2004 Ford Ranger XLT 4WD, w/tow package

I bought the truck at the end of the 2004 model year at a great price for the equipment package. I couldn't be any happier with this truck. (Note--I am not associated with Ford in any way, I don't own Ford stock, I'm not married to a Ford executive, etc. etc. I'm an unbiased, and happy consumer.)

In the year that I've owned this vehicle, I've used it in just about every conceivable driving scenario, and it has performed marvelously. Because I love the wilderness, I use the vehicle off-road about 25% of the time. I've driven it in places you wouldn't dream of going w/o 4WD--in axle deep mud, over sharp rocks and large boulders, up very steep grades, across water filled gullies, and more. The electronic transfer case and shift on the fly have worked flawlessly thus far. The truck has tremendous torque and pulling ability in 4WD low. In 4 low, it will crawl up a very steep grade over large rocks at slow walking speed without even a moment's hesitation. The torsion bar suspension provides stable and responsive control on rough terrain.

The 4.0L engine is strong and steady, with no noises or pinging. Initially I had some minor pinging when going up hills at highway speeds. I took the truck to my dealer, where they immediately diagnosed the problem as a computer issue. They changed some computer settings, and it resolved the problem. All this work was done under warranty with no questions asked.

The ABS brakes are awesome--no soft or weak spots in the pedal, and they stop the truck on a dime (just before the 1000 foot cliff on the other side of the clump of trees!!! --just kidding.)

I don't have skid plates, but the frame cross members seem to be in a location that offer protection to the underside of the engine and the transfer case. Nonetheless, I don't drive the truck abusively off-road. I try to be smart in off-road situations, while at the same time not playing it too safe. I take the truck to my local Ford dealer every 3000 miles, and get a complete multi-point inspection. I am a big believer in preventative maintenance, especially when doing frequent off-roading in remote locations.

The vehicle is ergonomically the most comfortable vehicle I've ever owned. The 40/60 bucket seat is extremely comfortable, the left armrest and center console support my arms nicely, and I have plenty of leg room. Everything is within easy reach when the seat is extended comfortably, and the view from the cockpit is great, with excellent visibility in all directions. The extended cab cargo area easily accommodates all of my camping gear (and I have a lot.) The tie down hooks in the bed have come in handy on numerous occasions.

The 2004 Ranger is the absolute optimum size truck for my purposes. I wouldn't want it any bigger, nor any smaller. In off-road situations, smaller is often better. Smaller trucks can achieve the greatest ramp over angles, can maneuver into tighter spots, and are easier to turn around in those impossible-to-turn-around places in the wilderness. And smaller trucks are a lot less frustrating to park in the city. The Ranger is now one of the last true compact trucks remaining on the market (the Tacoma is now a mid-size.) I believe its optimum size is one if its big strengths, assuming you can live without the extra space.

I often go out into the wilderness at night to watch the incredible night sky in northern AZ, and lay in the back of the bed with a Z-rest camping pad underneath me. The 6-foot bed is the perfect size for me to stretch out fully and star-gaze. When camping, my Rock 22 North Face tent (2-person) fits perfectly in the bed of the truck. I lash it down to the tie-down hooks with 4 bungee cords--it will easily withstand 40 mph gusts. I use a step stool to enter the tent through it's side hatch, and I love not having to sleep on the ground anymore.

In summary, the truck rides and handles like a car on the interstate, and performs like a tank in rugged off-road situations. I am honestly dismayed at some of the poor reviews I see for this truck, and how poorly it is rated compared to the Tacoma. For $15,000 out of the showroom, I think it is the best vehicle value in the US. I will buy another 4WD Ranger after this one wears out, if they keep building them like this one.

Happy trucking dudes and dudettes.