Faults:

The only problem I have had is the windshield wipers will not operate at times. I have the new column mounted switch on the shelf. I hope this solves the problem. This seems like a bad ground or bad contact situation.

General Comments:

I am very pleased with this vehicle overall. I have heard a lot of complaints about poor mileage with the 4.0 liter engine, but I have been getting 22 mpg during mixed highway/city driving in warm weather. Of course, the mileage drops off to about 18 during cold weather and 4wd use. The motor seems more powerful than 207 horse. It has huge torque beginning at 3,000 rpm and runs quietly.

The 5 speed transmission is smooth as silk and the low gear is a true low. I leave most people at the stoplight without trying.

The truck seems very solid and well-built. This is one of the few vehicles I have owned in my 60 years that I am completely satisfied with.

The mileage problem may be a matter of too much right foot. I drive lightly and get mileage far above EPA estimate of 19 highway. You have got to tweak these things for mileage. It could be that an automatic transmission will drag fuel economy way down. That is the price you pay for the convenience of not shifting manually. I will buy another Ranger without a doubt.

Faults:

Front tires needed to be rebalanced after I bought the truck. The tires were put on brand new before I bought the truck, and the warranty covered it for free.

Slight pull to the left at highway speeds, fixed free along with the tires.

General Comments:

I love this truck! It had 66000 miles on it when I bought it, but it rides and drives like new.

The 4.0L engine provides plenty of power. Even with the automatic transmission, acceleration is very good. It'll respond quickly in a tight situation and doesn't breath hard on the highway. The horsepower and torque numbers are so close to most small V8 engines in full size pickups, and it gets a lot better gas mileage. 17 to 18mpg around town and a nice 21mpg highway. Those numbers help out especially with the price of gas. However a lead foot will make those numbers drop, but that should be expected.

This truck handles great and rides nice for a pickup. The step side bed has plenty of room and isn't so long you can't maneuver into a regular parking space. Visibility out the rear side windows is excellent.

The extended cab has enough room for small objects, but the rear seats are very small and I usually don't let anybody ride back there mainly due to the lack of 4 doors, but I didn't buy this truck to haul people around. If that's your objective, buy a minivan not a truck.

The seats are comfortable, the air conditioning gets cold fast and works well, and power everything is a nice feature.

The sound system is one of the best stock systems I've heard, I replaced the rear speakers with Jensen 6x8's, they fit right in the stock mounting location. There was nothing wrong with the stock speakers, they were just a little weak. The stock CD player doesn't skip and works great.