1997 Ford Ranger consumer reviews

This little truck has been a solid friend. I've got the 2.3-4 cylinder model. It is rear wheel drive with a small engine, but we're not talking about a race car here(yet people still call this the baby Hemi). This puppy has withstood every abuse I've thrown at it. Current mileage is 154k and I have no problem driving it on long highway trips because it is in such good shape. The beating up I gave it? Daily commutes to muddy construction sites for several years - at 5:30 or so in the morning. Many of those were 3 hour round trips. Before the dirty hauling and heavy commuting, my little buddy took care of me in a really hilly little city where I drove as a hormone addled 20-something. Despite my occasional recklessness and general heavy handedness at the wheel, it has stood up SO well. Other than basic maintenance, I've just now(152k miles!) replaced the original clutch. Whew. Oh and the windshield, but that was totally stupid. Lesson learned: don't park so close to a roofing job. Hah! Without a doubt, my little buddy is gonna do 250k or so before I finally can't see the road anymore, because of the sunflowers growing up from the mud-caked floorboards. Love my truck. Rangers: if you treat 'em right, they'll last forever - or until someone drops something REALLY big off the roof.

I've had mine for 2 1/2 years and haven't had to fix a thing. The only thing I don't care for is it's V6 4.0 liter engine with only 2 wheel drive. You can pass people with ease but the lost fuel mileage and spinning out on loose gravel gets old. If you want power, make sure to get it in 4 wheel drive. Other than that, it's a well made and easily maintainable truck. The interior is comfortable and having controls on the steering wheel is a plus. Worth every penny!

For the money this has been a great reliable truck! I have owned small Toyota pick-ups, which cost more, and both the Toyota and Ford have had comparable reliablity! I think that the Ranger has a more "solid" feel when driven down the road it does not feel like a tin can! The controls are well thought out and easy to reach and use. I think it worth noting that after 105,000 mile this truck has needed nothing more than regular maintenance and as of the last oil change was only 1/2 quart low at 3000 miles with no oil being added during that time. I have had toyota's that didn't do that well!