2001 Ford Ranger Edge Supercab 2WD 4.0 liter - 207 hp 6 cylinder

Summary:

Raw and tough, yet smooth and comfortable: and I can afford it... Lessaiz le Bon Ton Roulez!!!

Faults:

There is a rattle or vibrating noise from under the truck periodically when at idle or accelerating up an overpass or hill.

I plan to have this inspected when I bring it to the dealer at 3000 miles.

General Comments:

The Edge is perfect for my lifestyle:

The vinyl interior is easier to clean than carpet when my dog jumps in the cab wet and filthy; or, when I spill my coffee all over the seats (every morning).

The aggressive looks of the Edge (honeycomb grill, scoop hood, heavy duty suspension) gets lots of compliments. The Ranger XLT, on the other-hand, is more suitable for my Mom to drive.

The 4.0 - 6 cyl. engine with the automatic transmission drives real smooth, but the suspension reminds you it's a truck. Go haul some stuff or tow something!!!

The cabin is super quiet, assisting in peak sound performance from the in-dash 6 disc CD changer.

The Edge Super-cab was designed for me... my brain must have been tapped in my sleep...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th December, 2001

21st Mar 2003, 17:29

Have the dealer check the timing chain tensioners. There is a service bulletin out with a repair package that includes the guides. I just went through this, I had a rattling sound too.

2001 Ford Ranger XLT 4.0L

Summary:

Solid 4x4

Faults:

Nothing more than some annoyances.

Firstly the RPM's dip down to almost a stall sometimes when going from gear into neutral or no gear. This has never resulted in the engine dying altogether but it is still annoying.

Secondly I was never informed by the dealer that there is a top speed limit built in to the on board computer. Sure, I have no real reason to go more than 80mph, much less 92, but it is the principal of the thing. I feel they should have disclosed this to me during the test drive, not let me find it out on my own the first time I faced a stretch of open highway and no cops (this morning).

Thirdly there is a bit of wind whistle at speeds over 50mph. This is a result of exposed edges around the 2 extended cab 'suicide doors'. I usually don't hear it due to the sound system but when trying to carry on a conversation with a passenger it is annoying.

General Comments:

This is a good vehicle, don't get me wrong. I like it much more than my 96 Ranger with the 3.0 Liter engine. Comfort is better, the engine is gutsy, and it feels really solid to drive. It is an eye catcher too, a testament to some good design by the Ford folks. People don't look at plain looking vehicles.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th August, 2001

2001 Ford Ranger XLT 3.0L V6

Summary:

Great truck, great value

Faults:

I haven't had any trouble with this truck. It runs very well, and performance has barely changed since the day I bought it.

The only qualm I have is that it came equipped with the Firestone Wilderness AT tires (the exploding ones), which the dealer has as-yet been unable to replace because the replacement tires are on backorder. Come on, Ford, get a move on.

General Comments:

This is a nice truck. It's great looking, has a good amount of power with the 3.0L V6 (a 4.0 L is also available), and it handles well, too.

I have been a GM guy my whole life, but when I started shopping for a new pickup, there was just no comparison. I got this Ranger for $19,000 (ext cab, V6, air, stepside, CD, automatic) when a comparably equipped S-10 would have cost at least $2,000 more.

Visibility is great, even with the extended cab model.

The center-facing jump seats are small, but serviceable for short trips. They fold away into the walls, so if you need to store larger objects in the back, they take up absolutely no space whatsoever.

The seats are also much more comfortable than in the Dakota and S-10 I drove.

I think this is a great truck, and ideal for anyone who wants a great looking truck at a price that won't put them in the poor house.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st July, 2001

14th Nov 2003, 08:40

I would just like to add that I recently purchased a 2001 Ford Ranger XLT, with the extended cab, style-side bed, and edge package. I haven't been happier. The truck has style and performance on many levels. The 4.0 liter SOHC engine provides plenty of horsepower and low-end torque, and with a few mods, was quickly brought to near 300hp. If you are looking for a truck that gets comments wherever you drive, but aren't looking to mortgage a house to afford it, the '01 Ranger is definitely worth a second look.

29th Oct 2007, 10:11

I agree with the positive posts. The Ranger, in my opinion, provides the most interior space, comfort, and overall value of any compact pickup. Tacomas and Dakotas are slightly better but I could buy a Silverado or an F150 for the same price! Frontiers (old models) and S-10s feel more like cars and the extended cab area is too small for anyone over eight years old. I wouldn't add the new model Frontiers and Colorados in this post because I haven't driven one yet since they COST TOO MUCH!

A compact pickup should be fun to drive, get around 20 mpg, handle well off road, do minor truck stuff, and provide enough room for 4 small adults. The Ranger is perfect for was it's supposed to do, has virtually never changed, and most importantly, it DOESN'T COST THE SAME PRICE AS A MIDSIZE PICKUP!

8th Feb 2011, 13:33

I drive a 2001 Ford Ranger XLT, and I really like it a lot, but there are issues with it. The truck currently has 49,xxx miles on it, and we've already had the entire front suspension rebuilt, which surprised me with as few miles as it has on the odometer. Our truck came with the Firestone wilderness tires also, the ones that fly apart on you, but have been replaced with Cooper Discoverer tires after a rash of tire slashings in our area.

As for comfort, I think it's first class. Everything is right there in front of you, and you don't have to reach for something like you would in a Chevy or Dodge.

One thing that I dislike is the fact that the lt. blue island metallic paint is unavailable in aerosol cans at the parts store. Every other color is available except for that one.