Thoughts on Ford Ranger?

[Dermeister3]

I've been in the market for a small truck, and I've read some of the threads on here about them. But I'm looking for some personal experiences if anyone has had them.

Im looking for a lowish ( <100k ) mileage Ford ranger. Ive found a few, but im not sure what to be paying, and if they are even worth it. Do they last a while and are they reliable for the most part?

[Ryan...]

My brother has a 95 ranger that I've driven extensively. 4cyl, 5 spd manual. I would light that POS on fire given the chance. I hate it. Hate. It.

[M-technik-3]

Frame rails rot out in the back. They eat brakes in the 6 cylinder variants and are not good on fuel.

[jasonsnoddy]

not a fan of small fords

[blocke]

i had a 1990 ranger. Rolled that fucker in high school. Friends called it the "danger ranger". It was a total POS, but it took a beating. 2.9l v6 was a gutless shit box.

[mrsleeve]

ranger has remained unchanged for nearly 20 years other then minor body facelifts.

I hate them, I have had many a S10 still not the best truck to be using anything like a truck, but still better than a ranger. My bro had a some rangers in the past, giant POS for anything relating to hauling or towing anything he's got a 3/4 chevy (gasser) now :)

I would be looking for at least a 1/2 ton in your price range, similar maintenance and fuel consumption but WAY MORE capability.

[ficklerx]

They eat brakes in the 6 cylinder variants and are not good on fuel.

I had a '95 model 4X4 extended cab with 4.0 L and 5 speed. I replaced the front pads once at 120k. As far as fuel mileage, 18-20 around town. Best I got on highway was 23.

I got rid of it at ~140k to get a bigger truck so that I could take my son places with me. Sold it to a co-worker. His son drove it until ~180k and finally replaced clutch. He soon after crashed it into a tree trying to avoid a carjacking.

I never had any major issues. Replaced a couple of emissions/EGR parts mainly to get rid of the CEL. Replaced the accelerator cable after it broke. Fun driving a stick with a hand-controlled throttle.

Unfortunately, the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned.

[E30 Memorial]

I've owned a 94, a 2003, and just bought the last year of the Ranger 2011. For taller people, I think they're much better than the Toyota, which I've also had an 89 & a 94. Cheaper then the Toy or Nissan to maintain. They're easy to drive, park,(which makes the wife happy) and easy to maintain. The extra-cab can legally carry 5, if really need be.

[Bene]

I like them. My dad had a 99 fleet model that he didn't take care of and it still lasted quite a while.

I also drove an '03 for work a few years ago. That thing took quite a beating. Well over 10 teenagers learned how to work a clutch in it, and it never complained.

The only real problem I can think of with Rangers is that both of the above trucks' tail gate latches crapped out. Probably an easy fix, but it wasn't bad to live with.

And S10s are horrible trucks. no suspension. No room. No power.

[Ryan...]

i had a 1990 ranger. Rolled that fucker in high school. Friends called it the "danger ranger". It was a total POS, but it took a beating. 2.9l v6 was a gutless shit box.

We call this one the danger ranger as well, because its such a slow POS you have to worry about being rear ended after every stop sign.

[NKRoberts]

I had an 02 ranger with 113k miles on it. Thing was a champ.

[Vince30]

My friends fucking love rangers.

[Mercury[BKM]]

my step dad has one that has over 300k miles on it, still gets great fuel mileage and hes only done basic maintenance to keep it rolling.

Im considering doing a eurotrash VW pick up truck for a parts hauler and give it a stance that would make jesus say Jesus

[Vtec?lol]

POS.
I've had an 04 and my brother had an 03. the only thing I hauled in it was a rideing mower and I swear it wanted to throw the white flag.

Gas is the same as a full size. if you are a spirited driver, you would actually save gas with a full size.

Towing, expect the duratec v6 to overheat with an e30 attached to it.

Although they are easy to drive and can be fun. A lil more comfy than the toyota but that's just cuz I'm 6'2

Find a full size or if you're under 6' go with a yota

[Dermeister3]

Thanks for the tons of quick responses. my GFs dad who is really into fords bought both his sons one when they were 17. im looking at an 05 atm. I really am not going to haul much, except random shit to the junkyard and parts and stuff.