1997 Ford Ranger XLT review from North America
"A slow, but reliable truck"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
There really hasn't been anything wrong with the truck since I owned it except I had the exhaust replaced because it was very loud when I got it from a rotted exhaust.
My dad had to replace the rotors 2 times while he owned it.
The center console won't latch shut.
The radio volume is tough to adjust, the knob doesn't always work.
General comments?
Other than those small things this truck is a wonderful thing.
I had an Eagle Talon Tsi before this and that thing was totally unreliable.
When I got rid of that my dad gave me this 1997 ford ranger, his old work truck that he bought new.
I am very unpleased by the performance as it has no balls at all, it seems to take years to accelerate to highway speeds.
It is a very very reliable truck though! it has never ever left me on the side of the road, 154,000 miles and absolutely no irregular engine maintenance, and I am not easy on this truck.
You can't kill it, I've tried.
It shifts smoothly through all five gears.
All in all it is a very trustworthy truck, if you can handle its slowness.
If I bought this truck new myself I would have made sure to get the 3.0 v-6 engine, but at least the 2.3 is great on gas.
Recommended Reviews:
  | The best truck I've ever owned! |
| A very reliable truck I would drive to anywhere in the country at this very moment |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Model Year | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.3L I-4 Manual |
| Performance marks | 4/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 7/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 146000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 154006 miles |
| Previous car | Eagle Talon |
| Date of Entry | 10th October, 2004 |