2004 Ford Ranger Consumer Reviews
Fuel Economy
15 - 23 mpg
Recent Consumer Reviews
(127 Total Reviews)
Number 6 for me
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Ford Ranger 2dr SuperCab XLT 4WD Styleside SB (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I had and 83, which I put a 302 in after 180K miles, my 88,91,93,95 Splash and now a 2004 XLT 4x4, all gave me very little problems,the 2.9 L 88's TFI module went out on a rainy night but I always had a sparemodule, with the tool, in the glovebox. My 2004 ,with the 4.0 L V6, is the best yet as far as fit and function and reliability since I live in the snow belt it has to be good. I think I will upgrade to the 2008 FX4 this summer. Mine has 55K on it and still looks new.
Favorite Features
21.5 miles to gallon HWY with the K&N air system and Flow Master exhaust. Handling is great with Yokohama tires and Bilstein monotube shocks.
Suggested Improvements
Smoother shifting 5 speed manual Trans and needs jump seats in the back for small passengers and at least one suicide door to open on the XLT Supercab.
One sweet little truck.
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Ford Ranger 2dr Regular Cab XLT Rwd Styleside SB (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I selected my 4 cylinder stickshift Ranger to serve as a daily driver, as a vehicle to drive on my 100 mile daily, 5 days per week school commute, and to be able to hold its own at Home Depot, Lowe's and Menard's. The handling, ride, and highway gas mileage is almost unbelievable! I've often seen 30+ MPG, and one week it actually delivered 35 MPG. The seats are surprisingly supportive and quite comfy for a small truck. I cross-shopped Chevy, GMC, and Toyota, but the Ranger beat them all for interior comfort, durability, fuel efficiency, reliability, appearance, and especially, price.
Favorite Features
The Flareside bed looks sporty, the manual transmission and the Duratec 4 cylinder deliver phenomenal performance and gas mileage, and the standard cloth 60/40 bench seat is surprisingly comfortable. With my added hard tonneau cover on the bed, it looks like a sporty little coupé.
Suggested Improvements
A little more room, maybe 3 or 4 inches, behind the seats in the standard cab would be nice; I'd like to be able to recline the seat a bit more and store a toolbox, but I still want to be able to reach back over my shoulder and open or close the sliding back window, so the SuperCab won't suffice.
1 out 2 people found this review helpful
Just Ok
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 4 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Ford Ranger 4dr SuperCab XLT Appearance Rwd Styleside SB (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
Review
Nice truck for the money. I like the styling and the super cab is great. Lots of nice standard features for a truck in this price range.
Favorite Features
The styling, and it's the perfect size for most home owner's needs.
Suggested Improvements
Needs more power from the 3.0 v6. Gas mileage is poor at best. I can't understand why they still use drum brakes on the back when everthing else in there lineup has disc brakes all the way around. If I were to buy another the 4.0 V6 would be a must.
4 out 5 people found this review helpful
Great Truck
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Ford Ranger 2dr SuperCab XLT Rwd Styleside SB (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I have worked for Dodge and Toyota, both of there trucks can't compare to the quality and performance in my opinion, to a Ford. I'm a Ford guy and there really is nothing better. I love the 4.0l, lots of torque. Yea it eats gas, but I didn't but a truck for gas mileage. I love it. Excellent job Mr. Ford
Favorite Features
The 4.0L V6, and it's a 4X4
Suggested Improvements
Needs SVT badge and a supercharger!
Satisfied Owner
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Ford Ranger 2dr Regular Cab Edge Rwd Styleside SB (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I bought this truck for light towing and general pickup use. I have had it since June of '04 and have had no problems with it. It is a small truck so if you are 6 ft. or over you may want to go extended cab.
Favorite Features
I like everything the Edge package adds, large improvement over the standard. Body style is nice and the seats are comfortable over long trips.
Suggested Improvements
None really. It rides a bit rough at times but it is a truck and the Edge package does add a stiffer suspension. I would easily buy this truck again (though my biggest regrets is not getting an extended cab).
6 out 7 people found this review helpful
Quality and Value come together
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Ford Ranger 2dr Regular Cab Edge Rwd Styleside SB (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I was looking for just a simple truck to haul stuff with-nothing fancy. I saw an ad for a Ranger, and thought I would check it out. The price was right, and I got more features than I could have imagined. It is a simple car with lots of guts. It sits nicely and is really fun to drive. It looks like 4WD. Gas mileage is surprisingly good!
Favorite Features
I love the wheels and the way it sits. The stereo is superb quality and easy to use.
Suggested Improvements
I wish the regular cab had just a couple more inches of leg room. I tend to have tall passengers.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Nice Truck
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Ford Ranger 2dr SuperCab XLT 4WD Styleside SB (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
Review
After owning this truck for just over two years, I am loyal to Ford. I really like the performance and handling of the truck. It is a sharp looking vehicle, as well. I would buy again, except I plan on upgrading to an F-150 or better.
Favorite Features
Exterior design.
Suggested Improvements
More comfortable seats should come standard.
3 out 3 people found this review helpful
The Lil' Ranger that can
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Ford Ranger 2dr SuperCab XLT Rwd Styleside SB (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
Review
Since this is the 5th Ranger I've owned I'd have to say I really like them. Had a 85, 88, 91, and 97 before this 04. Still have the 91 with 280,000 miles so far. I've got the 3.0l and 5 speed manual and even going back and forth to Birmingham AL last week for classes I got 26+ mpg at some crazy 75-80mph speeds. She's no speed demon but as far as trucks go but I feel confident enough to drive her on any interstate. I do plan on doing a few things to improve horsepower and mileage as I can afford them. My wish list includes a cat back exhaust system, Edge Performance piggyback chip, K&N Fuel injection setup, 180 degree thermostat, and I'm considering replacing the fan with an electric unit.
Favorite Features
Clean good looks are a marked improvement over the previous body style. Looks more like a mini F150 instead of a pregnant guppy. Seats are stiff but comfortable. Nice radio with CD player, just wish I could have found one with an upgraded sound system. Try putting a real spare in these trucks Ford!
Suggested Improvements
BIGGER MIRRORS! A little more horse power at a usable RPM would be nice. Pop out rear windows for cross ventilation. Bumpers on the XL and the XLT are flimsy and ugly. They ruin the truck, come up with something better Ford. Too much cheesy plastic. Try aluminum in interior - would look better.
5 out 5 people found this review helpful
Avoid
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 1 | Fun-to-Drive: | 1 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 1 | Interior Design: | 1 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 3 | Exterior Design: | 1 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Ford Ranger 2dr Regular Cab XL Rwd Styleside SB (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Avoid at all costs, transmission had to be serviced 5 times in 2 years, 2.3 liter 4 cylinder engine has many problems. Owned for 2 years, 19,000 miles. Will NEVER buy another Ford again. I wouldn't take one if they paid me to.
Favorite Features
The fact that it is so unreliable that hopefully it will blow up.
Suggested Improvements
Hey Ford, try making something that is reliable, and worth the money! Or at least making an attempt to fix your quality control issues.
5 out 16 people found this review helpful
WORKS FOR ME!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Ford Ranger 2dr Regular Cab XL Rwd Styleside SB (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
Review
This truck can do it all. Always dependable, always ready - great for getting around and great for getting the job done.
Favorite Features
Size.
Suggested Improvements
Side mirrors should be larger.
3 out 3 people found this review helpful
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