Difference Between the Splash & Regular Ford Ranger
by Rob WagnerThe Ford Ranger Splash was a distinctive Ranger pick-up truck model sold separately from the regular Ranger model. Early in the Splash's production, the major difference between the Splash and the regular Ranger was the Splash's flareside cargo box.
Regular Ranger
The Ford Ranger debuted in 1983 as a compact pick-up truck. It wasn't until 2001 that it mimicked the styling of its big brother, the full-size F-series pickup. The Ranger, during its first decade, was conservatively styled. It featured a fleetside cargo box, egg-crate grille and a spartan interior. In 1993, the base Ranger received a facelift with slightly flared wheelwells and cleaner grille styling.
The Splash
Ford introduced the Splash in 1993 in keeping up with the industry trend for sporty trucks. The Splash featured a flareside bed that echoed the styling of the 1950s cargo boxes, in which the rear wheels were outside the bed under protruding, flared wheelwells. The Splash came with "Splash" exterior graphics, bumpers painted the same color as the body and aluminum wheels.
Later Changes
By 1999, the Splash featured interior grab handles for easier exit and entry of the cab. The Splash and the Ranger XLT also received a four-pin trailer towing harness for electrical hook-ups.
References
Writer Bio
Rob Wagner is a journalist with over 35 years experience reporting and editing for newspapers and magazines. His experience ranges from legal affairs reporting to covering the Middle East. He served stints as a newspaper and magazine editor in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Wagner attended California State University, Los Angeles, and has a degree in journalism.
