2003 Ford Ranger Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

The 2003 Ford Ranger isn't the freshest compact pickup on the market, but it has aged gracefully. We like this truck plenty, especially when equipped with the available 207-horse V6 engine.

Pros

Strong 4.0-liter V6 engine, handsome styling, variety of trim levels, functional interior.

Cons

Uncomfortable cabin, dated design, no V8 is available, no crew cab configuration.

What's New for 2003

Ford's popular compact pickup receives a number of minor changes for 2003. The 2002 Tremor package, with its ear-splitting 485-watt sound system, returns for 2003 as a trim level, joining XL, Edge and XLT in the lineup. A chrome appearance package for select XLT models is available, and last year's FX4 package for four-wheel-drive Rangers is offered in two guises: Off Road and Level II. New Sonic Blue paint is unique to FX4 Level II Rangers. Other changes to the 2003 Ford Ranger include covered visor vanity mirrors for XLT models, standard step bars on XLT 4WD SuperCab and Edge 4WD models and minor interior trim and fabric revisions on some models. Finally, crew cab rear seats get LATCH anchors, and some new colors are available.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

My Little Beast!

Written by: fatjoe2003 on 06/21/2008

Detailed Ratings

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.

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My Ranger is the best

Written by: Jnmrb on 05/02/2008


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	9
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	10

2003 Ford Ranger 4dr SuperCab XLT Appearance Rwd Styleside SB (3.0L 6cyl 5A)

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.

Reliablility, good looking exterior design, locking partitioned toneau cover.

I think my brakes will need to be replaced again soon and I think 2 brake jobs in 5 years is pretty excessive

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Would buy it again.

Written by: Roady on 03/19/2008


Performance:	8	Fun-to-Drive:	8	Build Quality:	9
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	9
Fuel Economy:	6	Exterior Design:	7

2003 Ford Ranger 2dr Regular Cab XLT Rwd Styleside LB (3.0L 6cyl 5A)

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.

Cold AC in Vegas, great visibility, still looks like new.

Adjustable alignment parts in front end.

Nice

Written by: 03 on 02/20/2008


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	10

2003 Ford Ranger 2dr Regular Cab XL Rwd Styleside SB (2.3L 4cyl 5M)

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.

Looks great, stock 6-cd changer, easy to keep interior clean

Awesome little truck

Written by: Doug on 02/20/2008


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	8
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	9
Fuel Economy:	4	Exterior Design:	9

2003 Ford Ranger 2dr SuperCab XLT 4WD Styleside SB (4.0L 6cyl 5M)

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.

Design a better rear sliding window.

2003 Ford Ranger Consumer Ratings & Reviews