Ford Ranger Trucks | Vans
Ford Ranger Trucks | Vans
[Nov 25, 2000]
Jerry Hale
Model Reviewed:
Ranger XLT
Strength:
the truck is a safe one. In the head on with a Bank it held up well
Weakness:
B R A K E S REAR/ the truck has a problem, safety problem. I have the service bulleten from the dealer explaining whats wrong/ FORD is hidding safety defect they know about. They should have recalled this 1997 model for two problems Similar Products Used: None |
[Nov 27, 2000]
Gerard Chisholm
Model Reviewed:
Ford Ranger 4X4 XL
Strength:
Very tough 4X4, good clearance, shift on the fly is great, handles like a sports car on the corners, no rust to speak of and frame looks as solid as the day it rolled off the factory line.
Weakness:
Tranmission is HORRIBLE - very clunky. I replaced passenger side ball joints in Aug 99 - now it looks like driver's side needs replacement. 3.0 l automatic is weak. The 5 speed seems like twice the truck as far as power. Ford products always served me pretty well, you will get the occasional lemon but generally I find the bodies last very well on them - very important in an area where they put salt on the roads in wintertime. They are very tough trucks. However, I am NOT very impressed with the automatic transmission - this is the first ranger I've owned with the auto and it will be my last. I also had minor problems with the armrest getting loose, the dar ajar sensor, rear brake adjuster cables breaking. Similar Products Used: this is my 5th ranger, 83 2.0L, 84 2.3L, 84 V6 carb, 88 2.8L V6 multiport - my favorite - I wish I still had it now. |
[Nov 20, 2000]
Todd
Strength:
4.0 has a lot of power, power windows and doors still working, smooth tranny, value per dollar, great cabin room.
Weakness:
temp gauge and a/c died in 2-3 years this truck has 260,000 miles on original motor and transmission. All power features still in working order. The only problem I've had is the front brakes, but no other trouble. if you are considering a new ranger, do not get anything but the 4.0l. Similar Products Used: this was my first truck |
[Nov 16, 2000]
Jack Chanojocky
Model Reviewed:
4x4 4.0(I like 4s)
Strength:
LOTS of power for such a small truck. Way better gas milage than the previous years of ranger which had 2.8l v-6(espicially for a 4.0) Very good looking, nice reliability, good on snow. Affordable.
Weakness:
Wish I had a super cab, other than that I'm satisfied. I would highley reccomend the newer style ranger to anybody who dosn't mind driving a fuel efficient, smaller truck with lots of nuts! Just don't go carburated, lots of problems there! Similar Products Used: Kicks the crap out of my old ranger(1985 carburated)that had 33x12.50 thornbirds, 4inch lift, no power. Now I have the power to push larger tires. |
[Nov 08, 2000]
Jeff Wesley
Model Reviewed:
Ranger 4WD 3.0L XLT
Strength:
Smooth ride. Always starts. Good traction in 4WD. Good ground clearance.
Weakness:
Everything went to hell after 3 years. Repairs are as follows: New clutch, C. Master and Slave cylinders. New U-Joints and Ball Joints. New Throttle Body Sensor. Usual Brakes and Tires. The front differential leaks like a sieve. Quote is $1000.00 to replace the access cover gasket, which should be a 1/2 hour job, but thanks to Ford's brilliance, the entire front axle assembly has to be taken apart first. Can't use 4WD of course untill repaired. Paint is and has been chipping away. The most maintenance vehicle I have ever owned. I bought this one new. I will NEVER by another Ford Ranger again. This thing has damn near bankrupted me. Never!!! Unless you love headaches. Actually the thing performed very well the first 3 years. I maintained this truck very well. I'm a Maintenance Supervisor and I understand the importance of good and regular maintenance. But the money I've had to put into this truck is way to much. I should have been driving a luxury vehicle for the money I've had to put into this. Similar Products Used: 1986 Ford Ranger(New), 1991 Ford Ranger(New),never had to put any money into these ones. Also I would like to note the poor gas and oil milage. |
[Nov 11, 2000]
Jerry Hale
Model Reviewed:
Ford Ranger XLT
Strength:
looks good,
Weakness:
brakes, service bulletin dated march 98 FORD SHOULD HAVE TOLD ME AND OTHERS OF THE BRAKE PROBLEM OF THE 1997 FORD RANGER. NO, I CAN'T RECOMMEND THIS TRUCK. I WAS A FORD MAN UNTIL NOW. Similar Products Used: AT THIS TIME, CAN'T SAY. |
[Nov 18, 2000]
David
Strength:
Great handling, looks and rides nice.
Weakness:
Fuel guage went out at 40,000 miles and again at 53,000. Ford wouldn't help me the second time around. Said it was only a 12,000 mile warranty on the new fuel pump/sending unit. Ford left me hanging. $350 to replace. All the tires "cupped" real bad. Had to replace at 36,000. Put Dunlop Radial rovers on it. I still get a vibration at 60-70 mph. Put all new shocks on it--didn't help. I've always been a chevy man until I bought this. I may go back. Ford dosn't seem to stand behind their product or the customer. I chose this over the S-10. Now I'm not so sure it was the right decision. However, I still like the ride and looks of the Ford Ranger over what chevy had to offer. At least in 1997. Haven't compared them lately. I would recommend getting the 6 cylinder if you are going to do any hauling or towing. Make sure you get the extended warrantee. You'll need it. Similar Products Used: Owned 92' Chevy 1500 extended cab, 93' Chevey 1500 standard cab, and 94' full size Blazer. All performed well except the brake systems. You have to push hard to stop. Maintenance work and overall trouble was much less than the ranger. Never had any fuel guage problems. |
[Nov 03, 2000]
David Brown
Model Reviewed:
Ford Ranger
Strength:
THe power for a little 4 banger. On the Highway I don't lose much speed going up the hills. But it is a weird little truck it has 8 spark plugs and I have never heard of that. The 5spd adds some power.
Weakness:
It has the transmission to pull a tralor but not the engine and so that kinda sucks at it. Plus Last night I was driving it and felt that it was getting a little harder to change gears so I checked the cluth fluid and it was low so I filled it and I watched it drained out. So I looked by my clucth in the cab and the cylinder has a hole in it so I really can't drive it until it gets fixed. But I still have a warrenty on it. I paided a good price for it and I am happy I got it I love that truck Two days after I got it a had a $500 stereo in it. I love the color of it I love the 5 spd and I just think it is a all around nice truck so if you are in the market go for a 93 or 94 ford ranger they are one of the nicest trucks I have ever driven!! Similar Products Used: I was driving my dads old truck a 1978 GMC flatbed in it. With a big 400 and a 4 barell carb. on it and it is a big jump!! |
[Nov 12, 2000]
daniel
Model Reviewed:
ranger xlt x cab 2wd
Strength:
extended cab room for friends if needed drives smooth for small truck
Weakness:
alot i have fixed just about everything and still have new problems every week (wondering when it will end) i wouldnt because of my many problems but i have friends that have much more mileage and fewer problems so maybe the first owner just drove it like hell Similar Products Used: 73 vw bug 90 cadillac elderado |
[Nov 02, 2000]
Brandon B
Model Reviewed:
XLT 4x2 Ext Cab Flareside 2.5
Strength:
Very Dependable
Weakness:
Could use a little more power on 2.5L 4 cyl In my opinion, The Ford Ranger is the BEST compact pickup truck and always has been. I keep praying that one day Ford will make a small but potent V8 for the Ranger that can aid in towing large boats, trailers, etc. I know Ford can make a V-8 that will compare or beat the Dakota's V-8 but also will not kill the driver if he steps on the gas too hard. Similar Products Used: 1999 Ranger 4x4 Off Road reg cab..Great solid truck that you couldn't get stuck even in the deepest mud and water pulling out the Chevy's buried to their axle!!!! Traded it in on new Triton V-8 F-150 (way to go)!! |