2001 Ford Ranger XL

The 2001 Ranger is Ford's compact pickup, a simple workhorse that competes with the Chevy S-10 and Toyota Tacoma. It's easy to drive and park, though the smaller engines feel underpowered on the highway, so a manual helps on steep grades. The extended cab adds handy space behind the seats, and the bed is big enough for hauling gear without being hard to park. The XL is the base Ranger, so you get the essentials without the XLT's extra trim and convenience items. The 2.3L I4 and manual transmission make this a budget-friendly hauler, but expect to work the gears to keep up on the highway.