Faults:

Replaced the clutch at 132k.

Replaced the starter at 145k.

Replaced the radiator at 170k.

Replaced the rear drum brakes at 178k.

General Comments:

Other than routine maintenance, the four things I have listed above are the ONLY things I have ever done to repair this "invincible" Ford Ranger. I bought it new in 1997, and traded in my 1989 Ranger, still running strong, with 304k miles, which I also bought new. My 97 Ranger doesn't burn or leak oil, gets the same fuel mileage as when it was brand new, and has never, and I mean never, left me stranded. Always starts on the first crank, never has spit, sputtered, or showed any signs of quitting. This is the 4x4 model with the off-road package, and all the transfer case components still work like a charm.

The engine itself is a powerhouse. I have pulled many extremely heavy things that a compact pickup should never pull, yet it has done it without any hesitation. And getting 24 mpg highway/19 city, what more could a guy ask for?

The 89 Ranger was my first vehicle I purchased myself after high school, and drove it 2 states away to college, where I racked up 180k of the 304k I put on it. This 97 I will keep driving til she blows, and I expect another 200-300k miles. I will always stick with Ford because I haven't a reason in the world not to.

Here are some other interesting mileage facts about Fords:

My grandma owns a 2000 Taurus, 270k

My dad, 1995 F-150, 340k

My mom, 1998 Escort, 240k

My friend: 1998 F-150, 250k

My college professor: 1999 Taurus, 355k.

Faults:

4 Wheel Drive has not worked since I bought it.

Every now and then, there is a loud howling sound at idle, it goes away after acceleration.

General Comments:

I love this truck.

It looks and drives great.

If I knew what has to be done to it, and can afford it, this truck could be 100%

Faults:

The only problems I have had with the vehicle is the AC doesn't get cold anymore but, I guess they all need to be recharged at some point in their life.

General Comments:

Truck handles surprisingly well (It is lifted and has aftermarket suspension).

I can still chirp the the tires that are 33"X12.5".

Never has broken down or left me stranded.

Also the seats are really comfy and I have no problems driving long distances in it.

Faults:

Never had a problem besides general maintenance (brakes, fluids, ball joints). But no major issues at all.

Very reliable.

Handles for crap in the snow.

Will whip you around if you hit a bump going 75mph on the highway.

Acceleration sucked.

It was a truck and it did what it was intended to do.

Faults:

The shaft coupling and shaft bearings needed replacement at about 220,000kms.

The lights in the dashboard went out at about 240,000 kms.

Occasionally the "door ajar" light will come on when the doors are shut and consequentially the interior light won't shut off. Very annoying.

The Cigarette lighter stopped working at about 230,000 kms.

General Comments:

My opinion is that the '97 ford ranger is an amazing vehicle. It lasted myself and my two teenage brothers abuse for over 180000 kms.

I hardly put any money into it and finally it is starting to show it.

This vehicle will just take a beating.

It has 288000 kms and when I punch it she still hauls.

The only down side is the gas mileage is killing me being a student.

Terrible in the snow.

Very quick I have beat an S10 in a drag.