I like rangers, especially the archer kit. It helps having a character who can deal as much damage from long range as some people can from in the melee, thus not taking as much damage...They can hide in shadows too, and that helps out...Also charming animals isn't really key in this game, but its a cool thing to have.
IMO, rangers and paladins are about equal in their power, if you know how to use them...but neither one is as powerful as the versatile Kensai