The interior makeover of the Ranger has come about in two recent phases--'93 and
'95--and for '96 it remains a carryover with the exception of the optional passenger
airbag. In '95, designers created a more user-friendly instrument panel along with new
seat materials.
It's a relatively easy in and out of the Ranger SuperCab, although, as is the case
with most 4wd trucks, vertically-challenged drivers looking for a driver-side grab
handle have to settle for the steering wheel to hoist themselves up.
We found the gray cloth seats comfortable and appreciated the clear visibility that
comes from the Ranger's tall seating postion, ample glass, narrow A and B pillars and
unobstructed rear view.
The front seating positions have good head, leg, shoulder and hip room. Getting into
the SuperCab's rear seats, however, involves some gymnastics, and there's not much
room once you're there. This space is a much better place for things than people.
However, the pivoting quarter windows and sliding rear window are useful for dialing
in just the right flow of fresh air when the weather permits.
GM's new third-door option on its extended cab Sonoma and S-Series trucks makes the
space behind the front seats easier to use than the Ranger SuperCab, and we expect to
see a similar option in the next Ranger redesign.
The Ranger's seats are newly fitted with automatic locking restraint/emergency locking
restraint (ALR/ELR) belt systems that eliminate child seat clips and comply with new
federal safety regulations. While there's a real globebox--non-locking--for some
stowage, the door pockets are low and Lilliputian. A rear cargo net is handy for
keeping small items from thrashing around in the back of the cab.
The Ranger is a straightforward, easy-to-drive truck. We particularly appreciated the
dash-mounted electric transfer case which shifts from 2wd to 4wd High to 4wd Low with
a simple flip of a switch--no more wrestling with a separate shift lever to engage the
4wd system.
While the SuperCab's longer wheelbase smooths the highway ride on this truck, its
longer dimensions make it a little less nimble off road. But only a little. All in
all, this is definitely a good light-duty workhorse on and off the pavement.
We found the recirculating ball power steering to be precise and the Twin I-Beam front
and rear leaf spring suspension gave a ride that felt solid and stable, considering
the Ranger's somewhat tall and narrow body dimensions. However, the time-honored Twin
I-Beam setup is something else that will probably be replaced in the next redesign,
following the pattern set by the new F-150.
The 3.0-liter V6 and automatic transmission in our test truck provided smooth
acceleration and decent power, though some engine noise found its way into the cab.
Rear antilock brakes are standard with this engine, as well as the 2.3-liter 4-cyl.
Models equipped with the 4.0-liter V6 get 4-wheel ABS, a definite plus. The 4.0-liter,
of course, also delivers more power, although it's still in third place compared to
GM's 4.3-liter V6 and the Dodge Dakota 5.2-liter V8.
Brake-shift interlock is standard with the automatic transmission, and the STX comes
with cruise control, as well as a tilt steering wheel.