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Ford Ranger gas mileage

30 messages,  Last post on Nov 01, 2011 at 8:43 AM

You are in the Ford Ranger Forum.

What is this discussion about? Ford Ranger, Car Buying, Fuel Efficiency (MPG), Truck

Messages Page 1 of 3

#1 of 30 Ranger gas mileage by gregg_vw

Sep 09, 2007 (11:03 am)

Can anyone explain to me whythe official EPA mpg on the Ford Ranger 3.0 and 4.0 liter engines has varied so much in the past seven years? I am interested in purchasing a used Ranger in this range of years. I would prefer a 4WD 4.0 liter with manual transmission. Since 2001, this engine has been OHC and 207 hp.
 
When I look at the pre-2008 EPA window sticker figures, the 2001 is listed at 16/20 (city/hwy); 2002, 2005 and 2006 are 16/19; 2003 and 2004 are 15/19; and the 2007 is 17/20! Even more strange, the 2005 automatic is listed at 16/20, higher than the automatic for all other years and higher as well than all manual transmission year figures, save for 2007.
 
What gives?? Are there any true differences in the real world? Or were there pne-year-only gearing changes that caused the same engine to be more efficient? Over time, the differences between 15/19 and 17/20 could add up, so I'd like to know more about this before I buy. Thanks!!!

#2 of 30 Re: Ranger gas mileage [gregg_vw] by bolivar

Sep 09, 2007 (2:04 pm)

Replying to: gregg_vw (Sep 09, 2007 11:03 am)
I can answer about one item. In 2007, the government changed the test criteria. Which lowered almost all the milage estimates.
 
And, a Ranger is a truck. A brick on wheels.
 
For my 1994 4L automatic 2WD extended cab, I got about 14mph in town and the best ever gotten on highway was 18.5mpg. And this was the 165hp 4L, you are now looking at 207hp motor.
 
The 4 cylinder 5 speed manual will get somewhat better milage. But, in my opinion, that motor is a slow brick.
 
Don't buy a truck for milage. 4WD will just make it worse.
 
I loved my Ranger. But my Honda Ridgeline with 4 doors, 247hp, and full time 4 wheel drive gets better milage than the Ranger, especially on the highway.

#3 of 30 Re: Ranger gas mileage [bolivar] by gregg_vw

Sep 09, 2007 (6:49 pm)

Replying to: bolivar (Sep 09, 2007 2:04 pm)
Thank you for your response. However, it does not get at what I was asking. The government has lowered all estimates as you point out (for 2008, not 2007...though the site now lists 2008-type lower estimates for all prvious years too). I was talking about pre-2008 estimates, and their variations from year to year with the very same engine (207 hp, 238 torque). My question remains, are these variations based on anything real?
 
BTW, I have owned three Rangers, 1986, 1993 and 1998 4WD models with 2.9, 3.0, and 4.0 engines respectively. They all got better mileage than what you report with yours. Yes, trucks are rather brick-like, and the 20 mpg or so I got with the 98 4.0 would have likely been even better on the highway, had it been a sedan.
 
But again, all I am looking for is an answer to why the 2001 to 2007 4.0 EPA mpg figures varied at all, given the truck was not redesigned, the engine was not changed, and it was prior to the EPA estimate changes of 2008.

#4 of 30 Re: Ranger gas mileage [gregg_vw] by bolivar

Sep 09, 2007 (7:00 pm)

Replying to: gregg_vw (Sep 09, 2007 6:49 pm)
As I said, I don't have an answer.
 
Maybe someone else can help.

#5 of 30 Why Ford Ranger Mileage too high ???? by robin2226

Dec 31, 2007 (7:16 pm)

I am on the market for pick up truck and the gasoline cost is an importance factor for my purchase. I scan through the pickup truck engine and mileage , here what I found out.
 
Ford Ranger , 2.3L ,mpg: 21/26
Che. Colorado, 2.9L , mpg: 20/26
GM Canyon : 2.9L , mpg: No list
Nissan Frontier: 2.5L , mpg: 22/25
Toyota Tacoma , 2.7L , mpg: 20/25
 
You can see that Ranger has the smallest engine but the mileage very much the same as bigger engine.
 
Why the pich-up truck (in general) has very low mileage ????? I can see the same (or smaller) engine size in the sedan and their mileage is around 30-35 range. It about 33% (or one third) more.

#6 of 30 Re: Why Ford Ranger Mileage too high ???? [robin2226] by bolivar

Dec 31, 2007 (10:57 pm)

Replying to: robin2226 (Dec 31, 2007 7:16 pm)
Trucks have terrible aerodynamics. Cars are much bettter, which give better milage.
 
Since trucks supposedly are used to carry loads and tow things, many have a drive line geared toward this. Which reduces milage.
 
Because of the same thing, loads and pulling, sometimes the same motor in a car and a truck will have different cams and also 'logic' in the computer. They are set up to generate more power at lower speed, which reduces mileage.

#7 of 30 Re: Ranger gas mileage [gregg_vw] by rsmc

Jan 28, 2008 (4:04 pm)

Replying to: gregg_vw (Sep 09, 2007 6:49 pm)
I am in the market to replace my 98 Dodge Dakota 4wd with 155K miles and was considering the Ford Ranger, Dodge again, and Toyota Tacoma. I tossed out the Ranger as a friend of mine has a 07 Ranger with 4WD and said he loves it but only gets about 10 mpg in town and not a whole lot more on the road. Not something I want. I think Toyota is where I will go. More money but a better truck.

#8 of 30 Re: Ranger gas mileage [rsmc] by imduke

Mar 02, 2008 (5:55 pm)

Replying to: rsmc (Jan 28, 2008 4:04 pm)
My '01 4wd auto gets about 16 / 19 in hilly country. I don't race it but change oil every 3,000 w/ filter and trans w/ filter once a year. plugs once a year too. I'm happy and it is in great shape. NO marks on my Sport model.

#9 of 30 Ranger gas mileage L/100 km by luckylucien

Mar 14, 2008 (11:45 pm)

I bought a 2007 Ranger sports cab. I average about 13 liters per 100km, which works out to around 18 miles per US gallon, or 21.7 miles per Imperial gallon. I don't really think this is real great mileage. I used to get around the same mileage in my '98 F-150. Any comments? BTW, gas is about $1.20 a liter in BC, that is $4.55 a US gallon. 'So we have $4+ a gallon gas here in BC.

#10 of 30 Milage by jaymzs

Apr 09, 2008 (5:43 pm)

My 01 Ranger Sport Ext Cab w/ 4.0 and auto 4x4 gets 13 to 14 around town consistantly A/C on .
JIM

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