1994 Ford Ranger Review (continued)
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Walkaround

This vehicle has a wow" look, enhanced by its paint, suitably called Vibrant Red by Ford. Most pickup fans will like it, although many will decide to stay with the traditional slab-sided pickup because making a strong visual impression doesn't suit them. Ford calls the look "flare side" because the rear fenders flare out of the pickup bed. It also is monochromatic, with the grille, bumpers, wheel opening flares and outside mirrors all finished in body color. The special handling suspension, standard on the Ranger Splash, works to give the 4x2 a lower stance than other Rangers and competitors. It combines with the styling to foster the low-rider look.

Special Splash graphics are the only subtle feature. They include some small but distinctive exterior tape stripes on doors, front fenders and the tailgate. The word Splash is included, and the touch is right out of a beach-front surf shop. Completing the nautical accents are four marine-like cleats recessed into the sides of the pickup bed for cargo tie-downs.

Ford's solution for the safety-mandated center high mounted stoplight is worth noting . It is centered on the cab over the sliding rear window. Flanking it are cargo lights, operated from the cab. Except for some glare intruding into the cab at night, this is a good solution to the problem of where to mount the stoplight; those mounted on the tailgate seem vulnerable to damage during loading and unloading cargo.

The looks are completed with 15-inch deep-dish cast aluminum wheels carrying Firestone steel-belted all-season radials."

Interior Features

The cab interior, in the style of the day, resembles that of a well-appointed car rather than a pickup. The interior of our truck was finished in Opal Grey cloth and vinyl-sort of a charcoal to us. The sport bucket seats had integral headrests and lumbar and seat-length adjustments. We found the seats to be more comfortable and supportive than the competition's. We did think, however, that there wasn't enough rear travel in the seats to accommodate reclining. The center console had storage and cupholders, although we found cups prone to tipping and/or spilling when we made abrupt stops.

All gauges, controls and switches were sensibly placed for easy viewing and operation. We especially liked the placement and operation of the power window and lock controls and the outside mirrors on door-mounted armrests. We also liked the carpeted inserts in the door panels, where scuffing is likely to occur.