2003 Ford Ranger FX4 Level II Review - What Makes The "Level II" So Special?

[@dtay8913]

This generation of ranger and the crown Vic will last as long as any Toyota. I've seen several of these at 400k plus miles.

[@damilolaakanni]

The first generation Escape and Focus as well.

[@2H2521]

@@damilolaakanniI don’t know about that.

[@damilolaakanni]

@@2H2521 I've heard that the first generation Escape is very reliable, especially with the 2.3 and manual transmission. The Focus suffers from engine mount failures majorly, but they're also quite reliable. Maybe they're not as reliable as the RAV4 or Corolla, but from what I've heard about those, they're quite reliable.

[@2H2521]

@@damilolaakanni Both the 1st & 2nd generation Escape are pretty solid, anything after that are pure trash. I always thought the Focus was a pretty junky & disposable car. I’m a lifelong Ford guy & I wouldn’t put either of those vehicles up there with Toyota reliability.

[@engineer_alv]

@@2H2521 the 2005 - 2011 Focus got most issues addressed. The Duratec engine Ford used on these has a timing chain, no VVT, no DI junk, no timing issues and so on. The 4F27 is a stout automatic albeit slow. But the manual ones used the MTX-75 transmission, it's huge for a car that size (according to the mechanic that replaced the clutch on mine)

[@mysticstarhf9265]

I bought new off the lot a 1998 XLT Ranger, extended cab, 3.0L V6, 2WD, automatic transmission, fully loaded, and drove it to 175,000 trouble-free miles when I sold it in 2010. The best little truck I ever had. A really decent around-town commute truck that was just the right size and it still made occasional trips to the dump or a camping/hiking trip. I later regretted selling it as I kept it spotless clean inside and out; my Ford service advisor once remarked it was the cleanest Ranger he'd ever seen. But, the recession of 2010 kicked in with a work furlough and I needed the money more than I needed four vehicles for myself, so the smallest and oldest truck had to go.

[@Hobotraveler82]

Love these little Rangers. My aunt had an 05 Ranger, Edge. I had an 04 Ranger XLT. In high school my girlfriends mom worked for Ford so she drove these every two years. She leased. I like this color and this particular model of Ranger. Awesome 😊

[@Parrotdise290]

Cool

[@bwofficial1776]

My aunt has an '04 Ranger Edge, one of the stepside ones in this blue. It's an odd-looking truck.

[@benchattin]

I had a 2003 Level II. White, automatic. Was a great truck! Only had 123k when I sold it. This truck in particular is a very rare one being a "twin-stick", i.e. manual transfer case and stick-shift transmission. Shame it's in roughish shape.

[@keeganlynch16]

It's in rough shape, but it isn't my first rodeo with a Ranger and is definitely getting rebuilt to proper glory! ~ The owner

[@engineer_alv]

@@keeganlynch16 that's the right thing to do.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Zack, St Paul, Minnesota has never been the same since they stopped building Rangers. 🙁

[@2H2521]

The gauges are actually silver, not white although you did correct yourself later in the video. Indeed those are 2003 only though, I put them in my 1999. The silver bezel isn’t rare either, they’re just hard to find in good condition. The 4.0L is way better than the junky & gutless 3.0L, and the new Ranger also has more engine options now too, not just the base 4 cylinder anymore.

[@drewdalzell6924]

I've got one of these trucks. Same year, 2003 FX4 Level II. Mine is in silver with an automatic, but it's always been in dry climates so it's completely rust free.

[@bwofficial1776]

Even with the rust, this is still a desirable truck. It's nice to see something that's been used as intended. I didn't know these came with manual 4WD shifters. The airbag switch is in case a car seat is put in the passenger seat. Sitting in the back seats is not recommended in these. I used to want a Ranger when I was in middle school dreaming about what car I could get when I got my license. Then I drove my aunt's '04 Ranger Edge (same blue as this but a stepside) and realized that it's kind of crappy to drive. I almost had to sit in the back seat.

[@SweeneyJeffreyJ]

It has a limited slip too

[@TheFalseProdigy]

I miss small trucks so much, there’s such a need for a small body on frame truck nowadays that doesn’t cost 50k$

[@davidp2888]

Never knew this existed.

[@Simple_Jack82]

Right, level 2!?!

[@gm12551]

I did. I remember reading it in the brochure. Probably only seen 1 in the wild.

[@jasonpeterson6163]

Nice pickup trucks you been filming. My Kia Soul Manual also had the same issue with the cup holder and the manual shifter. The drinks would get in the way when shifting.

[@rileypotter6772]

I own my grandpas old '99 Ranger. The 3.0L has been a fantastic engine, only ever left us stranded once since it was new and it was my fault. I neglected to change out the original water pump at 230k miles and it ate a hole into timing cover, filled the engine with coolant and ran terribly. Got off the freeway, towed it home. Replaced the timing chain and timing cover, new water pump and new fluids. Still my daily driver and close to 240k miles now. Original engine and original auto trans. Best truck ever.

[@danielknepper6884]

You have to watch those 3.0 timing chain covers, water pumps. as I had mine changed as well. Somehow I got 320,000 mi out of the original one.

[@januaryman169]

I have an 03 Ranger FX4 Level 2. Mine has a 4.0 with an automatic transmission. It also has the shift on the fly 4x4, Alcoa aluminum 15" wheels.

[@southernfriedshenanigans3639]

If it were mine, I would have shelled out 50 bucks for a new grille before it was on KZbin for the world to see, but at least it’s clean! Great little truck!

[@damilolaakanni]

I've always wondered why Ford never offered the Ranger as a crew cab in the US until about five years ago when they reintroduced it. Other markets including South Africa and Australia were getting crew cab versions of the Ranger. BTW, I need to ask, why does the owner prefer the 3.0 V6 to the 4.0?

[@UpperRobin29]

I heard it was the other way around that the 4.0 was more reliable. Mine has the 3.0 and so far no complaints it does its job without issue

[@mysticstarhf9265]

They tried with the Explorer Sport Trac in 2001 but nobody bought them.

[@UpperRobin29]

@@mysticstarhf9265 People have been buying those like crazy on the used market

[@zenkoz3158]

​@@UpperRobin294.0 Is certainly the less reliable of the two. The 3.0 is a dinosaur so it's not exactly a powerhouse but it is as bulletproof as you'd expect for a design of it's age.

[@josephnovotnak]

@@UpperRobin29the 3.0 is a push rod v6 so no timing chains or guides to go bad which they commonly do on the 4.0

[@jaylonworld]

Can u do a 2003 or 4 ford Explorer sport 2 door model

[@engineer_alv]

that was the Ranger to get back in 2003 for real!

[@DingasPro]

My father had the first gen ford ranger South African spec...loved that truck to death..unfortunately it had an accident but we still added 100k kilometers into it before selling it to a farmer. We still see it once in a while being driven on the highway at low speeds of course. When I get the money I'll certainly buy one in supercab configuration...just to carry more stuff around I guess.

[@mycobrars]

I have the exact same one except auto trans and I love it.

[@66racer]

I always wanted one but was early into my career path so it never happened. Fast forward got a Ranger Tremor new in '21 and have loved it since. Sometimes I think about switching the Tremor sticker to an FX4 Level ii.

[@robertdiehl9003]

Excellent, enjoyable & awesome video.

[@williamsewell6094]

id say the 4.0 is definitely the most reliable of the ranger engines just from experience

[@2H2521]

The 4 Cylinders & 4.0L V6 are definitely better than the junky & gutless 3.0L.

[@TylerGamer765]

Very cool did not know these existed

[@Themarcustree]

Don't forget that the level 2 came with a limited slip different

[@theglowcloud2215]

The new Ranger comes in a V6 trim, but only the Raptor. Thanks, Ford!

[@engineer_alv]

no, you can get an XLT and Lariat with the 2.7 V6 for around $1500 more than the 4 cyl

[@bazilwreckerloughead]

Cool truck, I've always liked the older Ford Ranger, not a big fan of the newer ones!

[@Dankcatvacs]

black aint boring black is fancy! this trim package looks kind cheesy what i see looks like stuff you would get at oriley in the discount bin

[@WilliamHollinger2019]

My elder friend who had a nice 99 ford ranger 4x4 3.0 v6 5-speed manual sadly it rusted on him he sold it for a lost.

[@basslinefreshdetailing]

Nice Mazda! More people should know about how Ford did everything they could to topple Mazda. Abused their resources and engineering and gave nothing back. It's honestly insane. But in the end, look who's still here, and thriving. Mazda has been the eternal underdog, and it's inspiring seeing such a small company take on Giants!!

[@2H2521]

@basslinefreshdetailing That’s all totally false! Ford & Mazda had a good relationship. This isn’t a Mazda either, IT IS a Ford just like the Mazda counterpart of the time is too.

[@josephnovotnak]

And also Mazda struggled after ford stoped working with them, now Toyota plays a huge part in the company which is why they are coming back again, they are basically a Toyota maniacally.

[@engineer_alv]

More people should know Mazda did not have the resources back in the 80s and 90s to build their own factories. So they partnered with Ford and got access to several factories to build their vehicles and also built one factory together. The 626/MX-6 and Mazda 6 were built at a joint venture in Flat Rock, MI, the Tribute at Avon Lake, OH, and the Navajo was built at Louisville, KY. Both Ford and Mazda used engines from each other. Actually the B-Series truck sold in North America from 94 to 2010 was a rebadged Ford Ranger made in St Paul, MN. This was a way to pay back what Mazda did for Ford back in the 70s when they marketed the Mazda B series as a Ford Courier. Ford sold the Courier for less than 10 years and Mazda sold rebadged Fords for over 15 years. You do the math. Bottom line: They both cashed out from the alliance

[@dave11686]

Ford effing Ranger

[@TxMx214]

Ford F¥C%ING Ranger!!!! Ford Ranger over a tacoma any day all day.

[@2H2521]

Tacomas are so overrated.

[@IamGroot786]

We have an 04 that my kid and I have been working on. After replacing all the fluids on it we replaced the rusty style side bed with a flare side. It was to see him learn to drive a stick shift. A skill that not too many drivers posses today.

[@WilliamHollinger2019]

I want a ranger with 5 speed.

[@merlepatterson]

The 2003 Level II was based upon the 2002 FX4 which came standard with everything the 03 and up Level II's had. The 2003 FX4 (non-lvl 2) did not have the 8.8 Torsen Differential. So, in reality you're better off talking about "What made the 2002 Ford Ranger FX4 so special?"

[@Project_Low_Expectations]

I had a 97 Ranger with the short cab and the stepside bed. Not a splash though. Thing was stupid slow with the old style 2.3 Lima, but it was more reliable than gravity! It thrived on to collect also… The key for turning off the side airbag Was for a little kids and infants in reverse facing seats. I think this was better than a weight sensing switch personally.

[@GeeEm1313]

It's special because it has power windows.

[@TonyWitThaTommy]

THIS

[@WildWildWeasel]

man, poor truck is knackered and dirty

[@bwofficial1776]

It's been used as a truck. It's nice seeing a vehicle that's done its duty and is still holding up.

[@Nater-zq5yh]

Omg a twin stick ranger, 2003 ONLY, very very rare truck.

[@2H2521]

Nope, not the manual shift on the fly 4WD is not 2003 only & they’re not as rare as you think either.

[@MustangsTrainsMowers]

2nd comment.

[@robertdiehl9003]

Very stout truck especially for mid west mountainous areas....

[@namemcnamerton4249]

All long trim name and still no 4.6 V8. Ford everyone.

[@TonyWitThaTommy]

Why would a minitruck have a v8 in it from factory

[@namemcnamerton4249]

@@TonyWitThaTommy This trucks stopped being "mini" in 2001.

[@TonyWitThaTommy]

@@namemcnamerton4249 not really, the four door models came into American fruition in like, 2019

[@FabulosoSpray]

​@@TonyWitThaTommy why wouldnt they? They put v8s in the older ford explorers, why not in these trucks.

[@FabulosoSpray]

​@@TonyWitThaTommy closest thing you can get to a true mini truck bought new is a maverick. The new ford rangers are the size of the f150's in the early 2000's.

[@franciscolarranaga6778]

Very biased review.