Used 1997 Ford Ranger Consumer Reviews
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97 Ranger 4cyl 5 speed still runs great 143k
dalebass3, 04/03/2013
1997 Ford Ranger XLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
16 of 16 people found this review helpful
I bought this truck 2 years ago. I knew it needed a slave cylinder just didn't realize it was inside the tranny. So I had a mechanic buddy do it and replace the clutch and rear main seal while he was at it. Has run great since. Only problem is the A/C. It wasn't working when I got it. Found a big hole in the condenser and then it worked for a couple days but then sprung a new leak in another line with the new found pressure. This seems to be a pretty common problem. Engine runs great for its age. I see a ton of these on the road
Reluctant to buy, Happy I did.
Brian, 04/09/2016
1997 Ford Ranger XL 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
24 of 26 people found this review helpful
I almost didn't buy this truck, as it had a lot of miles on it. After a lengthy test drive, the truck felt solid, shifted nice, and drove very well, so I did buy. I've had it for some time now (a few months - actually it's my winter beater/rainy day driver), and it's just passed over 250,000 miles. The 2.3 liter engine uses no oil between oil changes, and makes no funny noises. It's a little short on power, but it's more than made up for that with it's relentless reliability. I see these trucks everywhere, and they are, figuratively speaking, a dime a dozen. I looked at Toyota, but they resale they hold is insane, which I'm told is due to the longevity of their engines. I know I haven't owned it for an extended amount of time (years), but I would say, money spent, the four cylinder Ranger is as good, or better than the, incredibly overpriced Toyota's out there.
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Love my ranger
mapplema, 11/01/2011
1997 Ford Ranger XLT 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
16 of 17 people found this review helpful
I purchased my 97 Ranger in 2004 with 75,000 miles, in 2011 it now has 145,000. The clutch needed replaced when we bought it, also had the slave plate fixed in 2009. Those were the 2 biggest expenses. Being in Ohio, rust has been my only enemy. I've replaced rusted broken parts as needed, and this thing still runs like a champ. You will be in the shop 2-3 times a year as it gets older, but they're not expensive trips. Gas mileage is excellent around 23-24 with mostly city driving.
I love my Ranger - hate to let it go
littlesimo, 02/25/2004
1997 Ford Ranger XLT 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I've owned mine for just short of five years now and not a single problem with it. I've changed the oil every 3K-4K miles and purchased a soft tonneau cover shortly after I bought it in 1999. With that, and the K&N airfilter and just keeping up on normal maintanence, its never steered me wrong. I just recently talked to a 2001 owner who has over 120K on his and he loves his as well...Rangers don't die.
Reliable and fun
Daniel, 02/15/2010
1997 Ford Ranger XLT 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I purchased my truck when I was 16 for 2000 dollers with 120,000 miles. Since then i've put another 90000 miles on it for a total of 210,000 miles with no major hitchs. The truck is quite peppy out of the hole but lacks top end power. I've had mine up to 110 on a long downhill stretch. Back end is a little light which makes it fun to slide around but scary when over driving a corner.My ranger is two wheel drive and will get stuck in grass if it is wet. This truck needs a limited slip deferential to counter this problem. Cabin of truck is spacious if you are under 6 foot tall. Over all if you are looking for a nice reliable truck this is it. 13 years, 210,000 miles later, and no rust.
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