1997 Ford Ranger XLT review from North America
"A very reliable truck I would drive to anywhere in the country at this very moment"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
At 50,000 miles or so the air conditioner was not cooling properly. I took it in to the dealer, and after diagnosis, the Dryer was leaking. An extended warranty I purchased when I bought the truck used covered all costs ($300).
More recently, the dome light began to stay on after the engine was shut off/door closed, and when the engine was first started when I go somewhere. The light will usually go off after 15 minutes or so when the engine is off due to the built-in safety. When the engine is running, the light will go off after a few minutes. Some research on my part revealed a stuck switch in the door jam. My 1988 Lincoln Town Car did this also, but the switch was actually a button on that car.
I pulled the fuse controlling the dome/map/glove box lights. It also controls the 4x4 system, but my truck is a 2wd.
General comments?
Overall, it has been a great truck. I am fairly disappointed in the gas mileage. It very well should get better than it does. My truck gets on average 21MPG, no matter what I do or where I drive. Its about twice the mileage my Lincoln got though. It got an average of 12MPG.
The truck is seriously underpowered. I would recommend to others to opt for the V-6 engines.
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| The best truck I've ever owned! |
|
| A slow, but reliable truck |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 1999 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.3L I-4 Manual |
| Performance marks | 5 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 6 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 10000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 56400 miles |
| Previous car | Lincoln Town Car |
| Date of Entry | 4th April, 2003 |