Description: Compact Pickup Truck
Base MSRP Range: $14,365 - $26,025
Invoice Price Range: $13,660 - $23,463
Where built: USA

Ford's Ranger has been the best-selling compact truck for 17 years. For 2005, the line expands with new models like XLT Regular Cab toting a seven-foot box, the Edge with two-door SuperCab and 4WD traction, and a Tremor package for Edge with 510-watt Pioneer audio kit containing a six-disc CD/MP3 player and four coaxial speakers to blow the doors off.

Total models include XL, Edge, XLT, Tremor and FX4. The Edge edition dresses Ranger in a monochromatic color scheme, and a 2WD Edge stands as high as the 4WD Ranger since 4WD suspension elements are in place. Ranger FX4 presents the serious look of a tough off-road truck and supports that image with hardware designed to take trail abuses. With four-door SuperCab and deluxe XLT trim the FX4 Level II adds 4WD equipment like Bilstein off-road shocks, a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, plus undercarriage skid plates, tow hooks and forged aluminum wheels.

Three engines go with Ranger for 2005 but an optional V6 crowns the chart and boosts the truck's trailer-towing ability. The 4.0-liter V6 musters best-in-class performance of 207-hp. Coupled to the six-pack is a heavy-duty 5-speed manual or optional 5-speed automatic.