2003 Ford Ranger Consumer Reviews

Not the best out there but...

Written by: fordguy1212 on 12/16/2007

Vehicle

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

Review

These Rangers are great work horse trucks. I've had the bed absolutely loaded with asphalt, concrete, stone etc. and the Ranger handles it well. The 4.0L motor seems good enough for the trucks size, not very peppy though and drinks gas like no tomorrow(comparable to a newer silverado 5.3L). My complaint is the front brakes. They constantly squeal, and have a ridiculous amount of brake dust coming from them. Even on replacement with after market parts the problem has not gone away. I find it to be a serious design flaw. Overall it's a reliable truck that I use often and it seems to be holding up well.

Favorite Features

Exterior design, hauling capability, seats are comfortable.

Suggested Improvements

Brake issue needs to be fixed. The interior design is very boring (like most new cars/trucks I suppose).

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Tall, Dark and Strong

Written by: Organicj on 11/07/2007

Vehicle

2003 Ford Ranger 2dr SuperCab Edge Rwd Styleside SB (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I just bought this truck used to get me around while I finish customizing my 01' Chevy S-10. It is such a nice truck that I am now thinking of customizing it too(just a little). While the Ranger doesn't have the initial pickup that my dime(S-10) does it is strong and can pull way more than my dime ever thought about. I like the Ranger's styling and is very fun to drive. I wish it got a little better gas mileage but you can't have everything. There really is no comparison so I am glad I own both.

Favorite Features

V6 engine, clean interior, aluminum driveshaft, bullet-proof chasis

Suggested Improvements

Give me someplace to put a system in or just put in a bench and ditch the jump seats. I will do the rest!

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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All over again

Written by: Jaydub02 on 06/26/2007

Vehicle

2003 Ford Ranger 4dr SuperCab XLT FX4 Off-Road 4WD Styleside SB (4.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

This is my second Ranger. The 4.0 is a huge improvement in power and still gets 20mpg on the highway. I love the 5 speed auto its smooth and quiet. I towed my wifes taurus and had a motorcycle in the bed 350 miles. With the o/d off I still got 13mpg at 65mph on the trip with no problems. 4.0 hauled the 4500+lb payload with aplomb. I am very pleased with my Ranger and would recommend it to anyone who needs a smaller truck.

Favorite Features

Limited slip rear axle 238ft-lbs of torque at 3000rpm. Electronic 4WD. And striking good looks inside and out.

Suggested Improvements

V-8 option. Keep building the Ranger

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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2003 Ranger ratings

Written by: bfunk62 on 05/04/2007

Vehicle

2003 Ford Ranger 2dr SuperCab XL Rwd Styleside SB (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I love my Ford Ranger! I think the exterior as well as interior design are awesome. It is fun to drive and gets OK gas mileage. I just calculated mine today and I get 16.5 mpg. This is actually really good for a pickup truck. On the other hand, because it's such a small pickup truck, the ride is extremely rough and any pothole or uneven road will throw the truck around. The driver must keep their hands on the wheel at all times because unexpected bumps will send it off the road. I noticed this in two other Rangers that I drove, so I can say that they are rough riding trucks and not just from one experience. Overall I love my ranger and I think it is 10x better looking than Chevy S-10's!

Favorite Features

I love the exterior design of my truck and the two tone seats give the interior a not-so-plain look. The gas mileage is unbeatable for a pickup truck.

Suggested Improvements

I did not like the square grille that came stock on my truck, so I bought a stock honeycomb grille. Also the ride is very bumpy and the driver always has to watch the road to avoid big bumps in order to have a semi comfortable ride.

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A tough little truck

Written by: Engineer on 02/28/2007

Vehicle

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

Review

My Ranger with the 3.0 V6 Auto trans now has 240,000 miles. I follow the 3k oil changes and keep it serviced. It is as tough as nails. It averages 19MPG. It lacks on tow ability but will tow a 4x8 box trailer without any issues. The heater cores are prone to leak, mine has been replaced twice. I have also had to replace the radiator. If you're tall, the cab is a bit cramped. But for the money...you can't go wrong. These are tough trucks. It has never leaked any oil nor has it ever knocked. FYI... these little motors run hot, if you buy one with miles on it, be sure to replace belts and plug wires as they heat crack quickly and this is often overlooked.

Favorite Features

It's just a tough little truck and far more reliable than the S10 or Dakota as I have owned both. These trucks are priced fair and are a safe buy for a good work or sport vehicle. Best feature is you can't really tell a 1999 from a 2007 with the exception of the grill.

Suggested Improvements

The body design is dated, can't hide the fact that this is the same body since 1995 however the drive line and suspension have been updated. more leg room for tall drivers. Easier access to the heater core. it's about $550 to replace at the dealer.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Good Little Truck

Written by: MacDisciple on 07/15/2006

Vehicle

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

Review

This is a good little truck that does what I ask of it. It is not comfortable, it is underpowered, and there are few amenities, but if you're looking for something inexpensive to do your light dirty work, it is a good choice. I wouldn't purchase it for daily driving or heavy towing.

Favorite Features

There are no features...maybe the two cup holders by the gear shift.

Suggested Improvements

None; just keep it dependable and inexpensive.

1 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Good Truck

Written by: FelBrown on 06/30/2006

Vehicle

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

Review

I just got this truck four months ago. I would say to go with the 4.0L instead of the 3.0L because my least favorite part of my truck is the 3.0L. I came from having a 4.3L and I am used to the power; going to a 3.0L was a little disappointing. Other than that, this is the best truck I have ever owned. It is very dependable and stylish.

Favorite Features

1) No carpet on the floors. 2) Flex Fuel system 3) Comfort of the seats 4) Reliability 5) THE EXTERIOR DESIGN.

Suggested Improvements

I would say not to degrade the quality of this truck with a 3.0L. It definitely deserves more power than that. I think people would be willing to pay for that extra power.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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My First Truck Ever And I Love It

Written by: Ctrimm on 06/21/2006

Vehicle

2003 Ford Ranger 2dr SuperCab Edge Rwd Styleside SB (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I have the V6 4.0. It has all the horsepower I need with the good gas mileage that we all need.

Favorite Features

The 6 disk cd changer, the engine, the look, plenty of head room.

Suggested Improvements

Horrible back seats. I'm a big guy at six foot, 250 pounds, so they will never get used.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Great little big truck

Written by: Sheldon Metler on 04/08/2006

Vehicle

2003 Ford Ranger 2dr SuperCab Edge Rwd Styleside SB (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

My 2003 Ranger Edge is the first Ford I have owned. I have to say it has been a great truck. I have 29,300 miles on it and have no complaints or problems to report. I do take great care of it and it is a garaged vehicle. I have added many extras to give it an added EDGE. It is definitely an eye catcher and I get many compliments on the truck. My only gripe would be the 15 miles to the gallon I get but that is with an added supercharger. It originally got on average 17 to 18 but for an extra 75 horsepower it's worth the extra trips to the pump. I plan on owning this truck till the wheels fall off. I will buy another probably in 2007 but I will always have a special feel for my 2003. GREAT TRUCK!

Favorite Features

Great looks, especially the hood. Comfort, feels like a larger truck on the road. Great dash configuration, simple but functional.

Suggested Improvements

A V-8 model for 2007!

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an ok buy

Written by: zachary on 02/09/2006

Vehicle

2003 Ford Ranger 2dr SuperCab XLT Rwd Styleside SB (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I'm a Toyota man, but purchased the Ranger whenI was tight on cash. I've had the truck almost three years and have had 2 problems. At 13k, a water hose burst. At 55K the inertia switch shorted out. At 71k engine is still running strong, interior is comfortable, all electrical is functioning properly. My biggest criticism is the brakes. I had the original set replaced around 50k and ever since then they have given me problems. I had three new sets put on between 50k-70k and each worse than the set before. The dealership says they need to be "worn in" but after my extended warranty expired, I've taken my chances and dealt with seems to be a cheap design flaw or careless mechanics

Favorite Features

Comfort and reliability.

Suggested Improvements

BRAKES STINK.

4 out 5 people found this review helpful

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