2005 Ford Ranger Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Expert review
The Ford Ranger is a perennial favourite among compact pickup trucks, and recent improvements have made it more usable than ever before.
The Ford Ranger has remained solidly in the mid-sized segment, despite similar offerings from other automakers ballooning over the years. The Ranger is aging, but gracefully, and it continues to be a good truck with a solid starting price. Recent improvements have given the truck a much better ride, upgraded brakes, and a bump in interior quality. The Ford Ranger is also sold as the Mazda B2300 and B3000.
out of 10 expert review
Look & feel
Thanks to somewhat bland but timeless styling and a content-heavy facelift in 2004, the Ranger looks nearly as fresh today as it did when the latest generation first debuted in 2001. The 2004 update brought a taller and more well-defined grille, a curvier body, and a host of interior upgrades that include new seats and convenience features.
Ford offers the Ranger in a few different body and cab configurations that include an old-school regular cab, a supercab (extended cab) with a 6-foot bed, and a flareside option with recessed body panels in front of the rear wheels. Trim levels include the Ford Ranger XL, STX, XLT, FX4 Off-road, and FX4 Level II, with the Edge package being offered on multiple models. Heated front seats are not available.
Performance
The Ranger is offered with three different engine choices for 2005: A 2.3-litre inline-four with power specs of 98 horsepower, a 3.0-litre V6 with 140 horsepower, and a 4.0-litre V6 with 160 horsepower. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on most grades with a five-speed automatic transmission being offered; similarly, a rear-wheel drive (RWD) drivetrain is the default on most grades but four-wheel drive (4WD) is an option on most. Trucks equipped with the larger V6 have no trouble accelerating to highway speeds and passing once there. The powertrain's low-down torque is ideal for off-roading, towing, and anything requiring low-range 4WD.
The 2004 suspension upgrade brought new bushings, shocks, and springs, which work with a new tire size to greatly improve the truck's ride quality and handling. Combined with a new brake setup that came to the Ranger line in 2003, the package adds up to a compact truck with confident handling and the capability to handle a heavy load when needed.
Form & function
Technology
Safety
The Ranger leaves much to be desired in the area of crash test results. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that moderate overlap front and roof strength are only worthy of an Acceptable rating, while side crashworthiness gets a Marginal score. Only the head restraints and seats are rated as Good, as testing found that dummies' movement inside the cabin during a crash were reasonably well contained by the seats and head rests. The truck was not tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Standard safety equipment includes dual front airbags, three-point seatbelts with force-limiting pre-tensioners, child seat anchor points, anti-lock brakes, and an electronic brake distribution system.
Cost-effectiveness
At this point in the Ranger's lifecycle, Ford has sold enough of these little trucks to recoup any research and development costs that came along with its creation. As a result, the company has been able to sell the 2005 Ranger with a starting price that lands well below $20,000, which undercuts the competition and firmly cements the truck's place in the great value hall of fame. You don't get much for that money. Namely, it buys you a four-cylinder engine and almost no creature comforts to speak of, but for many truck buyers that's all that really counts.
Note: Images show a US model.
What owners say
"Overall, most drivers find the 2005 Ford Ranger to be a solid, reliable truck that’s great for everyday use. Many love its easy maintenance, good looks, and decent fuel economy, especially for its class. However, some dislike the lack of power from the engine and the all-plastic interior, which feels cheap to many. The truck’s weight is also noted to impact fuel efficiency negatively."
Does what it's ment to do. Cheap to buy, cheap to fix, reliable, good off road even with 2WD, looks good for a small truck, good stereo, durable. Back seats are really only good for little kids, but they're great for throwing stuff in to keep dry. Tows pretty well for a small truck. Front seats are comfy and being a small truck, its easy to drive around town and park. Blind spots are awful though. Bad things are that the truck is clunky and will always make noises, interior is all plastic and there are no "luxury" features to speak of. Gas mileage is OK with the 3L V6. Best of the small american trucks availible (ranger, s10, sonoma.)
March 3, 2014It works great and runs fine. The vulcan 3.0 is slow and not all great on gas, and overall quality is o.k. but nothing fancy, it is just the base xl model. Also easy to customize. It is also a reliable truck as well.
July 26, 2010I like the look of this truck as well as the handle it has when driving. Its easy to control and visibility is quite high since you are higher up than most vehicles. Full back window makes it easy to see from all angles. The cab space is limited, but for a truck the gas mileage is quite good and plenty of space for things in the trunk (just not people).
October 8, 2012What owners say
Does what it's ment to do. Cheap to buy, cheap to fix, reliable, good off road even with 2WD, looks good for a small truck, good stereo, durable. Back seats are really only good for little kids, but they're great for throwing stuff in to keep dry. Tows pretty well for a small truck. Front seats are comfy and being a small truck, its easy to drive around town and park. Blind spots are awful though. Bad things are that the truck is clunky and will always make noises, interior is all plastic and there are no "luxury" features to speak of. Gas mileage is OK with the 3L V6. Best of the small american trucks availible (ranger, s10, sonoma.)
March 3, 2014It works great and runs fine. The vulcan 3.0 is slow and not all great on gas, and overall quality is o.k. but nothing fancy, it is just the base xl model. Also easy to customize. It is also a reliable truck as well.
July 26, 2010I like the look of this truck as well as the handle it has when driving. Its easy to control and visibility is quite high since you are higher up than most vehicles. Full back window makes it easy to see from all angles. The cab space is limited, but for a truck the gas mileage is quite good and plenty of space for things in the trunk (just not people).
October 8, 2012The only bad thing is that she's really heavy on fuel but yet again it's nice to have some power under you're right foot if you need it!!!!!!!!!! Other than that there's no problem, handles well, performance is great (on- and off-road) for a pick-up and it's verry nice to drive in town and on the long road to HENTIES!!!!!!
July 26, 2008I bought this truck as a replacement for my 98 Ranger that was destroyed by a drunk driver. I was extremely impressed (and tremendously thankful) that my 98 held up as well in the crash as it did.
December 11, 2007I do not recommend this truck without 4 wheel drive. With 2 wheel drive it can still tow the fishing boat but it has some trouble in bad weather. You can turn off the passanger airbag which is convenient if you have smaller people in the truck with you. The truck gets great gas milage (especially for a truck).
May 27, 2008Overall, I am impressed with the quality of my Ranger. I bought it brand new off the lot in August 2005. 6 months later, I wrecked it by T-Boning a Grand Am. I put the passenger door of the grand am inside the car, and my Ranger only had minor body damage. Very well built truck. will most likely stick with Ford in the future.
January 8, 2010i just love the size and height and usage i hate nothing about it it rocks the body work is robust but also has finesse nice chroming and alloys the 2.5lt turbo has enough poke for normal motorway driving and change to 4 wheel drive to pull a tree out the ground , literaly
August 16, 2008good little truck, bought it with 40k a year ago, now has 95k. run it mostly as a commuter 120-180 miles per day. I dont really like the torsion bar front end, as it makes it hard to get a suspension lift. after its paid off I'll be looking to swap in a solid front axle then put about 8in of lift under her
May 19, 2008Love my Ranger. Decent on gas. Easy to maintain and clean due to rubber floors. Lots of ground clearence with good stability. Bought it with spyed in box liner (only way to go). Not much room if you need to carry more than 2 people though.
October 8, 2009Trims & specs
Base MSRP N/A | Seating N/A |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP N/A | Seating N/A |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP N/A | Seating N/A |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP N/A | Seating N/A |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $24,625 | Seating 5 |
Engine 4.0L 207 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 15 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $23,445 | Seating 5 |
Engine 4.0L 207 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 15 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $18,925 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.0L 148 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 18 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $26,135 | Seating 5 |
Engine 4.0L 207 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 15 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $20,910 | Seating 4 |
Engine 3.0L 148 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 18 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $19,730 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.0L 148 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 18 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $21,850 | Seating 5 |
Engine 4.0L 207 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 15 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $18,135 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.0L 148 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 18 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $21,385 | Seating 3 |
Engine 3.0L 148 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $17,660 | Seating 3 |
Engine 3.0L 148 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 18 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $15,245 | Seating 3 |
Engine 2.3L 143 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $17,010 | Seating 3 |
Engine 3.0L 148 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 18 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $20,550 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.0L 148 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 18 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $19,370 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.0L 148 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 18 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $24,270 | Seating 5 |
Engine 4.0L 207 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 15 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $23,090 | Seating 5 |
Engine 4.0L 207 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 15 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $21,030 | Seating 3 |
Engine 3.0L 148 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $18,340 | Seating 3 |
Engine 2.3L 143 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $22,205 | Seating 3 |
Engine 3.0L 148 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $16,365 | Seating 3 |
Engine 2.3L 143 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $20,250 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.0L 148 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 18 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $18,935 | Seating 3 |
Engine 3.0L 148 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $17,165 | Seating 3 |
Engine 2.3L 143 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $20,060 | Seating 3 |
Engine 3.0L 148 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain 4WD |
