2004 Ford Ranger XLT review from North America
"Buy something else"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Pre-ignition. Oh, did I mention pre-ignition. My 2.3 liter 2004 XLT Ranger pings just like the 2.3 liter 1991 Ranger I had before it. I have to use premium gasoline even though the owner's manual says 87 octane is fine. WRONG! WRONG! WRONG! On warm days the thing pings like a pinball machine if it is not filled with 92 octane. I do not know how I let myself get talked into another Ranger. I guess figured after 13 years Ford should have fixed the problem. But NO. Now I am stuck with paying extra for premium gas. Next time I will pay the additional "gas money" up front and get another brand truck: one that really runs on regular gas.
On another note, the 2004 Ranger has blind spots that were not present in my 1991. The seats, for one, are higher in the back and make it harder to look back when you turn your head while parking, etc. Additionally, the rear pillars seem to be wider on my 2004 regular cab than on my 1991 regular cab. Or, perhaps the rear view mirrors are in a slightly different location. Either way, my ability to see vehicles coming up from behind in the lane next to the driver has been reduced.
Recommended Reviews:
  | Handy little truck, aside from the pinging issue |
| I like my truck, but it needs improvement |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.3 Manual |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 5/10 |
| Comfort marks | 5/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | |
| Distance when acquired | 27 miles |
| Most recent distance | 6200 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Ranger |
| Date of Entry | 19th August, 2004 |