Ford Ranger Trucks | Vans
Ford Ranger Trucks | Vans
[Apr 14, 2003]
Shawn Davis
Model Reviewed:
Ford Ranger
Strength:
turning radius is unbelievable. I've never owned a vehicle that turns like this one. still has descent power, good gas milege. I do alot of traveling in the summer and I don't have to worry about my vehicle breaking down...with 200,000 miles...that's damn good. My next truck is going to be a ranger. period. if i ever need to get a new truck???!!
Weakness:
I changed the tranny at about 140,000 miles...since then nothing....regular stuff, breaks, tires, Best investment I've ever made. I bought the truck w/ 92000 miles. By the end of the summer I'll have over 200,000 miles on it and it's still going strong. v6 3.0 standard cab, long bed. Similar Products Used: other ford vehicles...escort, mustang, capri |
[Apr 09, 2003]
holtonh179
Model Reviewed:
Ford Ranger XLT Ext. Cab
Strength:
The extended cab pickup is a good freeway cruiser; long trips are pleasant. Nice looking truck. 4.0L V6 power acceptable, but not breathtaking. Despite its problems, the truck has never actually stranded me.
Weakness:
Problems normally occurring between 90,000 and 150,000 miles occurred between 30,000 miles and 50,000. Air conditioning problems very, very frequent. The only vehicle I had that was worse than this was a 1995 Dodge Stratus, but that's another story . . . Bought this truck new in March 1997. It now has 65,000 very tired miles on it. At 19,000 miles (20 months), took in for leaking water pump and front end alignment problem. Water pump was replaced under warranty. Dealer replaced the A/C compressor, too (they said it was making a lot of racket). The alignment problem was a lack of shims installed on the truck during manufacture. That was not covered. The tires and front calipers had to be replaced at 34,000 miles (one of the calipers had been dragging slightly). At 36,000 miles (39 months), the A/C started blowing warm and the cruise control button cluster on the steering wheel broke. A/C compressor had to be replaced (this time not under warranty). Cruise control cluster fixed under warranty. The following summer (44,000 miles), the A/C blew warm again, and the vents spewed a foul odor -- something akin to a cross between old chicken bones, a dead carcass, and good old-fashioned mildew. This time, the dealer had to rip out part of the dash to replace the A/C evaporator. Was also told that the compressor that had been installed at 36,000 miles was starting to leak (I slapped some JB Weld on that puppy). They put in some "freshener" to get rid of the road kill smell. At 46,000 miles, the engine would hardly idle, especially in the cool December mornings. Dealer replaced the intake manifold gaskets (said that they were leaking). This fixed the idling problem, but has anyone ever heard of a non-moving part failing at 46,000 miles??? For crying outloud!! At 56,000 miles (August 2002) the Check Engine light came on, despite the fact that the engine was running fine. The transmission was shifting a little funny, though, so I took it in. $304 dollars later (to replace a shift solenoid) the job is still not done right. The Check Engine light is still on. The dealer says it's a transmission error code, but they can't narrow it any further than that. So the Check Engine light remains on to this day. The foul odor coming from the vents has resumed. Now the dome light won't turn off (I've heard that this is a VERY common problem on Rangers). All of this has been very annoying (and expensive) -- especially the A/C problems. Living in the desert makes A/C a necessity. Folks, do yourself a favor, and don't buy any Ford product! I'd have sold this by now, but swore I'd keep the beast for 70,000 miles to get a little use out of it while it's paid off. Similar Products Used: 1991 Mazda B2200 Extended Cab pickup. Gutless, had paper-thin doors, but was extremely reliable. |
[Apr 01, 2003]
MightyHunter
Model Reviewed:
Ford Ranger
Strength:
Absolutely NO problems (no repairs, no failures, even original tires, battery, EVERYTHING) in 42K miles except paint ate up in several places by bird crap (nobody covers poop damage of any kind on your paint--don't ever park under a huge oak tree, and if you do, wash it quick. And no, this paint damage has nothing to do with the hail fix at dealer.). Peppy for a 4 cyl. Stiff, feels strong for size. Glad I didn't buy extended warranty since it would've been a waste of money. One of best factory stereos I've seen (of course it's way loud in small cab)--cd, cassette. Looks better than most small trucks. I honestly don't think it will ever break down. I drive long and short distances. Great utility truck to buy when you need to buy a car fast to just get you there cheaply, and be able to haul most items.
Weakness:
When hitting very irregular pavement, the thing is so stiff it can virtually be thrown into a panic. Same problem when braking while hitting bumps/holes--then the abs kicks in. Just irritating. Biggest problem: a small truck is a small truck. A man needs a large truck. My small one is on the market soon, but I'm afraid I'll get a big used one that will break down. Mileage is nothing like the old b2000. Power better than 88 Comanche. Several friends who borrowed it asked me if it is a v6. Bought new via car broker. 4 cyl XL 5 spd manual 2WD w/best stereo, style steel wheels, regular cab split cloth bench. Dark metallic blue paint, gray/black interior. Was severely hail damaged on dealer lot, but they fixed it to Ford original, and still got big discount. I swear I don't understand how they can get all the damage out, but they did. If I never told, no one would know. Similar Products Used: 76 GMC full size 3-on-the-tree straight 6 (great truck), Mazda B2000 4cyl longbed (great truck). 88 Jeep Comanche 4cyl (cramped cab, nice looks, ran fine, low power). |
[Apr 01, 2003]
etmercado
Model Reviewed:
ford ranger xlt non flareside
Strength:
looks nice
Weakness:
everything, rust etc... service people do a have job worst car ever. 1st brand new car bought. my hunk of junk cars worked better. 5,420 miles ...replaced both front rotors under spec.19,583 miles..electrical short, radio stopped working, horn stopped working,power windows. RUST already showing with 19,583 miles. Had acid wash done,hand glaxed and rewaxed. The acid wash was left on too long and left streaks in windows. Had them buff windows. 21,835 miles...rear springs arent cushioned enough, got pads put into springs. 24,597 miles...heard snap inside sterring wheel, bolts for air bag came loose or broke. 29,000 miles...took in for rusting again. Brake dust is making truck rust. AGAIN LEFT STREAKS ON WINDOWS from acid wash, also had acid wash streaks all over car. It looked terrible. I took it in 6 days ago to get the acid wash done. It still isn't done right. GOOD THING EVERYTHING WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. But original warranty is almost over. another good plus that I bought an extended warranty. NEVER BUY A FORD AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Similar Products Used: OLD USED CHEVYS WERE BETTER THAN NEW FOED |
[Mar 23, 2003]
cyberjoey80
Model Reviewed:
Ford Ranger Edge
Strength:
Excellent reliability, solid turning (the edge has front/rear sway bars) and excellent breaks. Feels very sturdy, good build materials.
Weakness:
The edge model (4x4 suspension) rides rough on all but the smoothest surfaces. Keep this in mind if you dont plan on driving off road at all. I have always had great luck w/Fords and this is no exception.The 3.0 is strong, especially w/ a K&N and a Dynomax muffler. Have 25,000mi and no real problems. If you buy the "edge" model, check under the cheesy plastic bed lips, most people take em off (for good reason) and they leave a long, shallow scratch. Recommend the manual if you get the 3.0. Similar Products Used: Dodge Dakota(when it actually started and continued to run) and 3 ford F-150s. |
[Mar 17, 2003]
truckin_terry
Model Reviewed:
Ranger XLT Super
Strength:
Powerful engine, best fuel economy in its class, wide range of aftermarket dress up parts.
Weakness:
Factory Firestone Wilderness tires, a 50,000 mile tire that you are lucky to get 15,000 miles out of. 30x9.50r15 BFG AT is a perfect replacment I bought this truck used with 22K on the odometer. It now has over 40K on it and I have had no problems other than the electric mirrors have quit working but that is nothing. This is the truck that converted me from the Chevy crowd. 4.0 SOHC engine with a 5spd. Automatic, you cant beet the power for the dollar. Similar Products Used: 95 Chevy S-10 2.2 89 Chevy S-10 2.5 |
[Mar 15, 2003]
Chas_93933
Model Reviewed:
Flairside Ford Ranger Edge
Strength:
I believe this truck is a terrific value and probably has the highest load and pulling capacities in it's class. You get a three year bumper to bumper warranty and roadside assistance! The 5 speed automatic shifts extremely smoothly and the 4.0 liter engine makes this a fun drive. Both the bench and the bucket seats are quite comfortable and you sit more erect than in the Tacoma which is a definate plus on longer hauls. The fit of the sheet metal and interior trim was excellent with a heavy coat of paint.
Weakness:
This unit gives you a small work truck ride, this is not a hardbody Nissan nor a full size truck ri. Very limited choice of colors in the Edge version, and some of those are way too 'attention getting' for me. The 'Edge' interior black rubber floor covering is cheap cheesy thin vinyl. Easy to keep clean but definately prone to wear and heal damage. Finallly,my biggest concern buying any new vehicle is trying to get any problems resolved at the dealership. Like so many others that I've dealt with I have absolutely no confidance that this dealership could get anything right the first , second or third time. For example, the paint on the top bed rail was scuffed. They promised to buff out the scratches before the truck was delivered. Nothing was done! And the last thing the salesman told me as I got into the truck to drive off the lot was that there was a leak but that it didn't matter because I had a three year warranty to get it fixed. It's too bad that this site doesn't allow you up-date your reviews. But this truck is going to be a garage queen so hopefully I won't have a a lot of problems. Time will tell. The 'Edge' level of trim and the flairside bed will give you a great looking small pick up. A solid value, especially with the $2500 to $3000 factory rebates currently being offered. Definately spend the extra money and get the 4.0 liter V-6. You'll never regret spending a little more, it's a lot more fun to drive. A less expensive alternative with a full width cargo bed is the Mazda fleetside version. It's the same basic truck with far better styling than the basic Ford Ranger. I'd strongly recommend avoiding the 'four door' version. Although it provides much improved access to the area behind the front seats it looks to me like a headache waiting to happen...i.e. leaks, rattles, and latch malfunctions. It also reduces the structural integrity of the cab significantly. Similar Products Used: 1986 Toyota, 1993 Nissan SE V6 King cab. |
[Mar 13, 2003]
fx4truck
Model Reviewed:
/ Ranger FX4
Strength:
The 4.0 L SOHC Engine has a massive boost of power through all five gears, especially after a K&N Air Filter, High Performance Glass Pak, and a Throttle Body Spacer for more mid to high end torque.
Weakness:
Low end power in 4 High Great truck, awesome off-road capabilities. Has a stout transmission, and I recommend the Manual Transfer Case instead of the Electronic Switch. Similar Products Used: 2002 Nissan Frontier 6 cyl. extended cab 4x4. |
[Mar 10, 2003]
Charles
Strength:
It still runs. For now.
Weakness:
Name it. POS. 2000 XL 2wd. No way, not ever again. Threw a rod with less than 3000 miles. Took a month and a half for a new long block. Service Engine Soon light comes on about twice a month. Oil pressure swith is bad so I get no oil pressure until the block warms up, and Ford hasn't released the part yet. Sensors, name one, it's been replaced. Unbelievable road noise. Tailgate won't secure. Drivers door won't close all the way unless the window is open a bit, who knows why. |
[Mar 10, 2003]
Grey Holland
Strength:
Always starts, never in the shop, great gas mileage
Weakness:
NONE This is my first truck and I think that it is the best truck for the money.I have had it for almost 2 years and it has not been in the shop once. It has 148,000 miles and it runs like new. The only thing that i have had a problem with is that it eats tires and shocks but this has to do with it being on the exploder frame. Similar Products Used: 1997 For Ranger |