2000 Ford Ranger XLT 3.5

Summary:

The Ideal Pick-up for all Occasions

Faults:

Nothing yet!

General Comments:

This is one great truck!

I've put her through the worst conditions and she's still kicken' hard.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th February, 2004

2000 Ford Ranger Edge 3.0 3.0

Summary:

A reliable AMERICAN truck!!

Faults:

Very little, has been an extremely reliable truck.

When brand new, the coat hanger thing was missing a bolt, dealer fixed.

Just recently (30,500mi) the rear main seal started leaking. Dealer said it was common for this year 3.0 V-6, fixed it next day in 5 hours!

I must admit, I pamper my truck and do not off road it/ race it. I read so many articles with "Boywonder" talking about beatin' Chevies, eatin Dodges...whatever. I take care of it and it shows. Still the original brakes.

General Comments:

The Ranger edge standard cab only comes with the 3.0. This is a great engine now (it had problems with the heads in the early 1990s).

It is geared low so you always have tons of torque, but it makes your mpg suffer a little.

The interior layout is the same as the explorer, not luxury, but very well assembled.

I drove the 5 speed auto and the motor felt underpowered. I got the manual tranny and it is bulletproof. It does not shift as smooth as a Toyota/ Nissan, but it is not terrible by any means.

The brakes are terrific. I have had to stop fast to avoid a few accidents in the last few years and the 4 wheel ABS stop better than my old Buick with 4 discs. Almost no nose dive.

I recently drove to a family members house during the California wildfires. The road is very rural and the fire was still burning pretty bad. I had to go over some good size fallen trees and take some detours through some pretty steep dirt banks and right next to some flames for quite a distance. I thought for sure it bubbled the paint...nothin!! Not a scratch. It was dirty and smelled like ash for 15 days, but cleaned up good as new. It would be a scene Ford would be proud of.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th November, 2003

25th Jan 2005, 01:07

UPDATE-My Ranger Edge continues to be a great truck. I now have about 41k miles on it and, since the rear main seal went in my last review, the only thing I have replaced was the stock battery after 4 years. I am surprised it has lasted this long considering that I have a very demanding stereo system and used to run it quite often with the truck off. The only other complaints I have are that several rattles have started creeping up. The truck does have pretty stiff suspension so I guess I am not surprised. One thing is for sure, I still take care of this truck and it has NEVER EVER left me stranded. It is truly a FORD>

30th Jan 2008, 03:10

Original Owner-just rolled 70k tonight. Changed all fluids, belts and hoses at 65k. Should easily get another 70k outta her. Still have not had one problem.

2000 Ford Ranger 2X4

Summary:

Everything I want in a small truck

Faults:

After about one week of ownership, I noticed that the oil pressure gauge was kicking all over the place. The truck ran perfectly however. When I took the truck in for the first checkup I was told this was a recall item and it was fixed on the spot. This is the only problem I've experienced with the truck.

General Comments:

Even though I live in snow country (central PA), I chose not to opt for the 4x4 because I don't do any off road driving. In winter, I place 4 60 lb sand bags in the bed and run snow tires on all 4 corners. I've never been stuck and rarely spin the tires, even when there's significant snow on the roads. It helps to know how to drive on snow and to respect the fact that other drivers may not have that knowledge.

The truck does everything I expect of it. I would have liked to have bought a manual transmission because I like the feel of driving a stick, but my wife reminded me that if I intend to keep this truck until the frame falls apart, that my knees might not last that long (I'm 60 now). I chose the auto transmission instead. I also opted for A/C and cloth seats. That's the only "luxuries" I have. It's a basic small truck. Drives like one too. I expected that. All in all - just what I wanted.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th September, 2003