1997 Ford Ranger XLT 2.3

Summary:

What a great, reliable, low maintenance, rock solid truck

Faults:

Replaced water pump, thermostat, and radiator at 145k miles. Did my own repairs. All parts together were not over $180.

Replaced oil sending unit; was dripping oil all over the side of engine. Was a $15 fix.

General Comments:

It's not fast, but is the best truck I've ever owned.

Have not had to touch the 5 speed transmission since I bought the truck.

AC quit 5 months after I bought it. A/C pump failed, but I just roll down both windows and use the sliding rear window; works great :-)

I would recommend a 4 cylinder 5 speed Ford Ranger to any one that wants a cheap, reliable, easy to work on truck.

I will buy a brand new Ranger when this one dies one day. I think it has another 50,000 miles left!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th November, 2011

1st Dec 2011, 22:54

I have two 97 models, both are 4 cylinder 5 speed; it's an excellent combo.

One truck has 189,000, and we haven't done much to it; water pump and oil sending unit, both cheap fixes.

My other one has 70k; the only thing needed to date were brakes and a timing belt. Great on gas, good on the pocket book.

1997 Ford Ranger XLT 4.0 V6

Summary:

Awesome truck!

Faults:

Actuator motor for automatic 4x4 replaced at 187k.

Slave cylinder needs replace at 191k.

Check engine light always on, oxygen sensor bad.

General Comments:

An excellent truck. I bought this as a "beater" to haul some things, and ended up keeping it as my daily driver, I liked it so much.

The truck is a 4x4 single cab, short box, stepside. It is a bit of a bumpy ride, and is kind of uncomfortable on long trips due to the short wheel base. However I have gotten used to it, and am not bothered by it anymore.

Seats (with power lumbar support) are very comfortable.

The cab is a tad small for my liking, but I have gotten used to that also.

Love having the 6 CD changer. Very nice, but doesn't work the best in below freezing weather.

Nice that all the power options still work properly, and nothing has needed to be messed with.

Has been extremely reliable, always starts, never has quit. Plan to keep driving it as long as I can.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th January, 2011

1997 Ford Ranger XLT 2.3L

Summary:

The best truck EVER

Faults:

We had to replace the thermostat; not a big problem.

The gas tank braces wore out. Had to buy new straps.

Replaced the serpentine belt.

All around alignment.

The clutch went bad (from hauling hay trailers).

General Comments:

This truck is perfect for town and highway. Drives smooth and handles very well.

I would never go back to any other truck except for the Ranger.

This truck is by far the best.

The manual transmission has 326,304 miles on it, and still works just as good as it did on the first day I got it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th April, 2010

5th Apr 2010, 14:27

"The manual transmission has 326,304 miles on it, and still works just as good as it did on the first day I got it."

Well since it appears that you've only put 25 miles on it since you got it, that is no surprise.

1997 Ford Ranger XL 3.0 V6

Summary:

Dependable, solid, tough little truck

Faults:

Replaced clutch, flywheel, and slave cylinder at 133,000 miles.

EGR pressure sensor failed at 158,000 miles.

Canister purge solenoid and sensor went out first year of owning truck. Resulting in a check engine light.

4X4 sometimes won't engage.

Rubber fuel filler neck started to crack around 145,000 miles resulting in fuel splashing on the ground upon filling up.

Shocks now just starting to go bad.

Interior in good condition except for the seats starting to show a little wear.

General Comments:

Has actually been a pretty reliable truck.

The 3.0 is a good engine. Not very powerful, but will last forever as long as you take care of it and don't abuse it.

The handling is really good and responsive. Just make sure you keep the truck aligned or the tires will wear out quickly in the front.

If I were to buy a Ranger again, I would purchase one with a 4.0 in it because of the huge difference in power.

Overall I've been pretty happy with this truck. It feels solid and doesn't require a ton of maintenance.

Keep up on the oil changes and tune ups and this truck should last a long time.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th September, 2009