Used 1997 Ford Ranger XLT 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M) Consumer Reviews
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Awesome Ride
James, 01/14/2010
Ford Ranger XLT 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
Bought for $2,800 with 118k miles. Have never had a problem except with neutral safety switch not making contact and shifter knob coming off (its the 5 speed manual 2.3L). Runs great and is very fun to drive. I'm not a big fan of the sag in the front, but that seems standard with most rangers of the time. It has problems with uphills but nothing major. You can get some serious bounce and slide out of the back which is fun on occasion. I have never gotten lower than 24.3 miles to the gallon and I keep up with it everytime I fill up. It came with 14 inch rims which is a shame because there are not that many off road tires for that size, but i can always upgrade. all in all, an awesome truck!
1997 Ford Ranger 2 DR XLT SB
Officer_ndogg, 04/07/2002
Ford Ranger XLT 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is a good truck as long as you don't need a lot of power or room. The 4Cyl engine is weak and provides slow acceleration, though fuel economy is good. If you get the 4Cyl, get the 5- speed or it will be slower than a dump truck. This truck handles very well and rides decent, for a truck. The interior is very cramped, though heardroom shouldn't be a problem. Build quality is not bad, especially for a truck. Towing with the 4Cyl is out of the question. Not a bad truck for the everday commute, but for work duty it wouldn't be very usefull.
1997 Ford Ranger for sale near you
3 of 8 listings
- Splash Extended CabMSRP: $5,900320 mi away
- Splash Regular CabMSRP: $9,999568 mi away
- Splash Extended CabMSRP: $11,995608 mi away
See all 8 listings
Not a bad truck
MacRaider4, 03/21/2004
Ford Ranger XLT 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The 1997 Ranger isn't a bad truck, just a little on the small side. If it were a little bigger in the cab and bed it would be nice. Had to remove the heat shield from the muffler as it kept coming loose and the engine has been making a rattling noise for about 20k. But still runs great...
1997 Ford Ranger Review
richfax, 12/27/2007
Ford Ranger XLT 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchased my Ranger with 43000 miles on it in 2002. Five years later I'm approaching the 100000 mile mark. I bought this truck as inexpensive transportation to get to and from work. I paid $5900 cash and don't regret it. I haven't had to take it in for anything other than oil changes, new tires and a new battery. Replacement tires and parts are very inexpensive and easy to find. My annual out of pocket for maintenance is about $100 per year. The EPA rates the fuel economy of the 4 cylinder (which I own) as best in class. I don't recommend the 6 cylinder if you are looking for good fuel economy because it is worst in class. Cheap, reliable, good mileage- great so far!
One Flaw Ranger
KD, 11/26/2007
Ford Ranger XLT 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I own a 1997 Ford Ranger XLT 4cly. with 99,000 miles to this day. It's been very reliable as the engine, trans, and so on. Only had small problem with frnt brake slide pins outside of normal maint. It has one major exterior flaw: rust! I did wash the underbody every spring; it still rusts. I'd swear Ford designed this truck's frame to rust out. I suppose if I lived in another state besides Maine (and snow & salted roads) this would not be a problem, or would it.