Ranger years/dependability

[Vanguy16]

Hello everyone.

I'm thinking of trading in my 94 Mazda B4000 for a Ranger.

I'm looking at 2011 SuperCab Sport models.

My main and troubling question is if this year of truck, as it is the last year of production for a few years, is a reliable option to purchase used.

Is there any years that seem to be more reliable than others?

 

[Shran]

I think they were all fairly reliable throughout the years, with exceptions. I wouldn't have anything against a 2011.

89-1997 trucks are by far my favorites. Your '94 would, at least in my opinion, one of the most reliable ones ever made and they're easy to work on. 2011s are going to be considerably more complex but if you don't work on them it's probably a moot point.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

There all good trucks.

My personal favorite is the later (86-88) 1st gens. 89-92 a close second.

Not that the later ones are bad, but just were styled to escorty for my likeing and the 2.9 was gone.

 

[4x4junkie]

I have to agree, '94 was one of the best years for the Ranger (along with '93). But they are getting pretty old now, so just based on age alone I think you'd have fewer repairs ahead of you with a 2011. I'd probably look for a 2009 myself, though that's just based on it having fewer electronical nannies that in my opinion are more of a nuisance than anything.

 

[RonD]

Welcome to TRS

Good read here on the history of Rangers, gen 1 to 2 or 3 depending who you ask, lol: https://www.therangerstation.com/articles/history-of-the-ford-ranger/


And a good read here on buying a used Ranger: https://www.therangerstation.com/ford-rangers-buyers-guide/
Includes some known issues by year and engine

 

[Dirtman]

2011 is a good year, the timing chain issues with the 4.0 had been fixed by then, the 5r55e transmission had bonded separator plate gaskets which solved issues on earlier models. There's really no reliability issues that spring to mind in that year.

which generation or specific model year is best is really just opinion. For the most part there were never any bad rangers. Id pick the 98-2001 2.3/2.5 lima with a 5 speed manual for most reliable. but again, just one mans opinion.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

This thread got me thinking....

Putting all bias/personal opinion aside, i cant really think of a "bad" ranger.

83-2011. I guess maybe the diesel ones with their total lack of power, or maybe the mitsu/A4LD trannys could possibly qualify. But really, i cant think of any huge glareing issue over any generation that would toss it in the "junk" catogory.

 

[sgtsandman]

My old '98 was pretty darn reliable once I fixed all the stuff the previous owner ignored. My current 2011 hasn't had any major issues outside of the driver's side catalytic dying an early death. Perhaps the only complaint I might have is the added maintenance and expense the rear disc brakes incur. I personally wish they would have stuck with rear drums. Now, both trucks are manuals. I have no experience with the automatic transmissions but the one in my exgirlfriend's Expoer Sport seemed to be pretty reliable.

 

[Scrambler82]

My '88 2.9L 4x was a good one and until I swapped it for a 5.0L it ran well, got me to work everyday for 6 or 7 years and sold it for a good price. The -93, 5.0L ran great too, 20 mpg most of the time.
I had a '95, 2.3L, that was a great motor... 24 mpg, and moved right along on the hy-way, sucked for winter driving !
There was a 4.0L '98 Ext Cab, liked it but too much gas !
My 3.0L, '03, isn't too bad, 17 mpg most of the time and I have hit 20.5 mpg, can't do that all the time.

Other than that stay away from the old 2.8L V-6s.

Other than motor... the 2 dr, Standard Cabs on the '01-up increased in size... if you like the Std Cab, 2 door, made a big difference in comfort.

 

[Saddle Tramp]

The only major problem I had was the thermostat housing coming apart. It's made of three different pieces glued together and it delaminated on me. Luckily there is an aftermarket part made out of aluminum. It's one piece so you don't have to worry about it again.

The minor problem for me is the soft paint. It scratches easily.

 

[Vanguy16]

So awesome! Thanks for all the advice and thoughts. I do understand that it's all really a matter of opinion, but people who have owned these trucks also have experience with them and knowledge that is usefull. Keep it up folks! This is a good little thread of useful knowledge.

As I'm getting older and also almost every vehicle I have ever owned has had mostly all manual everything, I am.looking for a truck with everything "power", amongst reliability.

 

[Dirtman]

Rangers never really got carried away with electronics. Yes you can get power windows, locks, alarm, cruise etc but they are still pretty basic and reliable systems. Nothing like the electronic nightmare as say my lincoln mkx. When the warranty is up on that thing its getting sold because I won't be able to maintain it for decades like I can with my ranger. You're safe no matter how many features you get on a ranger because there just never were that many lol.

 

[Vanguy16]

Thanks again everyone, really! My first foray into "Ford". I've always owned Japanese made vehicles. Loves their reliability but hated the cost of parts. I normally work on my own vehicles as a rule, but as I get newer, they get more difficult to troubleshoot and repair yourself. That worries me, but I do desire something newer.

Looking essentially for something with a tow package, extra cab, power everything.

 

[Vanguy16]

I prefer manual transmission over automatic, always. Just cheaper and easier to repair.

How are the automatic transmissions in these 2000 - 2011 vehicles?

 

[Dirtman]

Eh.. They need a extra cooler added and need to be serviced regularly. Rangers never had "great" automatics. 2000-2011 have the 5r44e/5r55e. They are electronically controlled and most issues are with the solenoids or in valve body but they can last over 200k easily if you keep the fluid very clean and don't overheat them. Pre 2002 they had issues with the valve body gaskets blowing out but they fixed the problem in later years by installing steel bonded gaskets from the factory.

If you buy an auto just be sure to check the service history and look closely at the fluid. If its nasty brown or black sludge just walk away. I wouldn't ever hesitate to get an auto as long as you can verify it's been taken care of.