slowmachine
Well-Known Member
- First Name
- Mike
- Joined
- Jul 18, 2020
- Threads
- 39
- Messages
- 930
- Reaction score
- 1,972
- Location
- New Hampshire
- Vehicle(s)
- 2015 Jeep Wrangler, waiting for a Ranger PHEV
- Thread starter
- #1
So, the Ranger made it to 10K with no serious issues. I have an appointment at the Ford dealer tomorrow for an inspection, but have already changed the oil and rotated the tires here in my own garage. It's been a bit of a learning process, but I'm very satisfied with the purchase and performance so far.
I like it a lot, but two things stand out I believe need serious improvement:
First, the ergonomics of nearly every control not on the steering wheel or shifter is really very poor. I came to the Ranger from two BMWs, which are, arguably, one of the the very best in ergonomic design. I may be spoiled, but I expect more from Ford. Simply illuminating all of the dash buttons while the truck is running, regardless of exterior lighting status, would at least make them easier to see, especially when wearing sunglasses. The transfer case knob is just crappy. It's too easy to shift from 2H to 4H inadvertently. I'm pretty careful, and I've done it twice.
The second thing is the Sync 3 Voice Command system. It's horrible. Ford is in good company with this, though, because it is a problem all across the auto industry. Apple's Siri, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa, all have very good natural voice recognition and processing. Why auto manufacturers can't figure out how to incorporate this level of functionality in the in-dash systems is beyond me.
Every other idiosyncrasy of the Ranger design seems to me something more to learn how to operate efficiently (or simply ignore, like the sliding rear window that I have yet to open) than something I would want to modify to fit my desires. After 10,000 miles, I'm comfortable with the way it works and confident in my ability to get what I want from it. I went shopping looking for an F150, but I have no regrets in downsizing to the Ranger. It's a better fit for me than a full-size pickup.
I like it a lot, but two things stand out I believe need serious improvement:
First, the ergonomics of nearly every control not on the steering wheel or shifter is really very poor. I came to the Ranger from two BMWs, which are, arguably, one of the the very best in ergonomic design. I may be spoiled, but I expect more from Ford. Simply illuminating all of the dash buttons while the truck is running, regardless of exterior lighting status, would at least make them easier to see, especially when wearing sunglasses. The transfer case knob is just crappy. It's too easy to shift from 2H to 4H inadvertently. I'm pretty careful, and I've done it twice.
The second thing is the Sync 3 Voice Command system. It's horrible. Ford is in good company with this, though, because it is a problem all across the auto industry. Apple's Siri, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa, all have very good natural voice recognition and processing. Why auto manufacturers can't figure out how to incorporate this level of functionality in the in-dash systems is beyond me.
Every other idiosyncrasy of the Ranger design seems to me something more to learn how to operate efficiently (or simply ignore, like the sliding rear window that I have yet to open) than something I would want to modify to fit my desires. After 10,000 miles, I'm comfortable with the way it works and confident in my ability to get what I want from it. I went shopping looking for an F150, but I have no regrets in downsizing to the Ranger. It's a better fit for me than a full-size pickup.
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