A reliable grocery getter
My transmission went out after only 1,000 miles. Cost $800 to replace.
The 2.3 liter 4 cylinder engine is lacking in power and top speed.
The truck seems to be a good running truck except for the manual transmission.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 23rd February, 2003
A generally acceptable truck for all purposes
The manual transmission failed at about 60,000 miles.
The front end cannot seem to hold an alignment.
It goes through oil rapidly.
The ignition block has been replaced three times.
Catalytic converter covers get loose and rattle.
The 6-cylinder engine is more than enough power with the 5-speed manual transmission. It is remarkably quick, even with a load with excellent low end pulling power. I don't think the auto trans would be half as effective. I think the four-cylinder engine would need the manual trans to get enough power.
Without a load, the ride is very hard.
The interior held up very well, including the cloth seats. The fold down jump seats in the back are only suitable for small children, but are not very safely situated in case of a collision.
All accessories have worked to this day without a problem. Electrics are very dependable.
The fold down glove box between the seats has a cheap plastic latch that broke within a few months. I had to use a Velcro strap to keep it closed.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 16th February, 2003
It is one of the best trucks that has ever been made
Usual maintenance items:
Replaced battery after 5 years.
Replaced brakes (at 100,000 miles)
Replaced timing belt at 60,000 and 120,000 miles.
Replaced serpentine belt at 115,000 miles.
I have never up to this point been left stranded on the side of the road.
If there is one thing that I would change about the truck, it would be to add a little more power for a higher towing capacity.
Aside from the fact that it is underpowered, it is a great little truck.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 11th February, 2003
Low performance, high reliability
I have only replaced common parts. There has been no major work done
I replaced the radiator at 173,000 miles, and the muffler at 155,000 miles.
There has been a crack in the dash caused by the sun the entire time I have owned the truck
Overall, this has been an exceptionally reliable vehicle.
I have the four cylinder engine which is very very sluggish, particularly when climbing steep hills.
The truck came with no tachometer, which makes me a bit nervous to rev it as high as I would if I knew where I was at.
If you want reliable transportation, carry things only moderately, and want good gas mileage for a truck (19-24 mpg), then this is your truck.
Don't expect much acceleration or many frills, but this truck won't leave you stranded.
I owned a Camaro before, which I loved and hated for its performace and converesly for its high maintenence cost.
If I bought another truck (which I am not planning on because I really don't need on) I would look first to ford.
As a small side note dealing with Ford, I have found all their models which my family has owned to be very reliable.
We have a 99 Mustang GT with 70,000+ miles which is still running great with no major replacements.
Keep up the good work Ford! Chevy should follow your lead.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 30th January, 2003
I agree. My 94 Ranger has 210K at its still smooth. I changed the clutch at 150K. Timing belts every 60k. and a fuel pump at 180K.
I want to get a new vehicle, but I can't let go of this truck. I want to see it break 250 K.
I tell friends my truck has one thing in common with exotic sports cars. The number two hundred thousand.
12th Apr 2003, 17:06
I gotta 2.3 ranger as well... and I have noticed since I bought the truck that the damn thing won't go into gear very easily, but if you leave the clutch in for while it tends to go right I gear.. I am going to try and solve the problem soon... I wish I new what it was.