Ranger Drive
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Ranger Drive
This was a Ford drive event at Santa Anita racetrack in Arcadia Ca. I was pre-registered to drive the Ranger, but they were pushing Edges and a couple others. They had 3 Lariat Super Crew 5' bed Rangers. One to crawl all over, the other two to drive. I got there about 10:10 and was in line for at least 40 min. I got a $5 Target card for answering some trivia question from the roving microphone dude. The guy ahead of me could have furnished his house, but stopped at 3 or 4 cards for correct trivia answers. There were dozens in line while I was there, and dozens still in line when I left. So, they loaded us up 3 at a time. They would have us take a loop, pull over (all safe, no issues), swap drivers and do the loop again. So I got some quality back seat time.=left
=left
As you can see from the pictures, such as they are, you will find yourself in somewhat familiar territory in the Ranger, at least as compared to the current F150 and I presume other Fords. Some components look like the same part, but if not, they look the same. I did not need the side steps to get in or out comfortably. In driving, I found it to have plenty of power, engine noise was acceptable. The transmission was smooth, no drama, no trauma. It had a Sport Mode, but I didn't explore any manual shifting. It has auto start/stop, and the switch to disable is easier to reach than the F150. Steering was light, corners had a little lean but you wouldn't notice unless you were looking. Smoothish ride. We only hit 45 mph, but no noticeable road or wind noise. We hit some speed bumps at lower speeds a couple times--no problem, no sharp impact felt. (Keep in mind the load of 3 hefty and 1 skinny). I sat behind the 6'2" guy and you'd have to be mighty friendly with someone to ride in the back for any distance with the front seat all the way back. I was able to put the seat back far enough to be comfortable without crushing the person behind me--but I did get a "whoa" out of them. Seats are comfortable front and rear. No AC vents in the back, despite a full length console. (Huh?)=left
=left
It's a nice truck. I have not done the "shopping tool" thing to compare it side by side with the Taco and GM offerings. I suspect the measurements are close.=left
=left
I do not recall feeling "cramped" when driving my '86 Ranger. It had the 60/40 bench, vs. a bucket and console. I do not recall feeling "as cramped" in my Tacoma. Perhaps the age and heft factors are at work here, or perhaps it's because I have been enjoying the vast expanses of our F150. When driving, the size feels great, visibility is good, and all the safety bells and whistles are there. But, you have to go Lariat to get all that stuff.=left
=left
I think it will be competitive, but I doubt it will come to dominate the market and leave Tacos and GMs sitting on the lots for 2 model years. I don't find any MPG info for it yet.
=left
As you can see from the pictures, such as they are, you will find yourself in somewhat familiar territory in the Ranger, at least as compared to the current F150 and I presume other Fords. Some components look like the same part, but if not, they look the same. I did not need the side steps to get in or out comfortably. In driving, I found it to have plenty of power, engine noise was acceptable. The transmission was smooth, no drama, no trauma. It had a Sport Mode, but I didn't explore any manual shifting. It has auto start/stop, and the switch to disable is easier to reach than the F150. Steering was light, corners had a little lean but you wouldn't notice unless you were looking. Smoothish ride. We only hit 45 mph, but no noticeable road or wind noise. We hit some speed bumps at lower speeds a couple times--no problem, no sharp impact felt. (Keep in mind the load of 3 hefty and 1 skinny). I sat behind the 6'2" guy and you'd have to be mighty friendly with someone to ride in the back for any distance with the front seat all the way back. I was able to put the seat back far enough to be comfortable without crushing the person behind me--but I did get a "whoa" out of them. Seats are comfortable front and rear. No AC vents in the back, despite a full length console. (Huh?)=left
=left
It's a nice truck. I have not done the "shopping tool" thing to compare it side by side with the Taco and GM offerings. I suspect the measurements are close.=left
=left
I do not recall feeling "cramped" when driving my '86 Ranger. It had the 60/40 bench, vs. a bucket and console. I do not recall feeling "as cramped" in my Tacoma. Perhaps the age and heft factors are at work here, or perhaps it's because I have been enjoying the vast expanses of our F150. When driving, the size feels great, visibility is good, and all the safety bells and whistles are there. But, you have to go Lariat to get all that stuff.=left
=left
I think it will be competitive, but I doubt it will come to dominate the market and leave Tacos and GMs sitting on the lots for 2 model years. I don't find any MPG info for it yet.
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From: Willis, Texas
so I am a healthy 6'1 fella.
I'm worried bout my mom, mom in law and father in law being in the back. they are 5'8 and shorter and kinda small.
as you described in your post they shouldn't have any issues with room in the back then?
awesome pics and even with all that plastic covers and such in the engine compartment I would love being able to work on that engine.
I'm worried bout my mom, mom in law and father in law being in the back. they are 5'8 and shorter and kinda small.
as you described in your post they shouldn't have any issues with room in the back then?
awesome pics and even with all that plastic covers and such in the engine compartment I would love being able to work on that engine.
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5'8" and small will be fine in the back. There are 3 seat belts back there but things are going to be real cozy with 3 back there, small or not.
You should be able to be comfortable up front and still leave enough room for a 5'8" smallish person. They'll be able to flick your ears though.....
You should be able to be comfortable up front and still leave enough room for a 5'8" smallish person. They'll be able to flick your ears though.....
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