21st Oct 2006, 20:28

Original reviewer again. I'm growing more fond of this new Ranger all the time. After driving a plush and low-slung Dakota for 5 years it's taken some time to get used to sitting up in the clouds and having to watch really fast cornering, but I'm finally pretty comfortable with the high stance. I just returned from a weekend trip. Great ride on the highway, and fuel consumption was 24 mpg, which is not bad for a V-6 in a truck. The best I ever got out of any of my previous 4 cylinder Rangers with the 5-speed was 29, so this one is doing pretty good now that it's broken in.

12th Nov 2006, 21:37

I commented on this awhile back ago and have since learned so much more on the Ranger. Most importantly, those considering buying a 2.3L; it is not the same 2.3L used all the way from the 70s through the 90s. That motor (the Lima) was used from the 70s up until mid 2001. Thereafter, it became the Mazda Duratec DOHC 2.3L. So, if you're looking to compare engine durability for the 2.3, don't compare it to 2001 and older 2.3Ls. I would have never known (and didn't know when I bought it) since they sound the same when running. Nonetheless, the 2.3L is a good engine. Only problem I have had so far is the engine stalling when turning the steering wheel at idle (parking). Happens randomly, if it happens again I will take it in.

28th Nov 2006, 16:52

Definitely take the truck in if it keeps stalling. That is not normal. Also, if Ford gives you a run around (Ford dealers are the worst in the country in service next to Toyota) go directly to Ford National Customer Service. The company DOES NOT want unhappy customers, and in the past I've had to resort to going over the dealer's head to get things fixed right. Lots of luck. Having trouble with a Ranger is almost unheard of, but occurs once in every 2 or 3 million trucks.

24th Mar 2007, 23:42

I presently own a 92 Ford Ranger XLT 4x4. I've had it for 12 years and am looking at buying a new one. My present one is fairly low mileage (177kkm) but rust is taking hold. The only problems I've had with my Ranger: water leaking around the windshield - not actually on the windshield, but at the welds at the top of the front pillars. Strange. I think this would not be a problem in new Rangers; the construction looks better. Over the years, I would say that I've had only minor problems that are due to normal wear and tear.

The rusting, especially at the top of the rear wheel wells is epidemic on these trucks in these parts due to winter salt. I never had it rustproofed either; I'm sure that would have helped. FYI... Rust took about 10 years to start. For those unsure of the durability of these trucks, take note of how many early 90's vintage Rangers are still on the road and you have your answer.

Thanks to all of the positive comments here, I think I'm going to take the plunge on the new 2007 Ranger FX4 that I have for weekend evaluation.

22nd Apr 2007, 22:49

Original reviewer again with a follow up. After 15 months my Ranger is still absolutely flawless. Since this one is my 4th Ranger and the first three never saw the inside of a repair shop I really wasn't concerned. I'm really amazed at the incredible INCREASE in power and performance I've seen. I did install a K&N high-flow air filter, Flowmaster muffler and change to full synthetic oil, but that's all. With more miles the truck has really turned into a screamer.

I still HATE having bought the 6-speed automatic rather than a 5-speed stick. I feel like I'm driving some old "Grannymobile" with that stupid COLUMN MOUNTED shift selector!! This is the first vehicle I've owned since the 70's with a column mounted shifter (my other Rangers were all sticks). Every time I get in my Pontiac or GMC (which both have floor mounted selectors for the automatics) I have to re-orient myself for where to reach for the gear selector.

Other than the shifter I have ZERO complaints. The truck is very smooth, the transmission is shifting smoother than it did when it was new (though still not as silky smooth as our GM's) and I'm getting over 24mpg on the highway, which is not too bad for a V-6 Ranger. There are no other small trucks I'd rather have than the Ranger.

2nd May 2007, 11:01

I bought my 2007 Ranger back in November of 2006, it is my first truck after owning small vehicles from Korea and Japan.

What first interested me in the Ranger was its high stance, and I could not wait to find a Ford dealer take one out for a test drive. I located a dark grey base truck on the dealers website. My first time behind the wheel left me with a smile on my face, I loved the high driving stance being able to see over the traffic instead of crouching down with it.

The five speed manual felt so smooth and the four cylinder engine sounded very capable. The acceleration is more than enough, and the gas mileage is awesome.

I got the regular cab and added door pockets, I also added splash guards, a bug guard, fog lamps and had Best Buy upgrade the sound system.

I have enjoyed driving through the hills of Pennsylvania without having to down shift. The 4 banger is strong and holds its own without sounding tired or winded at the higher elevations.

The truck has an American soul and it keeps getting better each year. I hope that Ford does not water it down by trying to make it like its European cousin or like the competition. This is my first Ranger and I hope that it serves me well so that I will want another Ranger.

31st May 2007, 09:24

I have a 4.0L 05 ranger that tops out at 88mph does anyone sell a chip or know how to remove the governor?

3rd Jun 2007, 14:10

To 09:24: I'd talk to the dealer about the low top end, although 88mph is not legal anywhere in the U.S. except North Dakota that I know of. My 4-cylinder Ranger hit 105 before the governor kicked in, and my 2006 3.0 V-6 has been up to 100 without a problem (I don't know how much faster it will go, as I don't really enjoy getting tickets). 88mph sounds slow, although if you had Marty McFly's time machine installed it would be enough to get you back to 1955.