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Used 1997 Ford Ranger XLT 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M) Consumer Reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
6 reviews
1

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5 out of 5 stars

I love my Ranger - hate to let it go

littlesimo, 02/25/2004
Ford Ranger XLT 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful

I've owned mine for just short of five years now and not a single problem with it. I've changed the oil every 3K-4K miles and purchased a soft tonneau cover shortly after I bought it in 1999. With that, and the K&N airfilter and just keeping up on normal maintanence, its never steered me wrong. I just recently talked to a 2001 owner who has over 120K on his and he loves his as well...Rangers don't die.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Reliable and fun

Daniel, 02/15/2010
Ford Ranger XLT 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

I purchased my truck when I was 16 for 2000 dollers with 120,000 miles. Since then i've put another 90000 miles on it for a total of 210,000 miles with no major hitchs. The truck is quite peppy out of the hole but lacks top end power. I've had mine up to 110 on a long downhill stretch. Back end is a little light which makes it fun to slide around but scary when over driving a corner.My ranger is two wheel drive and will get stuck in grass if it is wet. This truck needs a limited slip deferential to counter this problem. Cabin of truck is spacious if you are under 6 foot tall. Over all if you are looking for a nice reliable truck this is it. 13 years, 210,000 miles later, and no rust.

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3.38 out of 5 stars

Don't buy this truck

Ford POS, 10/18/2003
Ford Ranger XLT 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Purchased in 99 with 22k miles. While it has never broken down once, the smaller problems are really annoying. Interior lights will not go out. Truck will hardly run on 87 octane so we use 93 always. Has the small 4 banger which has 8 spark plugs, only 4 of which I can get to without removing the intake manifold. Rear suspension design is so poor that a moderate size bump will throw the truck into the other lane. Everyone I know with this truck has these same problems. Now at 104K miles, it needs new front wheel bearings. CD player quit at 35k. I don't understand why Edmunds has this truck in its "Top Ten" list.

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3.5 out of 5 stars

Very happy

Sniffer, 11/27/2002
Ford Ranger XLT 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I have 102,000 miles logged on my 1997 Ford Ranger. Other than basic maintenance items, the vehicle has performed very well. The 4 cylinder engine won't set the world on fire but I'm happy with the average 26 MPG I am getting. The 2wd makes for difficult traction in snow or rain.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

A sad farwell to a old friend

Mechaicsville Steve, 09/16/2008
Ford Ranger XLT 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

After the years of abuse today I finally retired my old friend the Ranger. (190,000 miles) Bought this truck with 80k on it and never had any major problems, only repairs were basic repairs, leaf springs and a alternator. This truck has been through a lot, multiple deer strikes, a guardrail or 2 and more and still kept on going. Sadly though the list of problems that started to build up on it at 180K have taken its toll and I had to junk it even though it still runs. Amazing is all I can say after the hell I had put it through. Never burned one drop of oil. It was so good on oil that I would only change it every 10,000 miles!

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