1997 Ford Ranger XLT 4.0 V6 from North America
Summary:
Never will own anything other than a Ford
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.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 27th May, 2009
27th May 2009, 16:35
Yes, it's so good to see a review from a satisfied vehicle owner.
Sometimes it seems that the only people who write these reviews are people who need to vent about the problems their vehicle has had.
Often, when you see a positive review, the reviewer is accused of working for the manufacturer, of being a sales person etc.
(The people leveling those accusations are probably those venting about their problem cars)
But anyway, I am truly pleased to see satisfied owners, and brand loyal owners. It seems when I was young most every family on the street was loyal to one brand or another.
Dodge, Ford, Chevy, Pontiac etc. In fact my VW Bug was probably the only import on the street. Times have certainly changed.