From people moving to foul-weather driving, the Ranger saw plenty of action during this shortest month of the year. Our bright-red Ford is still in the Rocky Mountain region, but it will be returning to Los Angeles in early March. So far, with the exception of its aftermarket add-ons, the Ranger is aging well and giving credence to the ad line "Built Ford Tough."

Computer whiz John Davis had use of the Ranger all month and he used it to transport his wife and six friends through the Garden of the Gods park near Colorado Springs, Colo. Ford lists the Ranger extended cab as a five-passenger vehicle, but John made everyone, except his wife, ride in the truck bed while enjoying the park's sights at a 5-mph walking pace. The Flareside design sacrifices total cargo area and it was a tight fit for six adults, yet no complaints were reported until the return trip home, after the sun had set. Apparently, February is not the month to spend your evenings riding in the Ranger's bed, especially in the Colorado Mountains.

Recreational road trips were just one of the many uses our Ranger performed this month. Its main duty was in-town errand running, for which it is perfectly suited. The Ford's compact size and easy maneuverability make city driving and parking a no-brainer. Its 158-horsepower, 4.0-liter V6 engine allows for "both offensive and defensive driving" according to John. And we're sure you never abuse that power, either, right John?

Mrs. Davis also got some seat time in the Ranger and gave it a glowing review. Specific likes were the powerful engine and raised driving perspective. The higher seating position inspired confidence with its increased view of the road, yet the truck still offered easy entry and egress. The cargo bed proved capable of hauling more than just frostbitten humans, too, as Mrs. Davis transported a bevy of artist materials in the Ranger.

Both John and his wife praise Ford for adding the rear doors. They make using the back seat "ultra-convenient," and not just for passengers, either. The ability to open the rear doors and toss in a brief case, backpack, or grocery bag is a delight that most truck people still haven't experienced. But just like so many automotive advances, those truck owners who have made the leap to a four-door design can no longer image their life without it.

In addition to the deteriorating bed liner and side steps, the Ranger was still pulling to the right at the beginning of the month. We finally got it over to Courtesy Ford in Denver where they performed a free front-end alignment. We'd like to report the problem solved, but it is not. Looks like we'll be returning to the dealership.

Otherwise, the Ranger's status as a cool-looking, fun-to-drive truck is still intact.

Total Odometer Reading: 7,648 miles
Best Fuel Economy: 16.9 mpg
Worst Fuel Economy: 14.9 mpg
Maintenance Costs: $0 Body
Body Repair Costs: $0
Problems: Aftermarket parts continue to erode and it still pulls to the right, even after a front-end alignment.