1997 Ford Ranger XLT Supercab review from North America

The cam sensor went out causing service engine soon light. This was easily fixed. Normal problem for ford 3.0L.

Interior lights stayed on even after doors closed, engine off. Common problem for many Fords, but easily fixed. New door switches inside door latch fixes this problem. Replaced and no problem since.

DPFE sensor malfunction. Caused service engine soon light. This sensor senses exhaust recirculation. Replaced with junkyard part due to price and no problem since.

Tailgate cables were replaced. I live in the north where the cities use salt. This caused rust. Normal issue.

Rear axle seals were found to be slightly leaking when I replaced the brakes. Normal for high mileage.

Heater control valve (switch) leaked coolant. Easy fix. I replaced the part and fine since. I recommend getting this part from Ford.

The serpentine belt tensioner wore out and caused belt to go bad. I replaced the tensioner and belt and has since been good.

Other reviews mention excessive tire wear. An alignment is sure to fix this problem. I've done to mine and have normal tire wear.

Ball joints went out at 130,000 miles. I replaced them and aligned the truck. The original ball joints are non-greasable. It is recommended to replace with greaseable kind when bad. Out of all repairs, this would be the one that could cost more.

Most problems with cars start with their owners. I am an auto mechanic. First and foremost is maintenance habits. Lack of routine maintenance will cause other problems. Letting things go will bite you as well. If you do not get a tune-up (plugs and wires) before there is a misfire, you'll have a misfire.

I bought this truck with 120,000 miles on it. All problems with the truck are normal problems and pretty easily fixed. I cannot say there were any out of the ordinary problems yet, and certainly no reason why I wouldn't buy another one. The key is finding a good mechanic, which may not be the dealer.

In my opinion, being a mechanic, this truck is reliable and inexpensive to repair. I now have 140,000 miles on it and the engine starts every morning, running good.

If I had to speculate on major problems that no-one can avoid, no matter what car you have, I'd say the transmission would go first. At 140,000 miles it is starting to show signs. It still has life left in it. I'm not too concerned yet.

The engine is a strong runner. It will go 200,000+ with oil changes, maintenance, and a non-leaded foot.