2008 Ford Ranger XL

The 2008 Ranger is Ford's compact pickup, a simple, no-frills truck that's easy to park and maneuver in tight spots. It drives with a light, nimble feel that makes it fun around town, though the smaller engines can feel a bit underpowered on the highway. The cabin is basic and snug, with comfortable front seats but rear jump seats that are tight for passengers. A six-foot bed gives it real hauling capability, and the simple manual windows and locks mean less to go wrong over the years. The XL is the base trim, so you skip the XLT's nicer interior and power features, but you save money and get the same capable drivetrain. This XL has the 3.0L V6 making 148 horsepower, paired with a five-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive, which feels peppy around town but needs a downshift for highway passing. The XL keeps things simple with manual windows and locks, which means less to break and a lower starting price.