2006 Ford Ranger Sport Regular Cab review from North America

I have yet to encounter any problems of any kind with this truck.

This my 4th Ranger, and it has the same solid, quality feel that my previous three had. I have never had a single problem with any previous Ranger and do not anticipate any with this one.

My previous vehicle (prior to purchasing this truck in January of 2006) was a 2001 Dodge Dakota. I was very pleased with it, but Dodge no longer offers a regular cab Dakota, and I do not find the new styling as attractive. In looking at all the competition, both foreign and domestic, I found the styling of the Ranger to be the most appealing. It may be dated, but it has always been a very well-designed small truck.

I find the power of the 3.0 litre V-6 to be very adequate, and the ride is smooth for a small truck.

The handling is direct and precise, and the brakes do a good job of bringing it to a safe and controlled stop.

My only regret with my new Ranger Sport is the very barren, plain interior and lack of full instrumentation. I know the Sport model is designed to be a rugged and durable vehicle, but the lack of carpeting and hard plastic interior door panels are depressing after the plush, carpeted interior of my previous truck (the Dodge Dakota).

In all I would highly recommend the Ranger to anyone looking for a good, dependable and high-quality small truck. Before Purchasing this truck I looked at a number of both American and Japanese small trucks. The bizarre styling and astronomical prices of the imports turned me off, and I found the styling of the new Dakota, Colorado and Canyon not to my liking either. To me, the Ranger is the ONLY choice in a small truck.