Faults:

I broke off the light nob and had to get a new one.

The stock shifter handle came off so I bought a new one.

The truck has been very reliable and good on gas mileage.

I just wish the oil was easier to change!

General Comments:

My dad bought this ranger new in 1992 and we have owned it since. My dad gave it to me for my first vehicle. It has been a very reliable and a good learner truck. It is a work truck, but looks ALMOST as good as when we got it. We do all the tune ups and servicing. It has the 3.0 motor and it has enough power to be fun. The top speed isn't that great, (95mph) but it is good on the highway. Overall it has and will be a good truck for almost everyone.

Faults:

Thankfully, not anything too expensive.

The rear brake line cracked at 82000 miles, luckily it was in my driveway. Cheap to fix.

Had a bent rim from previous owner, needed replacement rim and tire.

Starting to show rust on bottom of driver's door.

Oil pressure gauge was faulty, installed an aftermarket gauge where the 4wd switch would normally go.

Exhaust starting to leak.

Otherwise, normal maintenance.

General Comments:

The above complaints are relatively minor. It has been very good to me, one of the better vehicles I have owned.

The 2.3 engine isn't very strong, but it runs excellent.

Transmission and clutch are still in very good shape, firm shifts with no clutch slipping.

I like the layout of the dashboard, everything is where you expect it to be.

Surprisingly good sound from the 4 speakers.

Has enough room for me, I'm 6-5.

Excellent highway mileage, about 26, although it could use a larger fuel tank.

All in all a good purchase, would recommend it to anyone looking for a small truck. No wonder these were the best selling vehicle of its type.

Faults:

Brake calipers replaced at ~84500, along with pads. Rotors were machined, and the master cylinder broke when the system was re-pressurized.

In 2003 this was about $400, very affordable.

General Comments:

I want to start off by saying this truck handled and performed in my opinion better than either the 2002 Ford or 2003 Toyota I've driven regularly for work.

It was a single bench short-cab and short-bed, but for the 10000 miles I had it it was great. It could always handle passing on the freeways, even with a passenger and a full load in back.

Unfortunately the brake work caused the ABS system to fail at 55 mph two weeks after it was done. The truck was totaled when the brakes locked and would not respond, and I was struck by a Nissan going 60mph.

The entire frame was twisted, the front corner nearly sheared off, and the bed was halfway knocked off the frame. The only part that stayed in nearly perfect condition was the passenger area, which is what mattered to me. The ashtray was the only part of the interior with any problems, and other than a bruise from my seat belt (which may have saved my life, I'm not complaining) I was fine.

My biggest concern when I purchased this was my own safety - but the looks were deceiving. I'm genuinely disappointed that the damage is too bad to repair it, but at least the cab stayed together perfectly.

The gas mileage was the only big problem, but it was a 3.0L truck so 18 miles/gallon (+/- 1) is pretty good.