EARTHY CAR OF THE WEEK: 1999 Ford Explorer 4x4

1999 Ford Ranger XLT, Red, Truck, 112686 mi, $4,995 http://bit.ly/GYxjhP 4wd, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 14/18

The Ford Ranger is one of the smaller and lighter pick-up trucks. Yet, it has almost as much cargo space as a larger truck.

This particular Ford Ranger has low mileage for its year and has 4 wheel drive with a 4.0 liter V-6 engine. So it’s reliable and powerful.

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EXPERT REVIEW
NewCarTestDrive:

INTRODUCTION: Ford's Ranger is one of the best compact pickups on the market. It's certainly the most popular. Responsive handling on the highway, impressive suspension performance off road and a comfortable ride everywhere make it a great choice as a light-duty truck.

The chassis was re-engineered two years ago and it really paid off. It handles rough dirt roads well, but what's really impressive is its handling and steering response on paved mountain roads.
This newest-generation Ranger boasts a rigid chassis, a new front suspension, a redesigned interior, improved engines, fresh styling and, on 4x4 models, a clever new four-wheel-drive system-elements that add up to a great truck.

WALK AROUND: “While pickup watchers are aware of the Ranger's new look, the most beneficial improvement comes from its new chassis. The front third of the frame features fully boxed side frame rails for a significant increase in torsional rigidity. (A rigid frame reduces unwanted vibration and allows the engineers to design a suspension that more precisely controls wheel movement for improved ride and handling.)”

DRIVING IMPRESSION: “The new Ranger does not drive like a traditional truck. Steering response and handling in transient maneuvers could almost be described in sports car terms. Winding over narrow mountain roads north of Los Angeles, we found the Ranger to be a vehicle that inspires confidence in the driver. Before long we were rounding curves with bravado usually reserved for sports sedans.”

SUMMARY: “The new Ranger may be the best compact pickup truck on the market. Its driving qualities leave the other trucks in the dust, yet it offers plenty of power and hauling capacity to get the work done.”

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