2004 Ford Ranger Review

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

The 2004 Ford Ranger isn't the freshest compact pickup on the market, but it's still a solid choice thanks to a strong 4.0-liter V6 engine and a wide variety of equipment.

Pros

Strong 4.0-liter V6 engine, multiple trim levels and options, functional interior.

Cons

Dated platform, weak base engines, no crew cab configuration.

What's New for 2004

All 2004 Ford Rangers get a more aggressive raised hood and a partitioned grille that more closely matches that of other Ford trucks. Inside, seats have been revised to improve comfort, and leather upholstery is a new option. A new leather-wrapped, four-spoke steering wheel is available on some models, as is a floor console. New white-faced gauges are standard on all models, except the base XL. The Tremor model's 510-watt stereo now has MP3 capability, and other models are eligible for a 290-watt Pioneer Sound package with an in-dash CD/MP3 player. Additionally, the Tremor is available with four-wheel drive this year, and the off-road-ready FX4 gets an electronic shift-on-the-fly transfer case. Sixteen-inch aluminum wheels are optional on two-wheel-drive Edge models, and an engine block heater is standard in select states.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

Excellent Value

Written by: wyxlzorf on 07/15/2009

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	4	Fun-to-Drive:	6	Build Quality:	7
Comfort:	7	Interior Design:	5	Reliability:	9
Fuel Economy:	6	Exterior Design:	4

Vehicle

2004 Ford Ranger 4dr SuperCab XLT Appearance Rwd Styleside SB (3.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I use my Ranger for a daily driver, doing run and bump North Dallas commuting during the week. The weekend finds it pulling a 30 foot long, but light trailer hauling a glider. Great utility vehicle, but could use some more giddyup. Reasonable comfort, driveability, and build quality for the price. This is my second Ranger. The first went 10+ years and 200,000 miles with very little problems and this one looks to be even better.

Favorite Features

General overall driving position, visibility, and comfort.

Suggested Improvements

The suicide doors in back seem like a good idea, but in reality they don't work out too well in a crowded parking lot. A flip forward seat works much better.

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tough little truck

Written by: tyrone buckets on 06/16/2009


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

2004 Ford Ranger 2dr SuperCab XLT 4WD Styleside SB (4.0L 6cyl 5M)

It will never die cold or hot it starts. comfortable seats for long drives. Needs more room in the back for storage and seats. I have over 180,000 miles only needed to maintain truck. Nothing has gone wrong. I will get up to 355 miles on one tank.No speeding must dive a minimium 5-10 over speed limit Great MPGs.

shift on fly 4x4, great mpgs, and reliable.

needs more room in back at least 3-5 inches.Stronger arm rest.

Under Rated

Written by: Tiny on 02/08/2009


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

2004 Ford Ranger 2dr Regular Cab XL Rwd Styleside SB (2.3L 4cyl 5M)

This truck doesn't receive the credit it deserves. Any online review you read bashes its dated design and powertrain. But they never take the time to think of why.The Ranger works! It has to be one of the most reliable trucks out there, and its design is tried and true. I've owned two, a 93' XLT 4X4 fully equiped standard cab 4.0, and my current 04' XL 4X2 standard cab 3.0 5spd. Both were well built, rugged, and fun to drive. I beat up my mostly stock 93' and only broke a radiator mount (which was rusted anyway). The only thing I wish is that the Ranger had more support from aftermarket companies. The truck has a lot of performance potential, it just needs more people to notice.

I love the feedback I get from the steering in my 04', and the 5spd manual is geared very well. I love the Rangers simplicity. It has a lot of performance potential, but there is so few aftermarket parts for it. However, with a little effort and mechanical know how, you can make anything work.

The Ranger is a great canvas for sport truck, muscle truck, and off roaders alike. Take a look at the right starting canvas and let your mind wander a bit. With a little imagination you can see where the Rangers potential lies. I can't suggest anything for this truck, it works, give it a chance.

No better Compact Truck...period

Written by: C Smith on 05/15/2008


Performance:	8	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	9

2004 Ford Ranger 2dr Regular Cab Edge 4WD Styleside SB (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

3rd Ranger I've owned (88,99,04). Truck is more reliable than any other truck I have owned. I work for a city gov. agency, I drive all makes and models. There is no better compact truck out there. Pull a 5x8 trailer w/ 2 sport quads. I would tell anyone to but this truck.

Reliable 4x4 shift on the fly. Looks, size & weight.

Crew cab, sunroof, some bigger mirrors, maybe a small diesel option.

Number 6 for me

Written by: Thomas on 05/10/2008


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	9
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	5	Exterior Design:	10

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.

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.

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.

2004 Ford Ranger Consumer Ratings & Reviews