT Off-Road 4WD Flareside SB w/397A (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $23,240 MSRP4dr SuperCab XLT Off-Road 4WD Styleside SB w/394A (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $24,150 MSRP4dr SuperCab XLT Off-Road 4WD Flareside SB w/398A (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $24,335 MSRP

　　vs

　　$218/mo

　　Avg. Compact Truck

　　

Vehicle overview

　　Whether it's image or utility that attracts you to a compact truck, Ford stands ready to seduce you into its strong-selling Ranger. The standard engine on 2WD models a new 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine. A 3.0-liter V6 (no longer flexible fuel) is standard on 4WD models, and the Explorer's SOHC 4.0-liter V6 is now available packing 207 hp at 5250 rpm and 238 lb-ft at 3000 rpm. That's a 47 hp jump over the previous pushrod 4.0-liter motor.

　　With the larger V6, acceleration is now even more sprightly, especially from a standstill or when merging and passing. As before, the big engine comes only with the five-speed automatic transmission. Rotary-knob controlled four-wheel drive is a unique pulse-vacuum system.

　　Well-controlled overall, with good steering feedback, Rangers handle easily, corner capably, maneuver neatly, and stay reasonably stable on curves. Occupants aren't likely to complain about the ride, either, though it can grow bouncy around town. Gas mileage isn't the greatest with the big engine and automatic.

　　The four-door SuperCab--available in 2WD and 4WD--makes it easy to access the storage compartment from either side of the truck, a big assist when loading cargo and gear. The standard rear doors on SuperCab models hinge off the corner pillars of the cab and swing out 90 degrees from the doorsill. There are no B-pillars to obstruct loading. Completing the Ford Ranger pickup line are regular cab, short- and long-wheelbase 2WD and 4WD models.

　　The Ranger is equipped with dual airbags and side-impact protection beams. The rear doors for 2WD and 4WD SuperCab models also have side-door intrusion beams for extra safety protection. ABS is standard on all models, and the passenger airbag can be shut off using a dash-mounted switch.

　　Ford has had the best-selling small trucks in the country for years. Fun to drive, sharp looking and well built, the Ranger delivers a solid compact-pickup experience. Its most serious competition comes from the Dodge Dakota and Toyota Tacoma models. The Dakota is slightly larger and offers V8 power, but we still recommend a look at the updated 2001 Ranger.

　　

2001 Ranger Highlights

Type: SuperCabRegular CabRegular Cab

　　Trim: XLXLTXLT AppearanceEdgeEdge PlusXL

　　

Base MSRP	$12,010
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	21 MPG
Cost to Drive	$179/month
Seating	3 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Max Towing Capacity	6,070 lbs.
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles