2006 Ford Ranger Consumer Reviews

We need a Ranger Hybrid

Written by: Hank on 06/29/2008

Vehicle

2006 Ford Ranger XL 2dr Regular Cab Styleside SB (2.3L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I love this truck. I purchased it brand new with 8 miles on it. Now I am somewhere near 35000 miles on it. It is a 4 cyl, I am getting 26.5 miles on average miles per gallon. I think Ford should make these trucks in a hybrid version with 4 cylinder engine. In fact an electric plug in Ranger would be ideal. My next vehicle and my wife's will be a hybrid or somehing more efficient. If I have to I will build my own electric Ranger

Favorite Features

Good work truck for using to work around the house. Good size for homeowner who has to commute.

Suggested Improvements

4cy hybrid Ranger, or all electric plug in. I know you can do it. America knows you can do it.

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Great truck

Written by: ed on 05/25/2008

Vehicle

2006 Ford Ranger SPORT 4dr SuperCab Styleside SB (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I bought this truck used, and so far I love it. It drives great, I get 21.7 mpg so far. Just look around and you can see all the rangers still on the road. I'm a tall guy and can stretch out all the way. This one is loaded with everything so complaints.

Favorite Features

The look, leg room, four door easy in

Suggested Improvements

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Best value for money

Written by: SurfCity on 01/04/2008

Vehicle

2006 Ford Ranger SPORT 2dr Regular Cab SB (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I bought an 06 Ranger sport model which my son uses to go surfing, camping, and I use when I need a truck. No problems after 2 yrs. Sharp styling, and is priced considerably below Toyota, Nissan. I bought the truck for the price listed in the newspaper. Good handling, no frills, but good functional truck and best for the money on the market. Sport model with extended cab is very popular with younger crowd.

Favorite Features

Exterior styling, handling

Suggested Improvements

Upgraded interior, more automatic features, automatic headlights

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I Love My Ranger So Much

Written by: deekellan on 11/24/2007

Vehicle

2006 Ford Ranger FX4 Level II 4dr SuperCab 4WD Styleside SB (4.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I traded a Hyundai Elantra for this truck and I've never been happier! The extended cab is perfect for my work things (backpack, jacket, lunch),the body looks great. People compliment me on it all the time. The flared fenders really add some dirt cred to its stance, not like it needs it, but it still adds to the look. Driving it is just plain fun. On the street it's civilized but the Billstein shocks make their presence known a bit, and that's a good thing. It doesn't "ride" like a car at all, but yet doesn't bounce unnecessarily. Off-road you can really feel its purpose. Nothing stops this truck.It performs and looks great. What else can you want from a truck?

Favorite Features

Looks great. Runs strong. Off-road stance sets it apart from other compact trucks. Billstein shocks, ALCOA rims are great additions. Interior is roomy without being too soft and car-like. Serious truck.

Suggested Improvements

This is picky, but the blue trimmed bucket seats seem a bit off to me, since my truck is gray and black. Just gray seats would be better.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Good truck, great old time engineering

Written by: Shook on 05/27/2007

Vehicle

2006 Ford Ranger SPORT 4dr SuperCab 4WD Styleside SB (4.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

This is about my 5th Ranger had them from '83 to '06, including a rare Ranger GT. This is by far the best. I have the 4:10 posi rear, with the 4.0 automatic. The truck is very responsive, steering feels great with the rack and pinion, and rides nice with the torsion bar front end. Overall the older engineering to me is just well proven, like the dash borrowed from 95 era explorer, simple, functional, and reliable. The rugged looks of this truck are unbeatable. I've had it for over a year now and have had zero problems. Sadly I think these Rangers are last of a breed, Ford will be forced to downsize the engines due to emmissions regs, and probably change the body and frame setups.

Favorite Features

4.0, Great looks, posi rear, big tires, perfect ride height of the 4X4

Suggested Improvements

4.6 V-8 option, full 4 door option (c'mon Ford you have em in the UK)

3 out 5 people found this review helpful

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tough little workhorse

Written by: Tim on 03/26/2007

Vehicle

2006 Ford Ranger XL 2dr SuperCab Styleside SB (2.3L 4cyl 5M)

Review

We use it on the farm, to and from town and for an occasional commuter vehicle. The 2.3L and manual transmission move it quite well. It has enough torque to use in the fields (with real AT tires added) and still gets 27+ MPG on the highway.

Favorite Features

Seat comfort and driving dynamics are excellent.

Suggested Improvements

It really needs a switchable limited slip axle. We replaced the tires with Toyo Open Countrys and the truck goes through mud & snow very well.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Cheap Ranger

Written by: Danny on 02/11/2007

Vehicle

2006 Ford Ranger XL 2dr Regular Cab Styleside SB (2.3L 4cyl 5M)

Review

OK, I purchased a Ford Ranger in the worst year for Ford. I previously owned a 2003 Ranger XL. I liked the little truck, but it just would not move. I moved to big truck, but found the gas mileage to be too bad. I went back and found a used 2006 Ranger XL with 2500 miles. This truck is much better than my 2003. It has the same motor, but the gearing must have changed. It still gets moderate gas mileage (I hope it gets better after 10,000 miles and the motor breaks in.) Ford did a much better job with the seats. I still have vinyl, but they sit much better. The transmission shifts smoother. Overall the 2006 is much better than the 2003.

Favorite Features

Gas mileage and price. For the money you can't find a better small truck that will perform this well and get 25- 27 mpg.

Suggested Improvements

I really do not like the oversized rear Ford emblem on the tailgate. Unfortunately they bolted it on, so no removing it.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Ranger provides basic transportation & utility

Written by: Scott Cormier on 02/05/2007

Vehicle

2006 Ford Ranger XL 2dr Regular Cab Styleside SB (2.3L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Overall I'm very pleased with my new Ranger XL. I owned a 98 model previously and my experience with that truck was certainly a determining factor in this purchase. Admittedly, the performance of the 2.3L I4 is a bit sluggish; however, what it lacks in pickup it more than makes up for in fuel economy, especially when paired with the stick shift (I've actually averaged 30 mpg a few times). The exterior is more business like than beautiful; which suits my needs. Rugged stout build provides a less than smooth ride but reassuringly capability (hey! it's a work truck!). Excellent reliability so far and as a mechanic I can say; it's all a matter of proper maintenance and not abusing the vehicle.

Favorite Features

Basic utilitarian design, fuel economy, maneuverability. Good ground clearance (even without 4x4). New grill design so it matches the rest of Ford's truck line. That "True to it's roots pickup truck" feeling.

Suggested Improvements

A 4 cylinder diesel as a standard and more efficient replacement for the dated 2.3 gas. (A 4 cylinder diesel comes standard in the British Ranger). Revert back to a steel front bumper.

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FX4 Level II Ranger

Written by: Phil on 01/11/2007

Vehicle

2006 Ford Ranger FX4 Level II 4dr SuperCab 4WD Styleside SB (4.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I bought this to replace an 04 Suburban 2WD. I love the look of the truck and it seems to be VERY solidly built. I wish Ford would get their act together and improve the gas mileage of the 4.0 V-6. I have to say it is the worst thing about the truck. Also, I haven't owned it long enough to know about its reliability, but at least I have a warranty!

Favorite Features

The overall appearance is GREAT and I like my leather seats. The interior is small but seems to be laid out well with everything within reach.

Suggested Improvements

GAS MILEAGE!

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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I love it!

Written by: SKINSFAN on 01/11/2007

Vehicle

2006 Ford Ranger XLT 2dr SuperCab 4WD Styleside SB (4.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I must have a rare breed, I have a 2wd, auto, 4.0, XLT extended cab SB. I can never find this style when having to choose. This is my 2nd Ranger, my 1st one was a 1995 SB, 3.0 manual. I would still have it but was tired of shifting. Great dependable truck,. Looks good, simple design, excellent power, just simply put, I love everything about it. I traded in my 95 for an 02 F-150, had that less than a year before I realized I wanted to get back into something smaller and easier to drive.

Favorite Features

Simplistic design, torque/power, dependability.

Suggested Improvements

I can't think of anything to make it better, without changing the simplicity of it.

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