Nothing so far.
The truck in question is my father's, but I've driven in quite a bit myself. I must say it's a fairly mediocre truck. It has what may be the most sluggish performance of any vehicle I've ever driven before. The engine roars like the devil, and the speedometer inches up rather slowly, creating an underwhelming impression. On hills this truck is useless, and if there is any payload in the bed one would be better off pushing the truck. Whomever had the bright idea of putting a 3 liter engine in this heavy truck should be flipping burgers rather than engineering vehicles.
The transmission is a typical Ford creation. It violently clunks when downshifting, and does not give one the impression that it was designed to outlast the warranty by much.
The ride is harsh, and one can feel every bump and hole in the road, going through dips or speed bumps will throw driver and passengers around in the cab.
This truck is reliable, but that is about it, otherwise it is very little truck for what one pays for it, and it seems to have finally weened my father from Ford permanently, and he swears up and down that he'll buy a Toyota next time. Toyota should congratulate Ford on sending them so much business over the years. As for myself, I once owned a Ford years ago, and my opinion is that they are fine used cars, since the lemons and second-rate models have been weeded out, but under no circumstances would I buy a new Ford.
If your cheap dad had spent a few extra bucks he could have had the same truck with a 4.0L V6 in it instead of the 3.0L dog. That's 207hp vs. 150hp. Those engineers that you insult were merely trying to produce a truck that cheapskates like your father would consider buying. For those of us that need a real truck, they made the 4.0.
Rangers are light trucks, not heavy trucks. 3.0L engines are fine in them and will go up hills fine. They are good engines and decent in power.
I have a 01 XLT step-side 4x4 with the 4.0 liter engine. I agree that if you are buying a truck for hauling big loads a ranger isn't it. the truck drives like a shopping cart and feels very sluggish. It dosen't instill me with a lot of confidence that it will last much longer (it has 75000mi on it). The ranger (as well as the s-10, Tacoma, etc) aren't made for people who need a truck. it's a truck-like fashion statement that can haul some stuff and stroke the ego's of the people who need a mini van, but are worried that the neighbors won't think they are tough. I bought it because my van got stolen and I got a deal on it. I wish I would have held out a little longer and look forward to getting rid of it as soon as I can.
I stopped reading at "heavy truck". The 3.0 is fine for this LITTLE TRUCK.
"The ranger (as well as the s-10, Tacoma, etc) aren't made for people who need a truck"
Gee, I guess we better tell our purchasing department. Since 1992 we've used countless Rangers in both our family's companies. Some in current use date back to 1993 and have over 300,000 miles. Gosh. And we thought they were trucks!
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