Faults:

I have had to have the carrier bearing on the drive shaft of my 1994 extended cab Ford Ranger replaced 3 times (70,000 miles, 190,000, 210,000).

Engine RPM sensor went out around 130,000 miles - Replaced original timing belt at this time since it had to be removed for the repair.

Left rear brake line ruptured in 2008 (180,000) and a second rupture today right side 220,700 miles)

Both rear spring hangers rusted off (one in 2007 and the other in 2008 - may have caused carrier bearing failures due to misalignment while spring hanger was broke) Wisconsin winters with road salt...

Heater blower motor resistor connection for speed control connector rusted (needs new wire harness) - only have off and high speed blower.

Differential cover has pin hole leak. Again, Wisconsin winters with road salt...

Starter 2009 (217,000).

Battery replaced in 2004 and 2009.

Alternator replace 2009 (218,000 miles).

Coolant temperature sensor housing rusted (218,000).

Power steering seal and hoses (213,000 and 218,000) Rusted housing would no longer keep the seal retaining snap ring in place - replaced power steering gear box.

Transmission (201,000) - Replaced original clutch at this time since it was already apart for the transmission replacement.

General Comments:

I purchased this truck new in 1994. Until this year, I have not had to spend much to maintain this vehicle, but after 12 years and 220,000 miles, things are going to start to wear. I don't haul too often, but that doesn't mean I haven't abused it by overloading the bed with sand or gravel occasionally, or by pulling a dual axle trailer.

My Ranger does not use any oil, and the engine seems to run like the day I bought it.

The vehicle with the 2.3 liter engine is underpowered, which would be my biggest disappointment. I typically get 20 to 25 miles per gallon on this vehicle.

The carrier bearing failures has been my biggest sore spot for maintenance. I have spent maybe $3000 in repairs for this truck in 12 years, or ~$250 in repairs per year other than normal wear parts, and until this year that would have been less than $200. It seems like the 200,000 mile mark is the point where these trucks start the nickel and dime issues. I have heard of several people who had to have the transmission replaced around 200,000 miles.

This vehicle has been very reliable for me. The only times it let me down and I had to have it towed was when the transmission broke and when the engine sensor failed. This vehicle is very easy to work on, and I would buy another to replace it in a heartbeat if I was to replace it. I am going to keep driving this until it is run into the ground!

Faults:

Headliner fell apart, replaced speakers.

Replaced radiator, replaced fail safe thermostat, replaced all 4 tires, replaced original rear bumper.

General Comments:

Hauled 2,300lb of dirt in bed one time.

Does great in snow for 2wd.

Has p225/70/r14 tires.

Has 4 liter V6, 4 speed automatic, extended cab, 2wd.

136,000 miles,

Faults:

Rear drum brake failed when a spring broke about 4 years ago. I did all of the brakes then, at about 125K miles. Both front rotors were replaced as well.

Fuel gauge circuit board failed (1 year ago), which caused the gas gauge to read empty after 20 seconds of driving.

Rear brake light switch failed and was replaced (about 1 year ago).

General Comments:

Replaced shocks all around twice. Recently and about 4 years ago. The first time, shocks didn't last too long, probably shouldn't get the cheapest shocks around.

I do all of the work on my truck, which saves money, but it's also pretty easy to reach everything, so it's one of the easiest vehicles to work on.

Regular maintenance keeps the truck running, not much has gone wrong and really couldn't ask for more in terms of durability.

The 2.3 liter engine is seriously underpowered, but I've driven it and gotten used to it. Later models had a larger and more powerful 4 cylinder, but I don't know how much difference it makes. The chassis is pretty large for a 4 cylinder.

I probably won't buy another Ford because all of the dealers that I've gone to have been pretty sleazy.