By Steven D. Gatt, Automotive Editor
The Ford Ranger is the best selling compact pickup in America. The Splash version makes it the most appealing Generation X truck on the market today. The Ranger Splash comes in a variety of colors and styles: my test truck was a Canary Yellow, super-cab with 4-wheel drive. To say this Ranger stood out from the crowd is an understatement.
Ranger Splash makes a huge statement with it looks and style. The Splash shows that you want the freedom to be different from the rest of the crowd. Car designs are beginning to blend together and the Splash blends in with nothing.
Driving the Splash, especially the 4X4 version, gives the driver an attitude. A high attitude because the Ranger rides much higher than most of the trucks on the road. The 4-wheel drive system also gives you that go anywhere, do anything freedom, so embraced by Generation X. Plain and simple this truck is loads of fun, fun, fun!
Compact pickups aren't really about hauling a lot of cargo around anymore. Most often, I'll see a personal watercraft on a trailer behind one or even a snowmobile now that it has turned cold. Since hauling things around isn't the first concern of most drivers, many don't mind the reduced bed capacity due to the flare-side box.
Ford has done a wonderful marketing job with the Ranger Splash. They created the truck and built an image around, fun, freedom and individuality to go with it. With the help of wild colors and even a starring role in the world's number one syndicated show Baywatch, Ford has hit the mark. On the other hand, Chevy has gone another direction. They seemed to have simply slapped a sportside box on the little S-10 and expect it to sell. That doesn't cut it.
Just last week, I reviewed the all-new Dodge Dakota and how it is, mechanically, the best truck on the market. I stand by my statement but Ford has the Dakota beat in the areas of interior comfort and ergonomics, and that is probably one of the most important parts of the equation. The ride of our Ranger was a bit rough, most of that can be blamed directly on the suspension that accompanies the 4X4 system. It also certainly seems as if the Dakota has a lot more low-end torque than the Ranger
Driving the Ranger was a lot of fun. It was easy to see through traffic, visibility in any vehicle this high is great. When we had snow and ice on the road, shifting into 4-wheel drive mode was as simple as turning a dial on the dash. The 4-wheel drive afforded me confidence to drive right past others with rear drive sedans or the occasional Mustang or Camaro.
The ergonomic packaging of the Ranger is wonderful. Controls are easy to find when you get into the truck and the surprising extras made this Ranger even more comfortable. Unlike the stripped Dakota, I drove a loaded Ranger. It had everything from CD changer to power, inflatable lumbar support. The only thing I question is the jump seats in the extended cab. Who does Ford really think can fit back there? To my surprise the extended cab area features a neat little cargo cover. It is there all the time, integrated into the back wall of the cab, it pulls forward to two little notches in the side of the truck just behind the front seats.
The base price for a ford Ranger 4X4 Super-Cab Splash is $20,225 with all the options, destination and discounts total price as tested came to $24,620. The following is a list of the options and their prices on the evaluated truck:
Cruise control and tilt steering: $395
Passenger side airbag with cutoff switch: $400
Air conditioning: $805
Premium electric AM/FM cassette stereo with clock: $75
Anti-lock brakes: $610
Bucket seats: $360
Power window and lock group: $395
Anti-theft keyless entry: $275
Compact disc changer: $445
Destination: $510
Preferred equipment package 855A (Splash package): $600
Package discounts: $475
I enjoyed my week long test drive of the Ford Ranger Splash. It is a great truck and I can see why it remains the best selling compact pickup in America. At $24,620, it has a lot of features you wouldn't have found on any truck five years ago, thus making the price bearable. If you're in the market for a new compact truck and looking for something more wild than mild this is your truck.