2004 Ford Ranger 3.0L V6 from North America

Summary:

Best truck I’ve ever owned

Faults:

I bought this truck when it was fifteen years old. In the five years I have had it, I’ve had two problems. First, last winter (22-23), the heater stopped working. Since I normally drive with the windows open, this was not a big problem. Then in August 2023, the heater started working again on its own, but the AC has stopped. Again, I drive with the windows open, so really not a problem. Assuming it is a switch problem, but I do not want to pull the dash. Hoping it fixes itself like the heater did.

Second problem was the driver’s door latch needed replaced last summer. Awkward to do, but easy fix.

General Comments:

Love this truck. I use it for work and as a daily driver. I drive mostly Forest Service roads in the west (think dirt, ruts, washboards, etc.) I haul lots of firewood (half a cord at a time), lumber, bags of cement, concrete blocks, manure, dogs, etc. Not fancy, but a hard working truck. Tough truck. Has no problem tackling anything I throw at it. Lots of fun to drive especially as it is a five speed manual. Quick, not fast.

I have owned a number of trucks in my life, small, midsize and full size. Have driven lots more. Of all the trucks, this is my favorite. See no reason to replace it especially as nothing made today comes close to it in functionality, its simplicity and its size.

Did I mention it has hand crank windows? Love them. If only it had vent windows.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd January, 2024

2004 Ford Ranger XLT 3.0 6 cylinder from North America

Faults:

Crank shaft sensor, 2018.

Coil pack sensor, 2017.

General Comments:

This is the best vehicle I've ever owned. Have kept the oil changed and serviced like I should, and have not had any problems until the two minor issues listed.

I used this for a work vehicle and drove on lots of rough roads, and it is still as tight as a drum. No squeaks or rattles at all. If I would have known how good these trucks were, I would have had one 40 years earlier!

The only complaint that my wife has is that she thinks it rides rough and it hurts her back. But like I told her, it is a pick-up, not a car. Myself, I think it rides a little rougher than it drives, but not enough to complain about. Wish they still made them. If you are looking for a good truck, buy a Ford Ranger!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th April, 2018

2004 Ford Ranger Edge 3.0 V6 from North America

Summary:

The Ford Ranger 3.0 V6 is a reliable, efficient, and durable workhorse!

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

We own the Ranger Edge step side regular cab that we bought used, and this truck is absolutely great! For a 3.0 V6, it is a real workhorse that gets great gas mileage too. We have loaded the bed with logs, rocks, sand, and cargo, and I am amazed at how durable the bed is! We use it for towing a dirt bike and 2 utility quads in a trailer, and it has power to spare!

Other than our rear brake pads finally wearing out, we have done nothing more than add gas and change the oil and drive it. Amazing reliability, and we off-road this truck a lot! No squeaks, drips, or hiccups. We love this little Ranger and doubt we will ever sell it.

If you're on the fence about buying one that is in decent shape, do it! You will not be let down.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th January, 2015

2004 Ford Ranger XLT 4.0L from North America

Summary:

Best truck I have ever owned

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

This truck has a lot of power.

Make sure that you perform the maintenance on this vehicle, and you will have it for a long time.

In order to use regular gas and have no pinging, use the E3 spark plugs.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th October, 2010

2004 Ford Ranger Edge 4.0 V6 from North America

Summary:

Excellent

Faults:

I have found nothing wrong with the vehicle so far. The only thing I noticed from the day I bought it was there is a momentary hesitation that feels like a jerk. It doesn't do it all the time maybe once a month. I may be wrong but it feels like the computer is resetting itself. Every Ranger V6 I have driven did the same thing and no one can tell me what it is.

General Comments:

It's fairly quick for a V6. The pulling power is great for a small truck. On a trip I get between 24-26 mpg. I just returned from a trip pulling a U Haul open trailer with about a 1,000 pounds in it to North Carolina and had no problems whatsoever. I drove 70-75 mph with the cruise control on all the way, and it performed very well, even going up the mountains.

I wish they would make a full 4 door model in this truck like Dodge and Toyota on their small trucks. If they did I would surely buy another one.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th May, 2009