Is the 1997 Ford Ranger a good car?
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 1997 Ford Ranger and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 1997 Ranger featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
All of our reviews are written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
How do people like the 1997 Ford Ranger?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 1997 Ford Ranger and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 1997 Ranger 3.7 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 1997 Ranger.
Review
I purchased my 97 Ranger in 2004 with 75,000 miles, in 2011 it now has 145,000. The clutch needed replaced when we bought it, also had the slave plate fixed in 2009. Those were the 2 biggest expenses. Being in Ohio, rust has been my only enemy. I've replaced rusted broken parts as needed, and this thing still runs like a champ. You will be in the shop 2-3 times a year as it gets older, but they're not expensive trips. Gas mileage is excellent around 23-24 with mostly city driving.
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 1997 Ford Ranger
How can Edmunds help?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color
What options are available on the 1997 Ford Ranger?
Available Ford Ranger 1997 Submodel Types: SuperCab, Regular Cab, Extended Cab
Available Trims: XLT, XL, SPORT, Edge, FX4 Off-Road, STX, Splash, Edge Plus, XLT Appearance, EDGE, FX4 Level II, XLT FX4 Off-Road
Exterior Colors: Oxford White Clearcoat, Dark Shadow Grey Clearcoat Metallic, Black Clearcoat, Vista Blue Clearcoat Metallic, Silver Clearcoat Metallic, Black, Torch Red Clearcoat, Toreador Red Metallic, Bright Red Clearcoat, Oxford White, Redfire Clearcoat Metallic, Bright Red , Chrome Yellow Clearcoat, Deep Wedgewood Blue Clearcoat Metallic, Arizona Beige Clearcoat Metallic, Black Clearcoat , Bright Island Blue Clearcoat Metallic, Dark Green Satin Clearcoat Metallic, Laser Red Metallic Tint, Performance Red, Sonic Blue Clearcoat Metallic, Sonic Blue Metallic, Torch Red Clearcoat/Dark Shadow Grey Clearcoat Metallic, Woodland Green
Interior Colors: Medium Dark Flint cloth, Medium Dark Flint vinyl, Dark Graphite, Medium Dark Flint leather, Medium Pebble, Medium Prairie Tan, Medium Dark Flint, Medium Dark Flint (Fleet) cloth, Medium Graphite, Solid Ebony leather
Popular Features: Extended Cab, 6ft Bed, Tire Pressure Warning, Rear Bench Seats, Towing Hitch, AWD/4WD, 5000lb Towing Capacity, Stability Control, Aux Audio Inputs, Standard Cab, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Post-collision safety system, Fold Flat Rear Seats, 2500lb Towing Capacity, 6000lb Towing Capacity, 10,000lb+ Towing Capacity, 3500lb Towing Capacity, 7ft Bed
Engine/Mechanics: 6, 4 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC, MANUAL
Fuel Types: regular unleaded, flex-fuel (unleaded/E85)
Drivetrains: rear wheel drive, four wheel drive
