1997 Ford Ranger Consumer Reviews

Junk

Written by: chuck on 03/14/2008

Vehicle

1997 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XLT 4WD Extended Cab SB

Review

Nice looking truck inside and out. It now has 118,000 miles on it and most of the front end components have been replaced more than once. The 3.0L v-6 with the automatic is greatly underpowered. It gets bad gas mileage less than 15 mpg. It also has a poor ride. It does not like to go up hills. It has had endless problems with the ABS brakes. The frame is starting rust out

Favorite Features

Looks and comfort

Suggested Improvements

Better fuel economy. More power

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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1997 Ford Ranger Review

Written by: richfax on 12/27/2007

Vehicle

1997 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XLT Standard Cab SB

Review

I purchased my Ranger with 43000 miles on it in 2002. Five years later I'm approaching the 100000 mile mark. I bought this truck as inexpensive transportation to get to and from work. I paid $5900 cash and don't regret it. I haven't had to take it in for anything other than oil changes, new tires and a new battery. Replacement tires and parts are very inexpensive and easy to find. My annual out of pocket for maintenance is about $100 per year. The EPA rates the fuel economy of the 4 cylinder (which I own) as best in class. I don't recommend the 6 cylinder if you are looking for good fuel economy because it is worst in class. Cheap, reliable, good mileage- great so far!

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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One Flaw Ranger

Written by: KD on 11/26/2007

Vehicle

1997 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XLT Standard Cab SB

Review

I own a 1997 Ford Ranger XLT 4cly. with 99,000 miles to this day. It's been very reliable as the engine, trans, and so on. Only had small problem with frnt brake slide pins outside of normal maint. It has one major exterior flaw: rust! I did wash the underbody every spring; it still rusts. I'd swear Ford designed this truck's frame to rust out. I suppose if I lived in another state besides Maine (and snow & salted roads) this would not be a problem, or would it.

Favorite Features

Gas mileage about 24-31 mpg in mixed driving, power, and it hauls a two place snowmobile trailer with ease. Never has left me stuck on the side of the road like my Sable.

Suggested Improvements

Better rust protection for frame components, and front brake parts.

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Best Truck Ever!!

Written by: Bob on 03/29/2007

Vehicle

1997 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XL Standard Cab SB

Review

I am 18 and this is my first car. I have the manual tranny and it is great. It is ten years old and has never broken down. It gets great gas mileage which is good because I have to pay for everything in my car. The engine is good and has a nice kick but if you don't have the manual I think it will not be as much fun. I do take it off road sometimes, but only on small easy courses. It handles fine on and off road. Overall great first vehicle or farm vehicle, which is what it originally was used for.

Favorite Features

Vinyl seats in the summer.

Suggested Improvements

Bigger tires

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Love my Ranger

Written by: Mark on 07/18/2006

Vehicle

1997 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XLT Extended Cab SB

Review

My little 4 cylinder Ranger has moved me from NC to NY and back to NC. Hauled everything from couches (2 at a time) to camping gear to just me with no problems. This pickup is so easy to work with and on that it is a joy to own.

Favorite Features

I don't have a favorite feature, they all compliment each other.

Suggested Improvements

Make spark plugs easier to replace. That was my only problem.

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Heads Up

Written by: John on 05/24/2006

Vehicle

1997 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XL Extended Cab SB

Review

I've had a lot of fun with this truck. But heads up on a few of the things listed below. I have owned it for 5 years and now have 120 thousand miles on it. I guess I can't be too hard on it.

Favorite Features

Good pick up, flexibility of use, stereo, engine runs great!

Suggested Improvements

HEATER CORE PROBLEM! I replaced it myself and still ended up spending around $500 and 15 hours on it. You have to remove the dash. Also, the gas mileage is like 15-17 Mpg. I want more from a little truck. Have had brake issues all along.

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"97 XLT Ext Cab 4x4, 4.0V6, 5 Speed Auto

Written by: Bill on 05/14/2006

Vehicle

1997 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XLT 4WD Extended Cab SB

Review

I have had this truck for nearly 9 years and have driven it 78,000 miles. Some drive train problems which can be expensive to repair at a Ford dealership. Not the greatest truck but fairly reliable and functional. Very stiff suspension which was softened in 1998 model year. First year for 5 speed auto which has worked fine. Gas mileage is poor at 15-20 and it only gets 20 out on the road. It has been great for hauling dogs and hunting. Seats are not all that comfortable. Even though it has a 4.0 liter engine it only cranks 160 HP and 225 lb/ft torque. Dismal compared to the newer engines.

Favorite Features

Favorite features I added myself. Bedliner, camper shell and Class III hitch. It will go just about anywhere if you have the correct tires for the job.

Suggested Improvements

Better mileage. Better suspension.

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Good Truck

Written by: Ken on 12/14/2005

Vehicle

1997 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XLT Standard Cab SB

Review

I purchased my 1997 Ranger new. I bought a compact 4 cylinder standard transmission truck I like. It's not a power, gas guzzling demon, like some of the V8 and V6 trucks I looked at. This truck has been reliable over the years and only had small problems. I had to replace the brakes, tires, and one oil seal in the rear axle. This Ranger rides like a truck on bumpy country roads, but on the interstate it's not bad. Still I know I'm driving a truck. The only complaint I've got is this: steep hills require downshifts, but it's only a 4 cylinder engine. I'll keep the Ranger till I have to junk it

Favorite Features

Gas mileage for a truck and reliability.

Suggested Improvements

None.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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'97 Ford Ranger

Written by: Sonny on 03/21/2005

Vehicle

1997 Ford Ranger 2 Dr Splash 4WD Extended Cab Stepside SB

Review

150,000 miles plus! Engine going great, body stays in superb shape. Fun to drive and still looks great. Folks confuse it with a newer truck all the time. Great light duty truck.

Favorite Features

Fantastic sound system. Nice V-6 to haul surprisingly heavy loads. Great body, the truck still looks sharp.

Suggested Improvements

Wheel bearings! I have replaced these numerous times. Other than that, this is a fun truck.

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I'm going to miss ol' Blue

Written by: Philip Nolan on 03/14/2005

Vehicle

1997 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XLT 4WD Extended Cab Stepside SB

Review

The Ranger is one the best vehicles I have ever owned. We are keeping it for our 13 year old to take over when he's 16. He can't wait! Other than usual maintenance and changing tires, nothing major has gone wrong. My father-in-law borrows it all the time for anything he has to haul. The 4 liter engine has great acceleration in city traffic. I would recommend a Ranger to anyone in the market for a mid-sized truck.

Favorite Features

Four high on the fly. The first 2 years I owned this truck I lived in Idaho, and this feature saved my bacon a few times.

Suggested Improvements

I know it's a truck and that mine is four-wheel drive, but it would be nice if the ride were a little smoother. On some paved roads I felt every seam and bump.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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