2006 Ford Ranger Edge

Trucks are supposed to be big. They haul loads, pull cars and boats like no car or SUV ever could. The problem is they guzzle gas like no other vehicle on the road. The 2003 Ford Ranger offers a nice compromise. You may not be able to pull your yacht with it, but it'll cost you a lot less, and you'll still be able to throw whatever you need in the back.

The base Ranger Edge comes with six cylinders and a five speed. It's enough power to handle a few hundred pounds of sheetrock in the bed, and easily keep up with traffic. You won't be able to pull much like the F-150, its bigger brother with a V-8, but the truck is light on its feet, and averages 25 mpg during city and highway driving at the same being capable of handling a small trailer.

The interior is utilitarian in its design. Ford didn't have long trips in mind when they built this truck, but the seats are decent for a few hours at a time. They are easy to clean, and hold up better than most seats under heavy use. Don't count on bringing more than one other person along if you opt for the five speed, you can't use second or fourth with even a child next to you. There are a few cubic feet of space behind the seats, but that's it. You won't be able to fit the smallest of suitcases back there. Think airline carry on space only. The bed does hold quite a bit and although the stock bed liner looks good, it doesn't hold up very long. Take a look at rhino liner if you will be hauling a lot.

The handling is really good for a truck. The chassis is incredibly stiff, and hardly rolls through corners. Don't even think about taking it in the snow with out some weight in the back and a good set of snow tires or chains. There's no weight in the back at all, making the truck tricky in the wet as well. The brakes coupled with anti lock work extremely well. Panic stops are just a stab of the pedal away, and the brakes are nice and firm. The clutch went at 20 thousand miles on our truck, but was replaced under warranty. Since then the whole truck has been trouble free aside from a slipping volume dial on the radio and an occasional slight scraping going into third.

Overall the Ranger is a great reliable light truck. It can haul medium loads, while still giving good performance and gas mileage at a great price. If you need to haul dirty or large items occasionally or just like trucks, but not the big size, the Ranger could be just for you.