Faults:

There hasn't really been any major problems. Occasionally, it takes while to start due to rain. I've heard it could be either the kick switch going bad or distributor. Otherwise nothing else has happened.

General Comments:

I've never been a Ford guy. But this truck is technically my first. I've always wanted a manual truck and I got this. I love it because I swear it seems like the Mazda M5OD is bulletproof. That 3.0 V6 is a powerhouse too. I have snow tires on it and it only takes 1500 RPM for it to be squealing tires on asphalt. It isn't great but at the same time, I love ol' Sally.

Faults:

I backed into a street lamp with it once.

Also, this truck had a rare defect in the transmission, causing it to NOT spontaneously fail like all other Rangers and Explorers of the same production run.

General Comments:

The truck was previously owned by my grandfather (who has since passed away), which he gifted to me after purchasing a new truck. It had practically none of the options available aside from an automatic transmission. In spite of that, it was remarkably reliable; I never did any maintenance in the short time I owned it.

I ended up selling the vehicle to my great uncle once my Skyline was up and running again. To the truck's credit, it is still on the road.

Faults:

My Dad replaced the alternator when he had it at 125000 miles.

I had to replace the transmission at 165000 miles.

I had to replace the starter at 175000 miles.

I had to replace the rear axle at 182000 miles.

General Comments:

The truck has very good acceleration, getting up to speed very quickly.

It also climbs hills with ease, which is very good in the Rocky Mountains where I live.

The 4.0 is unbeatable, starting on the coldest of days, and runs perfect, even with having almost 200000 miles.

The truck is very reliable and is very cheap to maintain. I would rather take this truck in the woods than any other truck, because I know this truck will keep on kicking and bring me home.

It is very good off road, and I have pushed its limits, tearing up a U joint last year while getting out of a ditch with 3 foot of snow in it. Well I got out by myself; just had to gas it hard

This truck is very easy to work on. My Dad and I have done all the tune ups and fixes on it, and it is a little tight in the engine, but I have seen much, much worse, so no complaints.

I also love the mileage I get. I can drive it like I like to drive, getting around 18 MPG in town, while still getting up to speed quick.

On the highway I get 22 MPG at 70mph, and around 24 at 55 in overdrive. I can't complain about the mileage at all.

It has some lack of comfort, due to a small cab with two small jump seats in the back.

It also lacks airbags, electric windows and locks.

But that is also the best part, it is simple: less to break = less to fix is how I look at it.

Overall this is a great truck, which I recommend to anyone who wants a reliable vehicle.

Faults:

Nothing so far.

General Comments:

It was poorly maintained by the last owner, I bought it cheap so I had a truck when I needed one. I have put about $500 worth of parts into it to get it to a decent drivable state.

The frame is in excellent shape for spending its life in the northeast, the body is good for its age. I sold my 77 F-100, it was more truck than I needed, this Ranger is a good size for me, just wish it was an extended cab.

Fuel economy seems rather good, not sure what I'm getting, but I would guess about 23-24.