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After more than a quarter of century of service, the Ford Ranger still attracts diehard fans who love the trucks compact frame, off road capabilities, decent fuel economy, and competitive price. While the Toyota Tacoma, Dodge Dakota, and Nissan Frontier have bloated in recent years to become medium sized models, the Ford Ranger has stayed close to its original size while retaining its overall value.

Perhaps the best value model is the Ford Ranger XLT, the middle model between the XL and the Sport. The Ford Ranger XLT is available in regular and super cab two door as well as a super cab four door. With a six foot box, the XLT can provide large truck duty at a compact truck price.

Engines offered include the standard 2.3L DOHC I4 or optional 4.0L SOHC V6 (207 hp/238 lb.-ft torque/5700 lb towing), tried and true motors which have served the Ranger well for years. Both engines offer a standard five-speed manual or optional five-speed automatic transmission, with electronic shift on the fly transfer case available with the 4x4 option.

Tuned gas charged shocks are standard on the 4x2 model while heavy duty gas charged shocks come with every 4x4. A trailer tow receiver hitch, AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, and independent short/long arm suspension with stabilizer bar helps ensure a smooth ride on flat surfaces while a front torsion bar replaces the stabilizer bar on the 4x4 to handle an off road pounding.

Inside, the Ford Ranger XLT offers a number of amenities including standard SIRIUS Satellite Radio and an audio input jack. Alas, Ford SYNC is not available on the Ford Ranger XLT or other Ranger models. SYNC is an easy-to-use in-car connectivity system which provides turn by turn navigation, 911 assist, weather reports, and other features. Expect that when the next generation Ranger or its replacement hits the market in the next few years that Ford will remedy that missing feature.

Since rolling out in 1983, the Ford Ranger has been the favorite of aftermarket parts enthusiasts, people who like to customize their rides accordingly. If Ford doesn't build it, why not buy what you need from those who do? Or so goes that reasoning.

Some of the most popular parts and accessories for the Ford Ranger XLT and other trucks include the following: headlight covers, aluminum innerside toolbox, euro tail lights, steel truck chest, car cover, bed mats, tailgate cap, cargo divider and tie downs, bed slide, truck tent, fender flares, side marker lights, custom wheels, roll pans, wings, vertical doors, shift boots, GPS systems, radar detectors, fire extinguishers, the list goes on. All of the parts, accessories, and fun stuff that every Ford Ranger XLT desires!

Ford remains tight lipped about what the future holds for the Ranger although the automaker is developing a new truck through its Thai operation. That truck will serve most Ford markets, but readying it to meet stiff emissions, safety, and fuel economy requirements may be a costly challenge. In any case, the Ranger will live on in some form, perhaps as a shortened version of the popular F-Series.