Ford Ranger III - Car Forums

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1143 messages, Last post on Mar 19, 2004 at 8:54 AM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Ranger, Exterior, Tires, Engine, Interior, Transmission, Fuel Efficiency (MPG), Truck

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#166 of 1143 Why a Ranger? by e_l_green

Nov 04, 2000 (6:08 am)

List price, top of the line Ranger 4x4 extended cab -- around $23K.

List price, top of the line Toyota Tacoma 4x4 extended cab -- around $28K.

Of course that's not all of the cost involved. The Ranger, for example, would need serious cash investment (another $2-3K worth), such as new tires, new wheels, airlockers for the differentials, etc. to make it a serious off-road machine, while the Tacoma is a serious off-road machine as-is. But even so, the $$$ is enough to make me seriously look at the Ranger, despite the poor quality, old engine design, etc. I don't plan on doing serious off-roading in a $20K+ pickup truck anyhow -- I may be a highly paid computer professional, but not to the point where I can afford to destroy $20K toys on jeep trails!

For those complaining about the lack of development dollars put into the Ranger: Ford could afford to hike the price of the Ranger and make it a state-of-the-art small truck. Or even state-of-1995 small truck (the Tacoma was introduced in 1995). But that is not what they sell the Ranger as. They sell it as a cheaper alternative to things like the Tacoma and Dodge Dakota, and apparently it's working, because the Ranger remains the best-selling small truck.

Personally I prefer the Nissan Frontier. Not quite as uncomfortable as the Tacoma, not quite as bloated as the Ranger. Alas, I seem alone in that opinion. I am reluctant to purchase a truck that seems as seriously snubbed by truck aficiandos as the Frontier is. If I'm interested in after-market goodies for my truck (hey, a boy has to have his toys

, well, I gotta have a truck that other people like to buy goodies for... Frontiers appear to be bought by rather prim folks looking for bare-bones functionality out on the ranch, whose idea of a truck accessory is a load of firewood. Maybe the new XTerra-derived look for 2001 will change that. But at the moment, that's still speculation.

-E

#167 of 1143 2001 Ranger by turbocat

Nov 04, 2000 (2:42 pm)

Well everyone, I received my 2001 Ranger this week. It is an XLT 4x4 4 door supercab. It was ordered with 4.0 SOHC, 5 speed auto, "off road" package, towing package, 6 disc in dash deck, etc. etc. It is black with tan interior. First thing I did was take it down to my local Les Schwab tire dealer and got 31x10.5 15 tires on Claw wheels to replace the P rated Firestones. Mucho better! Only had to make minor adjustments to the front mud flaps for clearance. (the 31's are shorter but a little wider on the 15x8 RWD offset wheels. The SOHC motor is a godsend! My wife had a similar '99 with the old 4.0 and it was a little under powered for my likeing. There is no comparison to the 3.4 Tacoma I sold awhile ago. (sorry Taco' owners) The improvements in interior noise reduction is very noticeable also. It is a little thirsty though. turbocat.

#168 of 1143 Turbocat by shawn106

Nov 04, 2000 (11:07 pm)

Turbocat,congrats on your purchase. I like the new rangers Saw one yesterday on the road for the first time,it was a white xlt 4x4 sc beauty!Dont like those junky plastic bed things,why didnt ford make them flat and smooth like the F series? Thats the only thing i dont like.LOL with it i have 122,000 miles on mine and still going strong.

#169 of 1143 ABS light by shawn106

Nov 04, 2000 (11:10 pm)

When ever i hit the brakes hard,like panic stopping,the ABS light comes on and the red parking brake comes on.It just started doing this yesterday,anybody ever have this problem? Thanks Shawn

#170 of 1143 shawn 106 by turbocat

Nov 05, 2000 (3:59 pm)

Thanks. I already removed the plastic bed siderail covers. (They are held on with clamps and adhesive tape) I think Ford wanted to make the side rail protectors look like the hard tonneau that is available on the Edge. I couldn't order the tonneau from Ford, it is not a factory option on XLT. Only the Edge. I work at a Ford dealership, and I can't even order the hard tonneau through parts. So I ordered an after market fiberglass one. It will look better anyway , in my opinion. On your ABS, if your light comes on, there is a problem in the system. I'd have it checked out.

#171 of 1143 turbocat by shawn106

Nov 06, 2000 (1:06 am)

thanks for your advice on the abs problem. shawn

#172 of 1143 ABS -- Check Brake Fluid .. by hamiltonlj

Nov 06, 2000 (9:36 pm)

I had the same problem .. when applying the brakes at more than a "moderate" level, the light would come on and stay. Turned out to be the brake fluid level .. was low. My Ranger was a '94 and this is the first time I've added any fluid .. typically I like to have the pads checked at about this point too.

#173 of 1143 SVT Ranger by srw224

Nov 07, 2000 (6:35 pm)

In response to dmould, keep your eyes open for the Ranger "Thunder."

And referring to the off-road capabilities of the Ranger (e l green), there's the new off-road version coming out 1Q 01 that will be trail-ready right off the line. Not hard-core, but enough for your average joe.

#174 of 1143 2.3 Liter by jfowlerjr

Nov 08, 2000 (5:04 am)

Anyone know when the new engine will be out & if I'll be able to get a 4 door automatic transmission with it. I really need a truck or suv but I would like to keep the gas mileage as good as possible.

James

#175 of 1143 2.3 Liter by dmould

Nov 08, 2000 (5:58 pm)

jfowlerjr - The Mazdausa.com site notes that the 2.3 will be in B-series (Ranger twin) trucks built after Jan, 2001. Go check out the web site for configurations details.

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