2003 Ford Ranger Consumer Reviews
Fuel Economy
15 - 23 mpg
Recent Consumer Reviews
(155 Total Reviews)
Built Ford Tough!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Ford Ranger 4dr SuperCab XLT FX4 Off-Road 4WD Styleside SB (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I bought this truck in Feb. of 2009 with just over 30,000 miles on it. In the 4 months I have had it i have put 5,000 on it. I love the 4.0 v6 and the 5spd manual transmission it has great up and go. Gas mileage is great for a truck I average 16 in the city and an amazing 20-23mpg. I love the FX4 package and the stepside bed.
Favorite Features
Mach sound system, FX4, shift on fly 4x4, completely optioned out,
Suggested Improvements
Nothing really
Still the best value at this price
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Ford Ranger 2dr Regular Cab XL Rwd Styleside SB (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
Review
My 2003 is my third Ranger. I started driving Rangers because I needed a truck, but I refused to drive a 10MPG nightmare. My Ranger is equiped with the 16-valve 4-clylinder engine and 5- speed auto trans, which has adequate power to motivate this 3000 pound truck. When I test drove various samll trucks, I found the Ranger roomier yet sportier than than any other truck priced below $15,000. This is the first Ranger I purchased instead of leased, and I have now owned it for 6 trouble-free years. I wanted a truck that I could get brand new for a payment of less than $300.00 per month. Frankly, I cannot think of many vehicles that are so inexpensive and yet so desirable to own.
Favorite Features
1) Fun-to-drive: zippy engine, sharp handling, easy to maneuver. 2)Low operating costs: cheap on gas, repairs, manintence, and insurance. 3) Comfortable: intuitive ergonomics, more elbow room than most small trucks, good A/C, comfortable cloth coutour seats, easy-to clean vinyl floors.
Suggested Improvements
Engine is apt to ping, and the 5-speed auto sometimes hunts for the right gear. I'll get a new Ranger when Ford offers a plug-in hybrid version. And a crew cab? The only small crewcab Ford offers is the Explorer SportTrac. It would be cheaper to buy 2 basic Rangers than to buy 1 of those.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Great truck
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Ford Ranger 4dr SuperCab XLT 4WD Styleside SB (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I have driven many trucks in all sizes and the 2003 Ranger Supercab XLT is one of the best small trucks I have been in. When I had it in for tires, oil change and inspection, they gave me a loaner truck, a Nissan Frontier. It was a few years newer and had 80,000 less miles on it, but I still thought my old Ranger was so much better that I drove back to the dealer and waited for mine. Only 2 small trucks I have driven have come close to my 2003 Ranger, the 1st was almost as good and was my 94 Ranger. The other was a 2002 S10. None of the import trucks I have been in have been anywhere near as good.
Favorite Features
Everything
Suggested Improvements
Only two things I would change about it, about 2 or 3 more inches or room for the back jump seats and the a digital gas gauge that tells you how many gallons of fuel are in the tank.
Great little truck
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Ford Ranger 4dr SuperCab XLT FX4 Off-Road 4WD Styleside SB (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
Review
Now approaching 120,000 miles, and all I've had to do is brakes, clutch, and 2 iac valves for repairs. It has very comfortable cab, seats and controls, with lots of creature comforts. It handles well and rides well - as much like a sporty car as a truck, yet it can haul a good-sized load. I'm getting between 19 and 20 mpg in mixed use driving. The 4-door cab is an excellent feature, making it much easier to get stuff in and out of the back of the cab. Overall, an excellent small pickup.
Favorite Features
The driving experience is excellent - not too large, not too small, and handles very well.
Suggested Improvements
It could use an automatic temperature control system, so the driver doesn't have to mess with the temp control. And, of course fuel economy could be better.
I love it
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Ford Ranger 2dr Regular Cab Edge Rwd Styleside SB (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I have owned an S10, a Dakota, and a Ranger. The Ranger is by far the best I have owned. Other than oil changes I have just bought 2 sets of wiper blades. This is a great fun truck. It looks great, is great on the highway. I will deffinetly get another one. I love driving on the highway to college with this. Drives real easy. Manual transmission shifts real easy and is geared well
Favorite Features
I love the styling. Looks great, sits high. I'm 6'2" 155# with long legs. I fit. Lots of leg room for a thin guy
Suggested Improvements
Wish it had a better 5th gear ratio but it is nice for accelerating. Also thanks for not having that stupid shift light, aka idiot light
My Little Beast!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Ford Ranger 2dr Regular Cab Edge Rwd Styleside SB (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I bought this truck in March of '03, and I ordered the Edge package! I own a landscaping company. I always get better mileage than my friends in their Chevrolet Colorados, and my Ranger can pull more. This truck averages 21mpg on the freeway at 75mph and loaded with the o/d off, it gets 17mpg at 65mph. The 3.0L is a fantastic engine, and has a lot more pep than I suspected. I love my truck, and I love the fact that without the extended cab how easy it is to park and turn around. If you are long legged the super cab is a must! I am short so it doesn't bother me. I would definitely get the Edge package again, as I love sitting up higher in the air, and the ground clearance. I love my truck!
Favorite Features
The Edge package, V6 engine, tow package, and the interior room.
Suggested Improvements
Needs bench seat instead of 60/40, needs door pocket holders for guns, pens, Kleenex etc. Other than that I have 80,000 miles and no problems yet, other than regular maintenance.
My Ranger is the best
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Ford Ranger 4dr SuperCab XLT Appearance Rwd Styleside SB (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I got a great deal on my used Ranger 4 years ago and have replaced 4 tires and brakes and wiper blades and that's all. There is no broken trim etc. like you would expect on a 5 year old vehicle. It is very confortable ride for a truck. It get's about 18 mpg city and 22 highway. Not the best but ok for a truck. My teenage boys aren't embarassed to be seen riding in it and even want to drive it. This is the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. My mechanic told me to let him know when I'm ready to sell it.
Favorite Features
Reliablility, good looking exterior design, locking partitioned toneau cover.
Suggested Improvements
I think my brakes will need to be replaced again soon and I think 2 brake jobs in 5 years is pretty excessive
3 out 3 people found this review helpful
Would buy it again.
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Ford Ranger 2dr Regular Cab XLT Rwd Styleside LB (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
Review
My third Ranger. A dependable truck, gets maybe 21 on the highway, never had a problem with it and has 68,000 miles now. I would buy it again.
Favorite Features
Cold AC in Vegas, great visibility, still looks like new.
Suggested Improvements
Adjustable alignment parts in front end.
Nice
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Ford Ranger 2dr Regular Cab XL Rwd Styleside SB (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I bought my truck about a year ago and I do a lot of driving. This has to be my favorite vehicle I have ever owned. The power is there when you need it and I love trying to push it as much as possible. Gas miledge is nothing to write home about but getting about 18- 19 with heavy city driving and traffic isn't too bad. Love the visibility, much better then sitting on the ground with my old Tercel.
Favorite Features
Looks great, stock 6-cd changer, easy to keep interior clean
Suggested Improvements
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Awesome little truck
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Ford Ranger 2dr SuperCab XLT 4WD Styleside SB (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I love driving this truck. I would have liked to have a 5 speed, but circumstances at the time dictated that I take what I could get. My last truck was a F-250 with lock out hubs. I love this truck that all you have to do is turn a switch and you're in 4WD. With the off road package, its a little rough on fuel, but not the worst that I've seen.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
Design a better rear sliding window.
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