2001 Ford Ranger XLT

Summary:

The best looking and performing truck I've ever seen.

Faults:

Fan belt has gone out twice.

Brake line to the rear wheels collapses in cold, wet weather; causing the rear brakes to stick on the 1st couple of stops, or should I say skids. Dealership said it was a common problem with 01' rangers.

Airbag light came on, took two trips to the dealership to fix computer malfunction.

A seal on my rear differential needed replacement.

General Comments:

For a high mileage truck, I am pretty happy with my purchase. I love this truck.

It's great year round. Awesome in the snow and off roading.

I guess people need to remember they bought a truck when they complain about a bumpy ride, and gas consumption.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th June, 2005

23rd Jan 2006, 08:31

There is a tech service bulletin from early 90s that I think will help this truck. It involves either replacement of the rear brake shoes or modification of the factory brake shoes.

2001 Ford Ranger XLT 3.0L V6

Summary:

Heater core location designed by an idiot

Faults:

Guess I'll start with what drove me to this site. Would Ford please hire some engineers who have actually worked on cars before letting them design them?

The heater core failed on my Ranger. No big deal, the fluid was black when I bought the truck so I'll chock that up to the previous owner, although using aluminum for a heat exchanger is just asking for trouble; they really should be using brass. So I go to change it out, should be a quick 15 minute job, just like my 86 BRONCO II and 91 RANGER, wrong! Instead, Ford took a good design and mucked it up. In order to change the heater core, the ENTIRE dash has to be removed as well as the heater box. If that were not bad enough, they HID nuts between the fire wall and the blower fan case under the hood! I just cannot believe that they took such a great design and fouled it up this bad.

After looking at this site, I've been reminded of other problems.

The coating on the radio surround is peeling off, exposing the shiniest cheap plastic I've ever seen.

I had a big problem with a belt squeak. I replaced the belt, which fixed the problem for about 15,000 miles. Based on the reviews on this board, it looks like it may be the tensioner.

The truck is making a loud rattling sound underneath, most likely a loose heat shield.

My driver's side seat back has lost most of its cushion, and now jams a metal rod in my back. If I keep the truck, new seats are a must.

Does this truck have a bed light? The bulb is there, but I can't figure out how to turn it on. I asked at a Ranger web site and no one else knew either.

Top speed of 92 mph? Why put a 120 MPH speedo on it if you are going to electronically limit the speed at 92?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st May, 2005

31st May 2009, 23:11

The bed light is on the dimmer switch. That is the wheel next to the light switch. Spin it until it clicks and the cargo lights will turn on.

5th Jun 2009, 23:28

No small pickup is stable or safe at over 90mph. They simply aren't designed with high speed in mind, especially those with high suspensions, such as the 4X4's and Ranger Sports. Loss of control is easy and roll-overs are the result at higher speeds. If you want speed, get a car.

Ford (and other makers) wisely put limiters on their vehicles for a couple of reasons:

1) To protect the engines from damage

2) To protect the manufacturer from lawsuits from parents whose kids drive way too fast.

2001 Ford Ranger XLT 4.0L V6

Summary:

Biggest pile of junk I've ever owned

Faults:

FORD RANGER XLT 4x4.

Bought the truck in March of 2004. It had 17,000 miles on it then. It now has 48,000.

At 23,000 the transmission went out.

At 28,000 the Fuel Pump went out.

At 33,000 I was told by the dealer during a regular maintenance visit that I needed both upper ball joints replaced.

At 38,000 the top brake light seal failed and the inside of my truck was getting soaked every time it rained.

At 47,000 I had to replace the front brakes.

At 48,000 the Pinion seal on the front drive shaft started leaking as well as the left front axle seal.

The dealer replaced the pinion seal 3 times before figuring out the yoke on the drive shaft was grooved and that was part of the problem.

The truck has very little power and the transmission never shifts when it needs to unless you press the accelerator to the floor.

General Comments:

This truck is junk. I will never buy another FORD product as long as I am driving. In my opinion, their quality has really gone downhill over the last few years.

I always wanted to stay with American made products, but the next truck I buy will be a TOYOTA! At least they are dependable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 22nd May, 2005

12th Oct 2005, 11:31

Hi, I own a 2001 4x4 Ranger Edge extended cab. It has 54,000 miles. While I generally like the truck, I have been disappointed with the quality. The Edge model has the mixed fabric/vinyl and the vinyl arm rest and drivers seat have both cracked. I've replaced two engine sensors. The truck was delivered with screws missing from the rear tail light assemblies, the hood placed on so poorly that it doesn't latch correctly, and the fender flares missing screws. Currently, the ball joints need replacing, but it may be time to replace the truck instead.

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