Introduction
I spent some time driving the Ford Ranger and discovered it has some striking similarities to another vehicle I quite enjoy! But is the Ranger to the truck world the same as the Mazda Miata to the car world?
Content
Today, on 200 degrees, I take out the 2008 ford ranger and discover that the ranger is the pickup truck's world mazda miata.
Now I'm going to say this once so, I can get it out of the way through my whole review, it's a ford, freaking ranger.
Now I say that because if the internet has taken to the miata going, the answer is always miata.
I find that not at all, not at all ironic that the ranger has that same internet me.
You would think it could happen to the dakota and it could happen to the colorado, but it didn't, and that stems back to this truck being simple ford went.
They said we need to make a small truck, so they took the 4-liter from the f-150 base model and they took the automatic from the f-150 base model and they made a truck, and in that simplicity they made it available to you and I to modify if you lower a ford ranger and go auto crossing it's cool.
If you take one baja racing 4x4 and if you take one on a racetrack, you can make a drift truck.
There are rally ford rangers and when they show up people don't go weird, they go neat simplistic engineering can be considered boring when it's released, but as it holds up to the test of time, it can become endearing.
The ford ranger kept it simple.
They didn't try to redesign anything for this truck.
The tailgate is a tailgate, it's not a barn door, it doesn't open sideways or upside down or take two fingers to make it turn blue.
It's a tailgate.
The box size was standard for quarter, ton, pickup trucks, it was a six foot or shorter, the 8.8 liter or the 8.8 ring gear differential in the middle of this truck was the one that was offered in every ford from 1901 until 2035.
It's a very simple but proven diff that just worked ford didn't try to set new records in the interior space game.
They said this is what works.
It holds people and they made it function.
They carried parts from other fords from the switch gear to the radio, but they made something work because they had the parts already and for the engine of the truck they didn't.
Try to redesign something new with dual overhead cams and five cylinders chevy.
They decided to take the v6 from their f-150 and the explorer and a couple of proven chassis and plop it in the front with a four-speed automatic behind it, because they knew it would work where this ideology falls.
Apart in stock formation, though it hardly made the most dynamic driving vehicle I've ever experienced, I've had a really hard time explaining the driving characteristics.
Until I talked to the owner and said, I'm pretty sure its driving characteristics.
Aren't it doesn't have any it kind of just does drive.
The steering is alert enough.
The gas pedal is responsive enough.
The engine is powerful enough.
I feel like in the truck world.
It could use the same description as an 80s rolls royce.
Everything is adequate, you're going to be able to overheat the brakes real fast, the motor, that's the biggest thing.
I was researching this truck and it says it's a single overhead, cam you'd never know it, but this is a push rod engine.
I just think they put a single overhead cam stamp on the top of it.
It has the low end torque and the smooth driving characteristics of a 90s and 80s push rod motor somehow having overhead cams.
It is not a revving motor and that's quite normal with truck engines, but it doesn't it.
I don't know.
This is a.
This is a sneaky motor because it drives and has the characteristics of a push rod, ford, v6, I've driven 80 90s ford explorers.
This is a push rod motor.
I don't care what you or ford say: that's a push, rod motor, but in the realm of not being too complicated with, they didn't point it in any one direction, and this goes back to my miata comparison.
The miata isn't the best handling car in the sports car section, in the same sense that this handles better than a lot of other things.
But it's not a lowered five nine dodge durango rt.
They never said it was, though it's very comfortable and I like, but I think the ranger represents more the people that own it than than the ranger itself, because it is small in here.
I think in the same sense of the miata.
I'd have to do a tall guy mod.
If I really wanted to drive this truck- and let me just exemplify here if I sit up straight- that I don't quite fit in this truck and that's kind of the same where you can make it fit around you and that's a me problem.
But there are a common issue with miata saying tall guy mods.
I can see that being here as well.
The ranger isn't a big vehicle, and while you can accept that you're going to use it for what you want to use it for camping and daily driving and going out into the mountains, it's more than likely a non-materialistic single person's vehicle where they don't have much stuff with them.
You can pack it to go camping with two people, but you have to plan for it most of the time.
The back seat is full of full of your stuff, and so it's not really a four-seater.
So it's a truck that you have to accept compromises for, and I think, as most people don't want to own something that has a compromise they won't buy.
But they look at the people who accept that they can own a ranger with the small cab and the smaller dimensions and want to be them.
The unencumberedness of I don't need a big vehicle.
Therefore, I didn't buy one, that's simple logic where a lot of us can't get over and you don't buy a ranger to be cool.
If you wanted to be cool with a pickup truck, you'd buy an f-150 or an f-350 or an f450 or an f550 you'd buy the biggest truck you can, if you want it to be cool, well, you're not buying a ranger to be cool, you're buying a ranger because it fits into what you need it to do now.
I don't necessarily believe that my review is going to change your mind on whether or not you wanted to buy a ford.
Ranger rangers seem to be bought by people who need them when they need them.
What I wanted to showcase is why this is the staple of a small truck, because ford took the very simple recipe of build one and did it set no records break no boundaries, build a small truck they're.
Very simple, they're very durable, and I hope that maybe the next time you see the meme, the answer is always miata, you can add to it.
The answer is also for ranger.
Thank you very much for watching 200 degrees and we'll see you next episode.
You.
FAQs
What is the FX4 package on a Ford Ranger? ›
Off-Road Tuned Shock Absorbers
The shocks on the FX4 are designed to absorb the impact of going over rough, uneven terrain. The shocks, also referred to as dampers, help protect the truck from sustaining damage to the chassis while improving control while traveling over rocks or dunes.
- Larger, Stark Grey Alloy Wheels (18-inch) with New Unique Design.
- Black Roof Rails.
- Black Bonnet and Tailgate Decal Wraps.
- Side Decals with 'FX4' Branding.
- Black Sports Bar, Rear Bumper, Side Steps and Door Handles.
The 2008 Ford Ranger is affordable and competent off-road when properly equipped. But due to its aged design, it falls short in many other areas, making just about any other small or midsize pickup a better choice.
Are Ford Ranger pickups reliable? ›According to repairpal.com, the Ford Ranger scores four out of five in reliability, which puts it above average and in third out of seven other midsize trucks. It's a top contender.
Is the FX4 different than the 4x4? ›What do Ford 4×4 trucks have? Standard 4×4 trucks, as opposed to FX4, will come with standard suspensions, lower-ground clearance, and manual shifting into four-wheel drive. This is still an excellent all-wheel drive system and will open up a bevy of vehicular performance capabilities.
Is the FX4 package worth it Ranger? ›All in all, the FX4 package is great for those who need to traverse rough terrain, but isn't as perfect for dedicated off-roaders. If off-roading is your number one priority with your truck, then the Raptor is the best choice. The FX4 is a happy medium between the two, and for that reason, it is a popular option.
What is special about the FX4 package? ›Features vary between each model. But generally speaking, the FX4 package adds improved shocks, skid plates, and other notable features like a terrain management system. Additionally, the FX4 option will add visual upgrades through exterior graphics.
Do FX4 trucks sit higher? ›Well-known member. AFAIK, there is no additional height added.
Does FX4 package ride rougher? ›Well-known member. shizelbs said: Dealer said FX4 package would have a gentler ride quality on road compared to the suspension of the non FX4 package.
How many miles will a 2008 Ford Ranger last? ›Ford Rangers can last up to 20 years and beyond if they are well maintained and well cared for. The Ranger is built to withstand up to 300,000 miles and years upon years of use.
How many miles can you get out of a 2008 Ford Ranger? ›
Here's Why 2008 Ford Ranger Scheduled Maintenance Matters
If you put in the effort to keep up with proper maintenance, you could hit 200,000 miles (or beyond!) in your Ranger.
Few vehicles are as likely to reach 200,000 miles without mechanical issue as the Ford Ranger pickup. When maintained, and if you promptly look into any symptoms that suggest an issue is wrong with the vehicle, a midsize Ranger should see 200,000 to 250,000 miles.
What are the weaknesses of a Ford Ranger? ›- Transmission problems with a Ford Ranger: Gearbox Slippage.
- Leak in Crankshaft Seal.
- Engine Problems.
- Crankshaft Sensor Failure.
- Problems with a Ford Ranger's fuel injector.
If you're looking for a used Ranger, the best years include 2010, 2007, and 1998. What sets these Rangers apart from other model years? Reliability, efficiency, and safety—if you don't believe us, here are the stats: 2010 Ford Ranger.
How many miles is too many for a used Ford Ranger? ›For used trucks with gas engines, try to keep the mileage under 100,000 miles. Used trucks with a diesel engine can go a good deal further since diesel engines are easier to maintain than gasoline. 200,000 miles in a diesel engine is about the same wear and tear as 100,000 is for gas.
What year did the FX4 come out? ›The Austin FX4 is a hackney carriage that was produced from 1958 until 1997. It was sold by Austin from 1958 until 1982, when Carbodies, who had been producing the FX4 for Austin, took over the intellectual rights to the car.
Why is it called an FX4? ›It simply denotes a standard package of features which includes 4 wheel drive, locking differential, larger wheels, bucket seats, exterior trim and other things.
How much does a Ford FX4 cost? ›Find a Used Ford F-150 FX4 Near You
Prices for a used Ford F-150 FX4 currently range from $2,500 to $31,998, with vehicle mileage ranging from 41,412 to 317,509. Find used Ford F-150 FX4 inventory at a TrueCar Certified Dealership near you by entering your zip code and seeing the best matches in your area.
The Ford Ranger XLT comes much better equipped than the XL, which explains why it's the best-selling trim in the lineup. Building off the XL, the XLT adds 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, body-color bumpers, power side mirrors, rear privacy glass, a rear window defroster, and remote keyless entry with a tailgate lock.
How many MPG does a FX4 Ranger get? ›Based on data from 158 vehicles, 8,506 fuel-ups and 2,423,536 miles of driving, the 2021 Ford Ranger gets a combined Avg MPG of 20.48 with a 0.08 MPG margin of error.
What engine does a Ford Ranger FX4 have? ›
Powered by Ford's single-turbo 2.0-litre diesel engine, the bakkie was easy to drive without any hassle hauling its two-tonne body around. At the end of the tenure, this is our findings on the Ranger FX4.
Does FX4 have skid plates? ›The skid plate is just in front. The felt liners run on both sides after the skid plate.
Does FX4 come with locking differential? ›It does come with the locking diff.
What are the driving modes on FX4? ›Standard Drive Modes – Normal, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Eco and Sport. FX4 Drive Modes – Normal, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud & Ruts, and Sand.
Does FX4 package come with factory lift? ›Meaning that most Ford trucks offer some form of increased ruggedness. The package varies what it adds depending on the model. But generally speaking, things like skid plates, a factory lift, and four-wheel drive are included.
What is the difference between the tremor and the FX4? ›Compared to the Maverick with the FX4 Off-Road Package, the Maverick Tremor offers a slew of additional upgrades including a unique all-wheel drive system that utilizes a twin-clutch rear-drive unit with a differential lock feature, specially tuned springs and shocks, upgraded half shafts, a heavy-duty transmission ...
What is the ground clearance of a Ford Ranger FX4? ›Upgrade to 4x4 and all trims sport 8.9 inches of ground clearance.
How fast is a Ford FX4? ›| 45 - 65 mph | 3.6 s |
|---|---|
| 0 - 90 mph | 14.4 s |
| 0 - 100 mph | 18.2 s |
| 1/4 mile | 15.0 s @ 94.4 mph |
| Top speed | 161 kph (100 mph) |
The biggest factors in what determines your ride quality are tires, wheels and suspension and we'll take a look at all three.
Is the FX4 2WD? ›The 2WD FX4 is lighter than a Wildtrak or Raptor and theoretically also the fastest Ranger off the line. More thrifty too: 6.7L/100km against 7.4L for a biturbo 4WD. The FX4 starts life as a Ranger XLT.
Which Ford Ranger engine is better? ›
Which Ford Ranger engine is best? For outright power, no other engine is going to come close to the 292kW/583Nm outputs of the 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine. For better fuel economy, buyers can opt for the 7.2L/100km of the 2.0-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder diesel engine.
Are older Ford Rangers reliable? ›The Ford Ranger has received above-average reliability ratings from JD Power and Consumer Reports. RepairPal ranks the used Ford Ranger with a 4.0/5 reliability ranking, which is #3 in its class. With few recalls and consumer complaints in its history, the used Ford Ranger is a reliable truck for sale near you.
What years did Ford Ranger have transmission problems? ›The 2003, 2007, and 2008 FOrd Ranger models are reportedly notorious for engine, transmission and steering issues.
Is the Ford Ranger engine reliable? ›According to J.D.Power, the 2023 Ford Ranger has a reliability score of 86 out of 100.
How long do Ford Ranger transmissions last? ›The longevity of a Ranger transmission will depend on the type of model, year, and how it has been maintained. Generally speaking, a transmission for a Ford Ranger can last anywhere from over 100,000 miles to 300,000 miles or more.
Do Ford Rangers hold their value? ›In comparison, most cars lose 10% of their value the second they drive off the lot, with an average depreciation rate of 20% after one year and 40% after five. In other words, the Ford Ranger will maintain a large portion of its value over time in comparison to other vehicles.
Are Rangers good on gas? ›With two-wheel drive, this mid-size truck gets 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, or 23 mpg combined. And if you compare that to pickups of the past, that is solid fuel economy. If you opt for a four-wheel drive Ranger, you will take a slight hit on fuel economy.
Is Ford Ranger fuel-efficient? ›The fuel consumption of the Ford Ranger is - km/l (the most fuel-efficient), and the highest fuel consumption is 16.6 km/l.
How long do older Ford Rangers last? ›Because, according to Motor and Wheels, you can count on the Ranger to last up to 300,000-miles.
Do Ford Rangers have transmission issues? ›According to complaints submitted to federal regulators, Ford Ranger transmission problems include slipping, shaking, shuddering, stalling, jerking violently into gear and losing power. The 10R80 automatic transmissions have also been installed in certain Ford F-150, Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles.
Are Ford Rangers expensive to fix? ›
Ford Ranger Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost. The annual maintenance cost of a Ford Ranger is $615.
What makes a Ford Ranger run rough? ›Failing Electrical Components: A problem or failure in the ignition system or various electronic components can cause a rough idle. If this is the case, the problem will usually get worse as RPMs increase. Common culprits include the ignition control module, plug wires, coils, and spark plugs.
What year to not buy Ford Ranger? ›The two major Ford Ranger years to avoid are 1999 and 2001. Other than that, the vehicle has a solid reputation, which has caught attention for several reasons. For decades, they have been around and went down in history as one of Ford's most-loved vehicles.
What model is the top of the range Ford Ranger? ›Ford has added a new luxurious, top-of-the-range variant to its core dual-cab Ranger ute lineup for 2023. The Ranger Platinum sits above the Wildtrak, but below the baja-ready Raptor in the lineup and has a number of unique exterior and interior design features from the related, top-of-the-range Everest Platinum SUV.
When did Ford stop making the Ranger pickup? ›The 2011 model year was the final model year for retail sales, with a shortened 2012 model year for fleet sales; the final North American-market Ranger (a white SuperCab Sport produced for pest-control company Orkin) was produced on December 16, 2011.
Is the Ford Ranger 4x4 reliable? ›According to repairpal.com, the Ford Ranger scores four out of five in reliability, which puts it above average and in third out of seven other midsize trucks. It's a top contender. The annual repair cost of the Ford Ranger is $615, placing it slightly above the $548 average for other midsize trucks.
How often does a Ford Ranger need to be serviced? ›Service your Ford every 10,000 miles or every 12 months
Having your Ford serviced at regular intervals ensures your vehicle is performing at its best to reduce the risk of costly and unforeseen repairs.
The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Ford Ranger is $615, compared to an average of $548 for midsize trucks and $652 for all vehicle models.
What is the difference between sport and FX4 package? ›The sport is an appearance package. The FX4 has "offroad" tuned shocks, drive modes, skid plates, e-locker standard, basic a/t tires, different interior, and rubber floor mats. You can get the e-locker in a non FX4 now but it used to not be that way.
What does FX4 mean in a truck? ›FX4 describes the trim level of the truck, which is a 4dr SuperCrew 4WD Flareside. 4x4 simply designates a vehicle with 4 wheel drive.
What does FX4 package add? ›
What features come with the FX4 package? Features vary between each model. But generally speaking, the FX4 package adds improved shocks, skid plates, and other notable features like a terrain management system. Additionally, the FX4 option will add visual upgrades through exterior graphics.
Does the Ranger FX4 have skid plates? ›FX4's have full skidplates for the fuel tank and transfer case, assuming you have a 4x4. Other 4x4 Rangers (non-FX4 like mine) have a smaller triangular skidplate between the engine crossmember and radiator support.
Does Ford Ranger FX4 have Turbo? ›The 2021 Ford Ranger 2.0L Bi-Turbo FX4 Max 4x4 AT is powered by a 2.0L Diesel Engine, 4 Cylinder 16 Valve Diesel version engine and produces 158 hp and 500 Nm of torque.
What is the fuel consumption of Ford Ranger FX4? ›The fuel consumption of 2021 Ford Ranger 2.0L Bi-Turbo FX4 Max 4x4 AT is 10.0 km/l.
What is the difference between Ford Ranger FX4 and XLT? ›All-up, the FX4 Max gains an extra 19mm of ground clearance compared to the XLT, with improved approach and departure angles for the off-roading anoraks. So, why should you go for the FX4 Max? Well, it is essentially a cut-price Raptor, getting beefier suspension and tyres, without sacrificing hauling ability.
What features does the FX4 off-road package include? ›When you're ready to get serious about off-roading, the 2022 Ford Ranger FX4 package will get the job done. Available on XLT and Lariat trims, the FX4 off-road package adds an off-road focused FX4 suspension, beefier tires, locking rear differential, and skid plates to spice it up.