How reliable are Ford Rangers?

Question

With an automatic transmission and years 99-present? I'm thinking of buying one.

Answer 1

They're about as reliable as the previous owner(s). It's just like anything else, buddy. If you don't upkeep a car, it's going to go bad.

At the end of the day -- It's all steel, plastic and bubber anyway.

However, if you want to feel better about the whole thing, go here and be done with it!: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/index.htm

Answer 2

I previously owned an '02 Ranger 4x4 (FX4) with the 4.0L V6 and automatic transmission. The engine was good. No problems there other than it being a gas guzzler, but that's what you have to expect from a 4x4 (15-18MPG).

The transmission was another story. 6 months after buying it new, the valve body had to be rebuilt. It was never the same after that. Quite a bit of jerking and hard shifting at low speeds. The Ford dealers never found anything wrong with it until after the warranty expired. Go figure....

All in all, I think the Ranger is a good truck. However, I would suggest a manual transmission if at all possible.

Answer 3

Rangers make the Consumer Reports recommended used vehichle list in the era you're considering. There aren't really any problematic areas to watch out for in that era Ranger, all motors were reliable, they weren't rust prone, and the automatics were OK, though I'd recommend getting something else for regular towing. All tallied, a good investment, but the statement "a car is only as good as the previous owner" is a VERY true statement, Carfax and a good thorough inspection is a must!

Answer 4

At the company I work for we use Ford Rangers for delivery trucks. All the trucks are 2003's and have anywhere from 125,000 to 150,000 miles on them. They get driven everyday in the city and some highway driving. None of these trucks have had any problems. All we have had to do is regular maintenance on them. Hope this information helps. Have a good day.

Answer 5

I have one...very reliable for me...even my teenaged daughter has not been able to ruin it...miricles do happen!!! I had a volvo before that she managed to kill...so, so far so good, it's a 2003 and I have not had a single problem...has alittle under 30 k on her but very good so far...
The only thing I don't like is I got the extended cab w/o the double doors and it is a pain in the a** to get stuff back there, the seats don't move far enough forward to fit things in there, even my shouldars don't fit and I am not a big women at all...i would get the short cab next time and get one of those metal lock up things in hte back..hope it helps..

Answer 6

Yes. The overall design of the Ranger has been around for a while so Ford has had time to work out all the little kinks.

Answer 7

I think they're not bad, my friend just bought one new in 2005. He was coming down an icy hill at about 50kph, came around the corner and smack into a three-car pile up.

He walked away from the accident, but the truck just burst into flames and was a total write-off. He doesn't get why it burst into flames like that after such a low-speed accident, but didn't buy another Ranger!

Answer 8

my dad got a 93 ford ranger back in 96 and he is still driving it today he has turn the speed odometer over on it twice and it stills runs like a top so i would say they are pretty reliable trucks

Answer 9

like most vehicles, if you take care of it it will run fairly good.... look up consumer reports for repair history's.also The NTSB for recalls...have a mechanic check it and get a car fax...

Answer 10

Check out this link before you buy. I wish I would have. It would have saved me $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. Take it seriously.

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/ford_spark.html