1997 Ford Ranger The best seller prepares for change. By Jim McCraw, New Car Test Drive .com

Ranger is Ford's answer to the masses of

mostly younger buyers who, for reasons of size, price and long-term operating

economy prefer compact pickup trucks. It's been the segment sales leader

almost since the day it was introduced in 1982, and contributed to Ford's

2 million truck sales in the 1996 model year, an all-time record.

Although the exterior cosmetics were redone three years ago and the

interior a year later, the basic Ranger shape, dimensions and proportions

are the same as the original 1982 truck, and it's due for a total redesign

next year.

Like all American trucks, the Ranger is available in an enormous variety

of models, 19 in all, starting with a four-cylinder five-speed short-wheelbase

XL for $11,380 and going up from there to nearly $25,000. It is also sold

in clone form as the Mazda B-Series.