2004 Ford Ranger Thunder 2.5TD 4-door 2.5 turbo diesel

Summary:

Awesome truck

Faults:

No problems to report. I've only had it one month.

General Comments:

I'm really thrilled with my purchase. This truck is a 4-door Double Cab with a 2.5 litre turbo diesel engine that is proving to be really good on fuel.

It looks totally amazing in black and silver. The Thunder is a special edition and comes with air conditioning and leather trim. Loads of room for the family and tons of space in the bed.

Performance is pretty good. The torquey diesel engine pulls well up hills. The fuel economy is the best bit though.

All in all a great looking and really practical vehicle.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st May, 2004

5th Jun 2004, 11:38

Had drove 2.5 turbo diesel Ranger in Malaysia for 3 years and had done more than 85,000km. The fuel gauge is not accurate and hit empty when there is still about 6-8 litres the tank.

But I'm confident it could run more than 650km on a full tank of 70 litres. I always fill up the tank and then reset the trip meter to zero. And only goes to fill it up again when the trip meter shows more than 650km. Each fill-up would be around 60-65 litres.

Based on detailed records kept for each trip and diesel consumption; it is about 10.5 to 11.5 km per litre, depending on urban or long distance country drives.

Every economical to run as a litre of diesel in Malaysia is RM 0.78; while petrol is RM 1.48.

16th Jan 2006, 23:30

Could ya send some across the pond please. I'd like a ranger with a diesel.

15th Jul 2007, 17:37

Mechanical fuel pump? For real? Sounds too unrefined, America wouldn't go for it. Oh wait, people still buy Hyundais..

In reply to 15th Jul 2007, 17:37

23rd Oct 2011, 12:41

That is why Hyundai is the 6th most reliable car manufacturer according to Consumer Reports research and subscribers surveys; people who actually own them. People are buying Hyundais because they are good vehicles, period. If they were crap, the company would be out of business by now.

1999 Ford Ranger 2.5 TD Double Cab 4x4 2.5 turbo diesel

Summary:

A pillar of strength, and economical

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

This truck is as strong as an ox. It is mainly used for work, but is equally good at family duties. Very practical for the self-employed family man, as you can get away with owning just one vehicle. Instead of owning a car and a van, this truck fills the role of both.

Love the high driving position, it feels safe and sturdy. Loads of carrying space (obviously), and a hardtop keeps the load bed secure.

2.5 Turbo Diesel engine is unburstable and very economical.

Choppy handling, but its no sports car so you expect it and drive it carefully.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th January, 2004

18th Jan 2006, 08:15

The company I work for owns a 1999 Ranger, which I have drive long distances over the last 6 months. While I can't corroborate everything the review says (ours isn't double cab), it has certainly had fewer mechanical difficulties than other pick-ups in the fleet.

And for the size of engine, I would agree that the fuel economy is pretty good, whenever I've been driving it. The cab does feel safe - the high driving position gives a great view of the road - but I find the actual driving position hella uncomfy.

The vehicle handles well - even at high speed and especially on the winding roads in our region - and is a true work horse. Acceleration could be better for more confidence when going past slower vehicles.

However, finding a parking space for a vehicle that big is, I've found, a nightmare. And it's the only limit on its usefulness I've found.

2003 Ford Ranger XLT Double Cab Pick-Up 2.5 turbo diesel

Summary:

A versatile vehicle, get yourselves a truck!

Faults:

Nothing yet, although I've only had it three months.

General Comments:

A fantastic vehicle. Being a diesel it is much more economical than the Ford Explorer 4.0 I owned previously. I get around 34mpg from my Ranger.

Four-door Pick-up trucks like the Ranger make excellent versatile family vehicles. I would recommend anyone with a family gets themselves a pick-up for the following reasons:

1. They are practical, with room for five plus tons and tons of luggage.

2. They are safe. It stands to reason that a truck will offer more protection in a smash than a smaller car.

3. They are cheaper than most conventional 4x4 SUVs.

4. Diesel engined examples are economical.

The Ranger is a handsome looking beast too.

It is not very quick, but the low running costs make up for that in my opinion.

I can't understand why more people in England don't drive pick-ups.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st October, 2003

25th Nov 2003, 21:38

Great... just what I wanna hear about a truck Ford won't let me buy. Hey Ford, give the American public a compact turbo-diesel pickup and you'll actually make money on something these days. There a ton of young buyers looking for a small, efficient, rugged, and affordable 4x4. No, the Escape Hybrid doesn't count as rugged (although I think it's a cool vehicle and would consider it as well, if it were on teh market now), I have a '96 Ranger 4.0 and love it, but 34 MPG with a diesel would have me in a dealership tomorrow. It isn't like it would require all that much engineering either, this is proven technology that's actually being sold overseas. The old "Americans hate diesel" excuse doesn't hold water either -- just look at all the completely necessary SuperDuties on the road with PowerStrokes. Maybe 1 out of 10 that goes by actually has something in the bed. Bring the diesel Ranger to the USA!

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