The Ford Ranger remains the overwhelming first choice among buyers of compact pickups. Nearly a third of all compact pickups sold are Rangers.

More than 5 million Rangers have been built since the first one rolled out in 1982. For 2003, Ford has improved and refined the Ford Ranger pickup with better brakes, new interior fabrics, and more extensive sound insulation. New options and special option packages are available for serious off-road slogging or boulevard cruising. Some of us still remember when pickup trucks primarily hauled lumber, sand, and fertilizer. They do that better than ever. But to succeed today, a pickup also has to haul attitude. Fortunately, Ford's compact Ranger can haul just about anything with ease.

Compare this Ranger with the new 2004 Ram Pickup.

2004 Ram Pickup

The 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 is offered in two body styles: a two-door regular cab and a Quad Cab four-door crew cab. Both come in ST and up level SLT trims and with cargo beds of 6.3 ft or 8 ft. Entry-level ST models have air conditioning, power steering, vinyl upholstery, an AM/FM/cassette player, a digital clock, a tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers and a black vinyl floor covering. The 'Off-Road' package provides unique 17-inch aluminum wheels, LT275/70R17 off-road tires, tow hooks, fog lamps and special 'Off-Road' badging. The 'Work Special' shows its intentions with a steel rear bumper, dark gray, color-coded front fascia, gray grille surround and bars and steel wheels. 2WD and 4WD configurations are available with The 2004 Dodge Ram 1500. Three engines are offered. The first, on 2WD ST models (except the Quad Cab long bed), is a 3.7-liter V6 with 215 horsepower and 235 lb-ft. of torque.

Compare the Ford's new Ranger with the Ram Pickup, B2300 and last years 2003 F-150.

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