General Comments:

I recently sold my 1999 Toyota Tacoma 2.4 extra-cab. The Toyota was super clean and I mostly just drove it for pleasure.

Times have recently changed, and with the economy the way it is, I picked up a wood burning stove to supplement heating my house. I also decided to get rid of the Tacoma because I realized I could get a good price for it, which I did. I then started looking around for a reliable 2wd standard with air that I could load wood in and not worry about denting or dinging.

After a bit of research, I decided to go for the 2.3 Ranger ex-cab. I happened to find a great deal on one near me. At first I was a bit surprised by what seemed to be a great lack of power when comparing the Ranger to my former Tacoma, but after owning it for over a month now, I've gotten used to the gears and power band, and everything's fine. I think this little truck will take me well into the 200 thousand mile range without many problems.

I actually enjoy around town driving in it better then my Tacoma, huh, who woulda thought?

This truck won't win you any races, but that's not what I bought it for, and at a fraction what a 96 Tacoma would have cost. Mileage is also very good;25mpg all around driving.

Faults:

The antenna cable quit working.

Rusting pretty bad underneath.

General Comments:

The truck handles pretty good.

Its good off road.

I would think though that it would have a little more power for have a 4.0L.

The A/C actually makes me cold on very hot days.

It needs a little more weight on the back end; it seems like every time I pull out, it peels out.

Faults:

At 120,000 replaced front rotors, pads, exhaust, shocks, timing belt, and alternator.

At 140,000 replaced u-joints on drive shaft.

At 145,000 air bag light came on.

At 150,000 replace front coil springs.

At 156,000 replaced rear spring shackles (rear set).

At 158,000 replaced rear spring shackles (front set).

At 159,000 replaced thermostat housing and t-stat.

At 160,000 replace right upper and lower ball joints.

At 161,000 replaced rear drums and pads.

General Comments:

The items that were replaced were due to normal wear and tear to the vehicle.

The truck has a 2.3 4-cylinder engine with a 5-speed manual transmission. It proves itself quick and responsive in traffic.

I would not settle for an automatic with a 4 cylinder.

Kept up on regular oil changes... engine does not burn oil.

The truck is very reliable and fuel efficient.

It can go approx. 406 miles on a tank of gas.

The vehicle is a little light in the rear end for winter driving. Weight in the rear end with a set of good tires does the trick.

Never had trouble with the engine or transmission.

Truck handles great.

Faults:

The transmission went out at about 205K miles, but honestly I expect that from any car with that kind of mileage.

The throttle cable came loose at 210k miles just recently, but it took me about 10 minutes to fix and I'm no mechanic.

Auto locking 4x4 hubs had to be replaced. No idea when they went bad.

General Comments:

This is a burly truck for its size; turning and handling exceeded my expectations.

Surprisingly quick.

4x4 works fantastic for mud and snow.

A great truck.