1997 Ford Ranger Review
1997 Ford Ranger Review
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Used Ranger for sale
Appraise This CarFord Ranger model years
Ford Ranger types
- Regular Cab
- Extended Cab
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Great looking compact truck with a cornucopia of engine choices and options.
Cons
- We wish the base engine were stronger, and that a third door was offered.
What’s new
Ford introduces its brand-new five-speed automatic transmission to the 1997 Ford Ranger lineup. Available with the V6 engines, the five-speed automatic is designed to improve the Ranger's acceleration, towing and hill-climbing ability.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 Ford Ranger XL 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$204/mo for Ranger XL
Ranger XL
vs
$246/mo
Avg. Compact Truck
Vehicle overview
Whether it's image or utility that attracts you to a compact truck, Ford stands ready to seduce you into its strong-selling Ranger. Trim levels range from the practical XL through the well-trimmed XLT and STX--all the way to the beguiling little Ranger Splash with its fiberglass Flareside bed, chrome wheels, and lowered suspension.
With the optional 4.0-liter V6 engine, in particular, acceleration is impressively brisk, whether from a standstill or when merging and passing. The base four-cylinder engine can overtax the Ranger when carrying a heavy load. Automatic-transmission upshifts are crisp and barely noticed, with just a slight jolt under hard throttle, and downshifts deliver only slightly more harshness. Push-button four-wheel-drive, if installed, is a snap to use.
Well-controlled overall, with good steering feedback, Rangers handle easily, corner capably (within limits), maneuver neatly, and stay reasonably stable on curves. Occupants aren't likely to complain about the ride, either, though it can grow bouncy around town. Gas mileage isn't the greatest with the big engine and automatic, as expected.
Ranger sports a worldwide industry first for safety protection. An optional passenger side airbag is available, and it can be disabled with the flick of a switch in the event that a car seat is installed in the truck. New for 1997 is a five-speed automatic transmission; a first for vehicles in this segment. Ford claims that the new five-speed automatic allows better acceleration, trailering, and hill climbing by their capable Ranger. Ford also shuffles option packages this year in an attempt to make the 70+ options easier, and cheaper, to order.
Seats are firm and supportive, urging you to lean back and enjoy a long haul. Rangers are all truck, with few pretensions toward any other identity, but can be loaded with gadgets like a luxury auto. Fun to drive, sharp looking and well-built, they deliver a solid compact-pickup experience.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 Ford Ranger.
5 star(36%)
4 star(42%)
3 star(14%)
2 star(3%)
1 star(5%)
78 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
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)
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
5 out of 5 stars
Reluctant to buy, Happy I did.
Brian, 04/09/2016
1997 Ford Ranger XL 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
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.
4 out of 5 stars
Love my ranger
mapplema, 11/01/2011
1997 Ford Ranger XLT 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
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.
5 out of 5 stars
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)
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.
1997 Ranger Highlights
Regular Cab
Splash
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $204/month |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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