The Ford Ranger is one of the most versatile midsize trucks on the market. It also performs exceptionally well and it is fitted with a powerful and efficient engine. The Ford Ranger is also beautifully designed and has an outstanding hauling and towing capacity. But is the Ford Ranger a good car?
It depends on how you look at it. If you desire a versatile midsize truck with excellent performance and towing capability, the Ford Ranger is a nice truck for you. But if you want a larger truck with a cozy and luxurious interior, you should look away.
Like most cars, Ford Ranger also has some common problems that interested buyers should know about before investing their cash. For instance, most Ford Ranger drivers complain about engine misfire and transmission problems. But with good care and maintenance, most of the Ford Ranger problems can be avoided.
History of the Ford Ranger
Ford Ranger is a midsize truck produced by Ford. The first-generation Ford was produced between 1983 and 1988. It later received a facelift for the 1989 to 1992 model years. The second-generation Ford was made between 1993 and 1997, while the third-generation Ford Ranger was made between 1998 and 2000. Additionally, several facelifts were made between the 2001 and 2012 Ford Ranger model years.
Surprisingly, Ford Ranger was mad in America between 1982 and 1998. From 1998 to 2011, this truck was made in South American countries. Ford Ranger was only re-introduced into the North American market in 2019. The current Ford Ranger is based on the T6 platform and it’s doing very well.
Features of the Ford Ranger
Appearance
In terms of looks, the Ford Ranger is beautifully designed and very appealing. This midsize truck looks better than most rivals. Nevertheless, the interior is reasonably lacking as it’s made with low-quality materials compared to its rivals. Nonetheless, the higher trims have a better interior but it’s not so overwhelming.
Performance
The Ford Ranger comes with three trim options, including the XL, XLT, and Lariat. All of these trims are fitted with a 2.3-liter turbo inline-4 gas engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission. On top of that, the user has to select between a rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive system.
Since all the trims have the same engine, they produce a total of 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. So, it is a very powerful car.
Comfort and cargo space
The Ford Ranger comes with decent cargo space. It has more cargo area than most midsize trucks. It provides a total of 51.8 cubic feet of space, which is fantastic for its size. It is also good for outdoor activities as it comes with an excellent towing capacity of 7,500 pounds.
Even though this truck comes with good cabin space, the interior finish and quality are pretty lacking. On top of that, the number of seats will vary according to the type of truck that you select. If you pick the SuperCab trim, you will get four seats, while the SuperCrew trim comes with five seats.
Fuel efficiency
Aside from being a versatile, durable, and powerful car, the Ford Ranger is also fuel-efficient. This is because it comes with an EPA rating of 21 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and a combined 23 mpg. So, you won’t spend a lot on fuel but get a powerful and high-performance car.
Price
Despite having many excellent features and performing considerably well, the Ford Ranger is very affordable compared to its rivals. The base Chevrolet Colorado goes for around $27,500, and the base GMC Canyon goes for about $28,000, while the base Ford Ranger goes for around $27,000.
FAQ
How long does the Ford Ranger last?
The Ford Ranger is well-built and reliable. If it is well-maintained, the Ford Ranger can last for over 250,000 miles. However, if it’s not properly maintained, users may start experiencing problems as early as 80,000 miles. On average, most Ford Ranger models last between 200,000 and 250,000 miles.
What are the common problems with the Ford Ranger?
Ford Ranger is an outstanding midsize truck with exceptional features. However, like most cars, the Ford Ranger also comes with multiple problems, which include transmission problems, high engine idle, engine misfire, car stalling at idle, and steering problems.
How fast is the Ford Ranger?
Most trucks are not as fast as sedans or SUVs, but the Ford Ranger still performs outstandingly. It comes with a top speed of 112 mph and it can accelerate from 0 to 60 in 6.8 seconds, which is outstanding. If you compare this to its rivals, you will find that the Ford Ranger is quite fast.
Not all Ford Ranger models are very fast, as the above top speed belongs to the Ford Ranger Lariat 4WD SuperCrew 5’ Box. The base model can accelerate from 0 to 60 in 9.8 seconds, which is considerably low.
What is the most reliable Ford Ranger model year?
If you want to reduce your car’s operational cost, it is vital to select a reliable car. Ford Ranger has been around for decades, but not all models are equal. Some are good, while others come with many issues. The most reliable Ford Ranger model year is the 2020 model. This car registers fewer problems than other model years.
Some notable mentions are the 1986, 2011, and 2018 model years.
Does Ford Ranger hold its value?
Yes, Ford Ranger is one of the cars that hold its value very well. It is estimated that the Ford Ranger will depreciate by 39% after 5 years. This means that its resale value will reduce to about $20,400 in 5 years, which is one of the best on the market.
When you compare the Ford Ranger with some of its competitors, such as the Chevrolet Colorado, you will find that it holds its value well as Colorado will depreciate by 40%, which is quite lower. While the GMC Canyon depreciates by 40% after 5 years of use.
Summary
Overall, the Ford Ranger is a fantastic midsize truck with lots of outstanding features. This car is beautifully constructed, and powerful, and it comes with an excellent towing capability. Additionally, it is easy to handle, reliable, and safe to drive.
But like most trucks, it also comes with several issues that buyers should know about. Nonetheless, with proper care and maintenance, the Ford Ranger can last for a very long while.
