Road Tests: Long-Term Test

The rants and raves continue to pour in for our long-term Ranger after six months with the Edmund's staff. January was a slow month for the Ranger, with only a few local trips made in the Denver area. Still, our Editor-in-Chief, Christian Wardlaw, found plenty to say about the bright red Ford, and some of it was even positive.

For instance, "...if this specific truck had the power driver's seat and more supportive padding, I'd probably buy it after our long-term lease is up and replace my Miata..." Unfortunately, as Chris is quick to note, the Ranger doesn't have a power driver's seat or sufficient padding, and he can barely stand the "crappy driver's chair for more than a trip to the mall."

Mr. Wardlaw is still impressed by the truck's styling, powerful engine, responsive steering and interior layout (with the possible exception of the small radio controls). He can't believe Ford dropped the black grille and bumpers for the 1999 Ranger's Off Road package, since it contrasts so nicely with the red paint on our model. The chrome and color-keyed bumper options are all that's available this year.

Another sticking point, for the fifth month in a row, is the rapid degradation of our aftermarket parts. This is the first month that the side-steps have shown any weakness, but, just like the bedliner, they are also falling apart. Specifically, the screws holding down the pads on both side-steps have sheered off, allowing the rear edges of the pads to separate from the steps and curl up. The driver's side floor mat is likewise beginning to curl up, but this is only after somebody tore the mat from its moorings that normally keep it bolted down.

The Ranger's infant-carrying capacity has also proven problematic over the long run, as well. While the cab offers plenty of room for a forward-facing child seat up front, the fact that the front seatbelts are anchored to the rear doors means no one can get in or out on the passenger side once the baby seat is in place. There's also not enough room for a large baby stroller in the cab, which means it must ride in the bed, even on snowy Colorado days. Perhaps the most challenging aspect of child toting in the Ranger involves the large windshield and small sun visors. Depending on the time of day and direction of travel, it can be nearly impossible to keep the sun from damaging junior's delicate eyes and skin.

Only one mechanical problem cropped up this month, but it's a potentially scary one. What started as a slight pull to the right when driving became a strong lurch to the right under semi-hard braking. Our editor-in-chief had his hands full keeping the Ranger in its own lane the first time it happened. A sticking brake caliper seems likely, so a trip to the dealer will be scheduled in the near future.

Total Odometer Reading: 7,049
Best Fuel Economy: 16.7 mpg
Worst Fuel Economy: 15.4 mpg
Maintenance Costs: None
Problems: Aftermarket side step rail pads coming off, vehicle pulls to the right under hard braking.