2001 Ford Ranger Consumer Reviews

Gas Guzzling Monster!

Written by: ablosrosarito on 10/23/2007

Vehicle

2001 Ford Ranger 4dr SuperCab XLT 4WD Flareside SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Very great truck. You'd think by 2001 the 3.0 would be DOHC not an inneficient OHV but oh well. Goes through a gas tank very easily which is not good. The 4x4 system is very good, it has gotten me through sand and mud with no problems. Engine electronics are sealed well, I can wash engine without triggering CEL. Cabin is very quiet and comfy. Maintenance costs are very low and there are still no leaks after 150,000 miles.

Favorite Features

Shift on the fly 4 wheel drive. Takes me everywhere. Stock Off-Road Lift clears many things. Stereo sounds good for a stock unit. Center cup holders are really useful.

Suggested Improvements

The engine is horrible! There is no real technology in the engine. A foreign Ford Turbo diesel engine would be nice or some kind of DOHC with variable timing.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Gas economy

Written by: gokee on 09/08/2007

Vehicle

2001 Ford Ranger 2dr SuperCab XLT 2WD Styleside SB (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

Driving the Ranger is very comforable. The only thing I hate about it is the fuel economy compared to the one I had before. I had a 1995 Ranger before with a 4 cylinder motor and a 5 speed manual transmission. After I got it I wish I would not have traded. I tried to sell it quick and buy my 95 back but I did not have any luck that quick. The 95 always averaged 26 miles to gallon while this thing is only doing 19 to 20 miles. After I got it I had new spark plugs put in which he said 2 were bad which i seen because my mechanic brings them back to show. The fuel filter he could not even blow through it. I tried it to when he brought it back.

Favorite Features

I like the air condioning which I used very little as it takes fuel. The automatic windows, automatic transmission, the extended cab. It has more umph when I pulled the boat. So if I take longer trips I use the car which gets 30 miles knock around driving..

Suggested Improvements

I would like to improve my gas mileage but I guess I done what could to improve it

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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As Good as it Gets

Written by: NewYawker on 08/20/2007

Vehicle

2001 Ford Ranger 4dr SuperCab XLT 4WD Flareside SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

This is my second Ranger and opted for an extended cab on this stepside Ranger bought new 6 years ago w/4.0 V6, 5 spd auto & off the road suspension. At 65K miles had first major repairs to brakes and front ball joints. Added step bars, spray on bed liner and a Fold-a-cover box lid. This go anywhere truck has been nothing but great, hauling loads with ease even with the leaf springs flat out. Rides well but always reminds you that it's a real truck and not some cross-over thing.

Favorite Features

Compared to any compact truck and some larger ones, nothing beats the Ranger 4 x 4 off-road package with oversize white outlined tires, aluminum wheels, dimpled power hood and stepside body in metallic deep red! and 4WD shift on the fly!

Suggested Improvements

Seats are too short under the thigh, poor cup holder design, more comfortable arm rest, better seat material, opening rear windows

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Be careful with this truck

Written by: sellinmyranger on 08/19/2007

Vehicle

2001 Ford Ranger 4dr SuperCab XLT 4WD Flareside SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Bought this truck used with 60K miles on it. Loved the power of the 4.0 engine. Brakes always had a wooden feeling (replaced 3 times in 25k miles) This truck moved me across country, twice. After towing a few times, tranny slipped horribly. Very reliable, trusty, tough little truck.

Favorite Features

4.0 engine, reliability, it really is "Ford tough".

Suggested Improvements

Brakes never were right after replacing twice, transmission failed after towing a few times.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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My Last Ford

Written by: FormerRangerOwner on 08/13/2007

Vehicle

2001 Ford Ranger 2dr SuperCab XLT 2WD Styleside SB (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I bought my 2001 Ranger with 29,000 miles and had only minor annoyances with it until 55,000, such as the "Door Ajar" light staying on when it rained and the CD player reading "error" most of the time. At 55k needed $760 transmission repair, then one sensor after another started going bad. When I sold it at 85k (highway miles)I had around $3000 invested in keeping it running, and it was leaking a quart of power steering fluid per week. I sold it to a guy who said he "likes to work on cars". He should love it... I have owned 3 F150's, a Taurus, an Escort, and a Mustang GT, and have been mostly happy with Fords but this one has driven me away for good. Going to test drive a Tacoma!

Favorite Features

Was pretty comfortable for my daily commute, and I really do like the exterior styling. Beyond that, let's see... it was easier to park than my F150; my Labrador Retriever liked to ride in the back seat; my girlfriend thought the truck was cute.

Suggested Improvements

Fix either the mileage or power (or better yet, both): 16-18 mpg is horrible for such an anemic motor (3.0 V6). Do something so check engine light doesn't come on so often. Figure out what makes so many squeaks and rattles in suspension. In short, scrap the design and start over.

4 out 5 people found this review helpful

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My Ford

Written by: VBCWXSPOTTER on 06/16/2007

Vehicle

2001 Ford Ranger 2dr Regular Cab XLT 2WD Styleside SB (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

This truck in my view handles very well. The five speed manual is very good on gas mileage. Seating is very comfortable for a long legged fellow like me. Towing is a bit sluggish on larger hills though.

Favorite Features

Five speed manual overdrive. Air conditioning. Cruise control. Two wheel drive.

Suggested Improvements

No changes - it is a good comfortable to drive truck.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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No problems after 5 years

Written by: Dave on 04/25/2007

Vehicle

2001 Ford Ranger 4dr SuperCab Edge Plus 4WD Flareside SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I have had this truck now for five years with zero problems. The V-6 is fabulous for a 2001. The only other V-6 that equals this is the Tacoma's, but was a lot more to purchase. I really have loved the truck, and other than a few recalls when I first bought it, I've never have taken it in for any reason. I wish gas mileage was better, but it's just as good as any other truck engine that size.

Favorite Features

Six disk CD player, looks, reliability

Suggested Improvements

Gas mileage of course. Use Michelin tires instead of the Goodyear Wranglers. They are surprisingly much quieter and smoother.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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2001 Ford Ranger 4.0L 4x4 Extended Cab

Written by: Scott D on 03/19/2007

Vehicle

2001 Ford Ranger 4dr SuperCab XLT 4WD Flareside SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I am very impressed with the Ranger. It drives very well and handles well also. Seems to be very reliable with little upkeep. Only improvements would be better fuel economy and the stepside bed does not allow much room to haul things. Overall, very happy and would definitely suggest someone looking at Ranger's to get one. Very affordable.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

Only improvements would be better fuel economy and the stepside bed does not allow much room to haul things.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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2001 Ranger Edge 2DR SB

Written by: Todd on 01/03/2007

Vehicle

2001 Ford Ranger 2dr Regular Cab Edge 2WD Styleside SB (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I have the 3.0L V6. I get decent gas mileage, averaging between 19 and 20 MPG. It truly is a pretty truck when it is driven through town, and gets a lot of attention. Ride height and ground clearance is great, but ride is extremely rough. Great 5-speed manual transmission, and the only problems I have had after 84,000 miles was an emissions problem (EGR flow problems). Other than that, this has been a great truck to drive, and very enjoyable.

Favorite Features

The powerdome hood, a lot of room for larger tires, great body style,

Suggested Improvements

Ride Quality could definitely be improved, because it is real stiff and bouncy. A little more power than the 3.0 that I have.

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Gas Mileage

Written by: Adam on 11/22/2006

Vehicle

2001 Ford Ranger 2dr SuperCab XL 2WD Styleside SB (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

This is overall a pretty good truck, a little underpowered with the 3.0L but still pretty dependable. The only shortfall is the gas mileage. Stop and go eats gas, and if going 70 on the interstate it gets about 16.5 mpg. A little more room in the cab would help, backseat for kids only. Ride is a little stiff, but put a load on it and it rides great, of course. Just a smaller version of the F-150 with a 3.0L.

Favorite Features

Comfortable seat. I'm 5' 9" and it's about perfect except when wearing heavy clothing, the steering wheel gets in the way.

Suggested Improvements

A little more power out of the 3.0 or else make the 4.0 liter standard. Needs a softer ride. Corners nicely and easy to park in the city.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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