My TOP pick: The BEST small truck on the road today!

[@EyePatchGuy88]

The 'small trucks' of the 90s to 00s, from the American Ranger to the Japanese Hilux, are some of the best vehicles ever made.

[@slednecksification]

My little 95 ranger is a absolute amazing little truck! Simple to fix i mean i did a transmission in it myself granted i did have a car lift luckily but very straight forward simple little trucks!

[@Roberto-de8xv]

​@@slednecksificationtransmission after how many miles

[@slednecksification]

@@Roberto-de8xv 170k but the previous owner beat the piss out of it i got it for dirt cheap had a parts truck and fixed it all up on my spare time great little truck now!

[@user-im6fy4qp6m]

makes you wonder why they dont make them anymore. people want long lasting economical 4 cylinder pickups that cost $10,000 new and yet nobody makes them today. i dont need satellite radio or GPS or 20" folding flat screens for each passenger i just want a cheap work truck why wont they listen to customers?

[@Roberto-de8xv]

@user-im6fy4qp6m Toyota still makes the 70 Series standard Landcruisers but they're like 80k. Emissions, safety, & fuel mileage standards makes it difficult to sell just a standard 4/6 cylinder without any options..it also would be a niche market. You & I would buy one but majority of consumers would not.

[@oldred9122]

This generation of Ranger was actually built until 2011. If you're looking to pick one up, I always tell people to look at the leaf spring shackles. Those are the first pieces to break due to rust.

[@skruloos1]

And even that's not hard to fix..

[@Ntmoffi]

Thankfully I don't have that problem in my state.

[@lockandloadlikehell]

2wd sucked in snow even with snow or ATs and 400 lbs of cement blocks in the bed.

[@michaelkulman7095]

Yes, the shackles rust away, at least in Minnesota...

[@Adioownz1]

Did ford ever make a 2.5L 4cyl with manual 4x4 from the factory? I’ve never seen a 4cyl manual 4x4 ranger for sale

[@chrisp7652]

I had a little 98 Ranger for 20 years. Almost 400k miles with a 4 cylinder manual. 1 water pump and timing belt, 2 clutches, new brakes once are all it ever needed. I would still be driving it if some clown didn’t wreck it. Greatest truck I ever owned.

[@diablocls55]

Hank Hill would approve

[@dwartfarquart9590]

My 87 has 352k when it was t-boned. I am approaching 300k on my 97. Crossing my fingers that I can get 500k.

[@DL-ry3qg]

Are you calling yourself a clown:)

[@rickc303]

As opposed to a big 1998 Ranger?

[@KinoTechUSA69]

Goddamn bro rebuild your suspension.

[@70stastic]

My father ran his '96 2.3 low on coolant and overheated it, warping the head and the head gasket failed between cyl 3 and 4. He drove it 500 miles home on the remaining 2 cylinders. I got the head machined down for $120, put a head gasket on it, and it still runs great today. Rangers are the epitome of "good enough"

[@kirkreed8547]

Lol.. The GED of trucks

[@jamesfranko5098]

How are they good enough if they're a great reliable truck? Good enough is some shit box that just about makes it.

[@trevagraham1605]

@@jamesfranko5098 I thinks he means it has no bells or whistles, but it will always get you from A to B. You know minus the nonsense like heated mud flaps and digital bumper temperature gauges.

[@frankkeel8410]

2003 v6 exten ded cab rust bucket like all Fords. At 80,000 miles.

[@nathangant7636]

I put in an external oil cooler as soon as I purchased my 2001 Ford F150 4.2l six cylinder. It's been a lifesaver several times, in one case my heater core had suddenly cracked an inlet pipe and it drained all the water out of in radiator. Drove 15 miles with no water but the cooler helped it from overheating too much. Also I recently broke a serpentine belt and drove it home without the water pump. Oil cooler helped to keep operating temps down when driving about 10 miles through rush hour traffic. Current compression in all engine cylinders is still going strong at 190-200 psi. Mileage is 177k.

[@rhigh100]

My friend had one. 2.3 4 cyl. He worked 3rd shift. 100 mile round trip. Then when he got home his wife drove it to her job. 125 mile round trip. 5 days a week for years.

[@ghomerhust]

the 2.3 and 5 speed is the ultimate bulletproof build on those old rangers. several hundred thousand is what you expect. 250k is average from the ones i see in the wrecker yards, and most of those are actually from crashes, and the drivetrain looks like it's still fine. rugged simple little trucks

[@wcurtin1962]

Brought mine new in 1994, still driving it.

[@Wedge_lord]

That’s over 50k miles per year assuming 2 weeks vacation and 5 days per week. Imagine doing an oil change every month just based on miles…

[@GreenBeats11]

I mean that's cool but it begs the question why weren't they driving a Civic or Corolla? That 2.3l ranger gets 21 mpg highway if it has the 5-sp auto. The older 4-sp gets 19. A similar aged Corolla/Civic will probably get 34 mpg and also available manual transmission. if you factor in some city driving we're probably talking a 15mpg split. We're talking ~1300 gallons save per year. Assume $3.00 gas and we get close to 4 grand in after-tax savings per year. They could afford to buy another car, including owning a Ranger + eco Japanese car.

[@DonnieDarko727]

​@@Wedge_lord 780,000 on a 2012 Hyundai Elantra here. 400 miles 6 days a week

[@twosons5290]

Still driving my 1998 Mazda B2500 Purchased with 30k miles has 232k miles in 2024. Still rolling. Never wrecked. Oh yeah

[@patricklinkous]

So glad you mentioned King of the Hill in a Ranger review. Hank Hill was a devoted Ranger enthusiast!

[@Shiznit304]

Hah I barely caught that reference

[@patricklinkous]

​@@Shiznit304I'm not actually sure it was on purpose 😂

[@JamesThomas-kx5sj]

That's honestly one of the reasons I chose a Ranger

[@nathanmcdonald610]

He did upgrade to a Super Duty in later seasons though.

[@michaelkulman7095]

"I'll tell you what..."...

[@honkhonkler7732]

If you get a manual, these are unstoppable.

[@jonc2914]

That's the case with any car. Automatic trannies always die before the motors.

[@Mostly_Peaceful_Protestor]

Agreed. Scarce as hen's teeth though.

[@charliemagoo7943]

I thought that till my transmission started squealing and gave up the ghost in the Texas panhandle in the middle of nowhere.

[@andytaylor6781]

I got a 2000 3.0 manual and a 96 Mazda b3000 I love ❤️ them

[@andytaylor6781]

😂😂😂😂yeah boys 😂😂❤❤

[@stuartpickles6907]

My grandfather had one arm since he was 11. He taught me how to drive a standard on an 88 ranger. He bought it a year old and had it until it was destroyed in the Joplin tornado. 288k miles

[@artstudent1237]

He steered and shifted having only one arm? The things a person can do when they are set on it and/or have no choice despite the obstacles always amazes me.

[@ghomerhust]

your gampa just may have been a badass! a buddy of mine lived by joplin when that rolled through, but he was one of the lucky ones. hopefully the pickup was the worst of their losses

[@lockandloadlikehell]

That was before this gen redesign in 93

[@howelon3099]

@@artstudent1237 could have been an automatic

[@artstudent1237]

@@howelon3099 he said it was a standard though

[@TheRealStitchDaSavage]

I’ve got the same year and engine but with a manual transmission and no back seats. It’s in my top 5 list of vehicles. I’ve only put about 1000 miles on it so far and it had 262,000 already, but you definitely can’t tell. Interior has held up, everything mechanical is good other than the right side dash backlight is out, it rides smooth. Unfortunately the clear coat is coming off of the paint, but that’s just Florida for you

[@bluemodelt]

It's the truck we wanted back and failed to get.

[@mentat1341]

I think in 20 years people might be talking about the Maverick in a similar way. It really is a great truck

[@derekisthematrix]

​Only options are a turbo or a hybrid. Doubt either version will be around after 20 years. P.S. love the profile picture and username. The sleeper has awakened! 😁 ​@@mentat1341

[@JSAFIXIT]

The Maverik is pretty damn close I think. It's small, cheap, useful, and simple.

[@volvo09]

​@@JSAFIXITif only you could get a 2 seater / or extended cab maverick. The 4 door design steals bed space.

[@JSAFIXIT]

@volvo09 Even most full size trucks sold today have a short bed.

[@RigepFroggit]

Had a 2000 Ranger that lasted a bit over 423k miles. When I sold it the old girl had lost some of her pep but everything still worked. You are absolutely right about that generation of Rangers being one of the best small trucks out there.

[@volvo09]

When I was a teen my friend had a 98 (back in 02) he gave that thing a whoopin burning tires off and revving the snot out of it and chirping 2nd gear whenever he could. He had that truck for years and it just kept going, even once we grew out of the abusive teen years.

[@alexo1226]

You had 2.5 liter or the v6 ?

[@RigepFroggit]

@@alexo1226 3.0l v6. Thing just kept going. I abused that truck way more than I really should have and it just never quit.

[@barrya.6212]

@@RigepFroggit All the engines Ford put in this back then were super long lasting.... 2.3 3.0 and 4.0 OHV (not the dreaded SOHC 4.0)

[@fordtruckman80]

I like em so much that I have two. One of them I've had for 13 years. One thing I can say is that these are not perfect trucks. Early 2.3 Duratecs have air flapper issues. 3.0's have cam synchronizer issues, coolant leaks at the timing cover, and 04-06 have poor quality valve seats. 4.0's have leaky thermostat housings and early versions are plagued with timing chain cassette issues. The 4R and 5R transmissions generally won't go further than 175k before needing a rebuild. All of these can be rectified with a little work and upgraded parts, and you still end up with a very reliable truck. One thing I can say is that if you can find them and they're within your price range, buy the Motorcraft parts. I'd rather spend $70 for a part that lasts me 8 years, than pay $40 for a part that lasts me 6 months. It's easy to write that off, but I've bought the cheap parts and I've bought the Motorcaft parts and you can take it from me, it is really frustrating to have to keep replacing the same parts. Your time spent replacing the parts is worth something too, and often makes that $40 part cost the same as the Motorcraft part.

[@scottcrowley2061]

Yeah, and don't buy a Chinese clutch slave cylinder.

[@CGF101]

My neighbor bought one of these with 200k miles we thought he was crazy… it’s going on 425k miles😂

[@DSP1968]

I had a '97 Ranger XLT with the 4.0 V-6. What an anvil! Sold it with 208K miles and it had at least that much life left in it. I have a friend with a 2004 with close to 500K on it, and the engine has not been apart! She is very consistent with maintenance, and I think that is the secret to these, as I was too.

[@skruloos1]

Cant stress that enough about maintenance...

[@calvinkirk1638]

You're right on about the Rangers durability. I have a 2010 with 4X4, 4.0 engine and manual transmission. It now has 215, 000 miles and has been a good vehicle. As a retired auto mechanic I maintained it myself and it pays off. I wish they had continued this old style and updated it with the times.

[@Bekindifnot...]

The New style I think is ugly. I had a 2011 Ford Ranger and I drove it across state 6 times and never had any problems. I assure you, I regret ever selling it. I liked how there's kinda a clear distinction between 90's retro and modern cars trying to be too futuristic.

[@MartinScreeton]

I own a 1998 Ranger XLT 4x4 3.0, best damn little truck I've ever owned! I drove it to florida and back from Indiana @243,000 miles and it did not use a quart of oil! it's now going on 250,000 without any major problems.

[@derrickdollar9038]

I got 01 4.0 18 years just hit 260k runs like a champion

[@bigshow5173]

I have my fathers 2009 with v6 he hardly drove it before he passed. Extremely clean in and out with only 35k miles.

[@Pyrrhus0331]

My father recently passed and mom is giving me a 2008 v6 4x4 . Gotta drive it from Seattle to the SF Bay Area so I’m learning what I can, never owned a ford truck just Tundra’s

[@volvo09]

Wow, what low mileage!

[@jasonroberts5746]

He is absolutely right about these trucks. I bought a 2007 Ranger with the V6 for $4,000 7 years ago and inherited a 1996 ranger 4 cylinder. Both still running strong. If you have any mechanical ability, you can work on these things and it doesn't cost a fortune.

[@Flies2FLL]

I had a Ford Aerostar with that 3.0 liter "Vulcan" V6 engine. They give no problems whatsoever and just run and run and run. They have a tendency toward oil leaks, but that's about it.

[@cdos9186]

In the winter and salt prone areas I've seen where the oil leaks actually help prevent rusting haha. The parts that were all dry tended to rust really bad due to the salt, and the areas where the oil coated everything was spotless underneath. I guess the oil leaks aren't so bad if you watch the oil level lol.

[@kamryn7496]

I put a brand new 3.0L in my ranger an it still wanted to leak something lol the rear main is leaking on it talk about bad luck lol

[@sorrowcat2724]

I beg to differ. These all start to gush coolant from the timing cover around 180k and the rear main seals go at about 150k.

[@M_Phipps0520]

The ranger 3.0 is prone to valve seat collapse

[@gregedmand9939]

I had a Mercury Sable with the 3 litre. It was a pretty sweet ride.

[@danf4616]

Have a 98 XLT 4x4 4L. 230K miles still runs. Tows a 3500lb boat just fine. Only repairs have been coil pack and idler pully.

[@barrya.6212]

4.0 OHV ...yes?

[@trevagraham1605]

Bought my 93 Ranger with the 2.3 in it in 2004 with 120k miles on it for $1000. It currently sits at 328k miles. Its been the best purchase I've ever made.

[@tedecker]

Almost the same story here: I bought my 94 Mazda (same truck) in 2002 with 120k miles. It’s got the 4.0 v6. Paid more ($5,500) but I’m still daily driving it with 335k on the clock. Like you, it was the best money I’ve ever spent. Was offered $3k for it last year.

[@trevagraham1605]

​@@tedeckerthat 4.0 Cologne motor is the holy grail for the Ranger/B series. You scored a major gem!!

[@ronwinkles2601]

I bought a 1999 Ford Ranger XLT extended cab 2 X WD automatic with a 4.0 ltr engine and 3.52 rear end. I bought it two years ago for $2000. I spent another $2000 on it mechanically doing everything to put it in 1st class shape. The body was perfect with no rust. It runs like a top, gets 18 to 22 mpg every day and even peals rubber. Today, it has 177K on it. The little thing runs so good, and it is so easy to park, drive and work with compared to my 2019 Ram 1500. I pick it every time I need to do a small job or just run around town. To reward it for being such a good little truck, I had it painted back its original Amazon Green with extra high gloss clear coat. Every where I go it gets comments. I have invested $5700 in it since I bought, and I could get that back in a minute, so I've been driving for two years for free. On the other hand, my 2019 Ram 1500 has depreciated $20,000 in the last four years.

[@rdallas81]

My 2004 Ram Hemi has 300,000+ on it.

[@Chrissurfs]

That 4.6 Ford engine you praised was also from this era. Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Wizard.

[@EyePatchGuy88]

That 4.6 Coyote is one of the best engines ever made.

[@chrisdaigle5410]

@@EyePatchGuy88 Ford calls the 4.6L engine the modular family. The mod engine was even turned into the V10 engine in the Ford trucks. The Coyote is an offshoot of that family.

[@hank1556]

I have 400k miles on my 2005 F150 4.6. Great engines. Just bought a ZF5 4x4 F250 2V 6.8 V10. Very happy with it

[@halfcrazedrob]

The Ford Ranger (aka Mazda B Series) is a blank canvas truck where simplicity shows its strength. Almost a quarter million miles on my 03 4.0 manual 4x4 and it keeps going.

[@kokocostanza2036]

Just a little info, the back seats in this sit sideways, too. They just fold up that way to clear the area for the rear doors. They lower down forward, but the backs then raise up towards the door when closed.

[@stevedeleon8775]

I own a 2002 S10 2.2 automatic that i bought brand new ..it has 150,000 original trouble free miles..No leaks..No major problems other than maintenance parts..😍👍

[@RalphTempleton-i9e]

I totally agree with your assessment of the ranger. I own a 2008 with the 3.0 engine. Base hp for this year is 155, torque values aren't given but I suspect sub-200 pound feet. It's no powerhouse, but with the addition of cai and tuned exhaust the difference is noteworthy. It does all I ask of it, including towing way beyond what you'd think it could. At 155,000 miles I have every expectation of seeing 250k or more. Just keep on top of maintenance and fluids and they provide years of trouble free service

[@user1hacker622]

Yo id like to know more about this

[@RalphTempleton-i9e]

The exhaust is from MBRP, a cat-back single that bolts right up and uses existing hanger brackets. All I had to do was cut the pipe to the proper length(different bed sizes and cab options mean different tube length). No welding or other cutting needed. Easiest exhaust work I've ever done. The intake is from AFE power and is just as easy to install. Power gains are claimed as 25 hp for exhaust and 15 for intake, IDK but the throttle response is excellent now, so there's something there. I went to larger tires to balance out the package.your neighbors might not appreciate the exhaust note, it is noticably louder, but very pleasing to the ear!

[@donvito2682]

I just bought a 2008 Ford Ranger. It has 112,000 miles on it and drives like a dream.

[@hughbrackett343]

On my vehicles with failed coil packs, I also found plugs worn way out of spec or bad wires. If you jump on it at the first sign of misfire, you might avoid killing the coil pack. One tip on these trucks: Take a hard look at the rear frame. They like to rust out on Northern trucks.

[@enricopolazzo33]

4.0L 4wd is a great truck

[@bradlopez3681]

Just got one I’m in love

[@markcomeau3236]

I got a 09 4l 5spd 4x4 with Ranchos and skid trays

[@raross6119]

Had93with factory high lift still going lots of desert rock climbing

[@zadokmotorfreight2423]

💯

[@fishstyx5945]

workin on refurbishing a 98 one at the moment.

[@ruben3305]

I had a 94’ 4 banger power Range and I loved that thing. The OG owner kept a detail log of maintenance and fuel. I’ve hauled 2.5k lbs of bricks for a home project and that little 5 speed truck ran like a champ. The rust is what killed it since living in Iowa can really destroy vehicles within 5-10 yrs. I miss that little truck.

[@aniquinstark4347]

I love my little 2001 Ranger. It's dependable, reasonably fuel efficient and super practical as a work truck. You can get a whole lot done with just a Ranger and a toolbox.

[@TheOldMachines]

Just worked on my neighbors 2000 Mazda b3000. Easiest vehicle I've ever worked on, actually a pleasure to work on. Very good machine

[@TheJmich2001]

Thats why I have three of them.......thank you for affirming my theory Mr Wizard!

[@JSFGuy]

Where are they? You've got a channel you could upload to.

[@applesauce1680]

My old 4 banger dutifully hauled home an overloaded face cord of firewood yesterday as well as it has the last 30 years. Looking forward to it continuing to do so as long as I can still load and unload it.

[@arriagada1957]

The best truck is the one the maintenance was done correctly during yrs of use...in that case Toyota,Nissan... Ford ranger with Mazda motor..Ford 150..Chevy Express...all of them will last you for long time ..!

[@yogisfriend7869]

I own a 1998 Ranger 4.0 that I purchased new after owning a 1990 4.0. This rig has left me stranded only once, and that was in front of my house. A corroded crank position sensor was the culprit. Other than some oil consumption at 257K mi due to what I believe to be worn valve guides I have no complaint. I own some classics and yet this Ranger is the one that constantly gets notes on the windshield. "would you consider selling?....."...nope. I'm honestly considering a restoration if/when it dies. I'll have a dependable rig at the size I prefer and parts that won't break the bank

[@alb12345672]

I have a 96 Explorer with the 4.0L OHV it is limited with every toy, digital climate, basically the same dash as a ranger. I put in a 7" Nav radio and I love it. 4.10 gears. Actually used the 4 low off road had a ton of fun with it. 200K miles. It is a second truck but always starts on the first crank. My neighbor bought a new Jeep a few years ago, it was a POS, he said he can't believe how reliable mine is. He thought it rode much better too. I picked him up from the dealer a few time :lol:. The Jeep is long gone. He has an older Ranger now.

[@bendino9016]

do some research on oil and additives and maybe you can bring the oil consumption down or help the piston rings or valve guides. guys like you that take care of their vehicles are hard to find. great job! i have a 2011 silverado with 240k miles, and its all original except brakes and some suspension components.

[@barrya.6212]

You have the 4.0 OHV version right? ...say's 4.0 EFI on the intake manifold....

[@yogisfriend7869]

@@barrya.6212 correct

[@iannelli2448]

Great video and absolutely agreed! Recently, I set out to find the "newest 3rd generation 4x4 Ford Ranger with the least amount of miles" that I could find, with the intention of it being my "forever" truck. I'm a late 20s homeowner who works from home and has a lot of hobbies and interests that involve hauling heavy stuff. I also have a big family and want to be someone they can depend on when they need to move, etc. I found a 4x4 2011 Ford Ranger XLT with the 4.0L V6 with only 52k miles. Dealership had it listed for $17.9k. When it was new, with the options included, it was about a $26k truck. So, kind of expensive for a 12 year old vehicle, but... truly the last of its kind. It was manufactured in Tennessee and spent its life in the south, meaning... no rust! I snatched it up within moments of the listing being posted and got it delivered to my home. It's such a joy to drive! So simple, so dependable, so fun. Gas mileage sucks, but that's basically the only downside. I think I will drive this sucker for 20 years. It fits in my garage, too! "They don't make 'em like they used to."

[@IanFrancisco-CAPianoman]

I have a 2000 Nissan Frontier with the KA24DE and 5spd. It has 214k miles and many original parts; clutch, rear brake shoes, water pump, radiator, engine transmission. Runs good as new. All I've done under the hood is an alternator and radiator hoses and thermostat. Kept the fluids replaced including transmission and differential oils. It's really helped that this has lived its entire life in California!

[@thecuss6817]

I have 1998 and 2004 Frontiers with same KA24DE (timing chain) and 5spd, the best combination. These trucks (at 274K and 116K miles) have great AC (Arizona), get 26 mpg, and fit in a garage. With 143 hp (compared to 82hp in my 1988 Mazda B2200 Cab Plus truck), much better driveability too. And 2004 and earlier Frontiers fit in my garage.

[@MassiveTrackHunter]

Best thing to do with old trucks like this if you can't garage it nightly: (Per the Wizard) "Fix the big problems and get the miles out of it", get under it and soak the rust with rust killer every chance you get. The little Rangers are the one Ford I would gladly drive, as everyone I ever knew with one, never had issues.

[@zachlafond2652]

My first vehicle was a 1985 ford ranger regular cab 4x4, no power steering, lock out hubs, 5 speed manual and the 2.3 efi 4cyl. I loved that truck...but rust got it. Would regularly get 25mpg.

[@ericschulze5641]

They wouldn't run if it was raining

[@jimshoe402]

!986 Toyoda CHEAPEST out the door 50K watt $7k.15 years 1 clutch $600 by Dealer 250K .SOLD No Air bag. Pure Love started at-25F and -100F wind chill in Parking Lot.😁😁😁😁😁

[@ngtflyer]

Up until earlier this year, I had a 2011 Ranger XLT with the 4.0L SOHC motor. Had it from new for 11 years, took good care of it. Finally it failed emissions this year and the shop I took it to quoted me $9300 to make it right. Both cats were bad and it needed upper and lower control arms. And the rear timing chain was starting to intermittently rattle. I said no and traded it back in April. No regrets, it treated me well for those 11 years. Did lots of hauling, daily drive, road trips and plenty of good memories. 2011 was the final year for this platform/body style. They truly are great small trucks.

[@md2k8]

These older Ranger's are great compact pickups from Ford.

[@Ggb129]

I know that truck, FORD FREAKIN RANGER I learned stick on a teal 4.0l 93 that my parents still have. Best truck for general truck things

[@donswier]

Had a 98 up to 333k miles. 4cyl 2wd 5spd 2.5 Lima engine. Original clutch. Head never off. Just got tired of small items giving out (A/C, cruise) All the major stuff tough as nails though👍

[@sidviscous5959]

I have a 97 with the 4 cylinder 2.3 Lima engine with 8 spark plugs. It's "only" at 220k miles. An old mechanic told me the 4 cyl with 4 plugs has more power and gets better mileage. BUT he also said the ones with 8 plugs will last waaaay longer. Apparently they are somewhat legendary.

[@seahawks1912]

I have that same 2.3 8 plug engine in a 94 Mazda B2300. I bought it 15 years ago for 1300 for dump runs. After I totaled my daily Mazda 3 last year, I drive the truck now as daily. Been eyeing something newer, but hard to justify 30-40K prices, especially as the old one still drives OK.@@sidviscous5959

[@imaldon1]

My 98' Ranger is approaching 190K miles. Super bullet-proof reliability! Today's vehicles have turned into 4-wheel PC boards with flaky reliability and repair bills even requiring hefty bank loans when not covered by the warranty. Outrageous 😬. Thank you Car Wizard for an excellent car review.

[@lanceripplinger8352]

I've been driving my 2004 Ranger since I bought it brand new. I have the 4.0L SOHC, and it has been fine, along with the 5 speed auto. The 4WD system is a bit finicky at times, but works. The truck has never let me down.

[@mikep490]

Excellent! You got one of the 4L SOHC engines that didn't develop the death rattle. Repairing the chains/guides requires yanking the engine. Fortunately the engine comes out ralatively easy.

[@lanceripplinger8352]

@mikep490 Yeah, I've been very fortunate. I'm sure it helps I am religious about oil changes, too.

[@mikep490]

@@lanceripplinger8352 As I recall, it was the guides that wore out. The SOHC had a timing chain to power the center shaft, which powered a front and rear sprocket via 2 additional chains. Ford used a single head design, thus the cause for "death rattle" in some. Then some of the models of the engine had a 4th chain to drive a counter shaft, but I don't know if that model was installed in Rangers.

[@odinporter8011]

​@@mikep490 Yes 4x4 4.0 sohc rangers got a balance shaft bringing the total number of timing chains to 4.

[@hakeemsd70m]

It's a shame, I'd much rather have the 4.0 over the lead weight that is the 3.0 Vulcan.

[@dannyvernon1098]

I still have sitting in my driveway the 1996 Ranger XLT Supercab I bought brand new. 2.3l 5 speed. It has about 250,000 miles on it and after putting a little money in it back in the spring, is running great. I don't drive it daily, but I could. The only 2 major things I've e done to it is replace the ball joints a couple years ago, and new clutch at about 160,000 miles, and it didn't need it then, turned out to be a bad throw out bearing, clutch itself was in great shape but went ahead and replaced it anyway (with an upgraded clutch pack). Pretty much everything else has been basic maintenance. I checked the mileage on it when I got it out of the shop back in the spring, and was getting 30+ mpg. I still have people to this day asking if I would sell it. It's been a great little truck and I hope it outlasts me, and it just might.

[@5556ranger]

I bought my XLT Ranger supercab brand new in 99. Now with over 200,000 Mi on it runs perfectly.

[@tmurrayis]

I love my 2011 FX4. Oh and the jump seats in the back do face sideways. My grand kids love riding in them (for very short distances LOL)

[@jundialhaqiqa9907]

I agree that this and their Mazda counterparts are great trucks. I still see them all the time even ones from the 90's.

[@nicolopaganini1608]

Yes 1996 Ranger still my daily drive... little loving care for it and keeps on ticking... Not a Toyota but a Ford Motor company product... How many 1996 taco still rolling not rusted out?.

[@JBishop25]

I bought a 99 Ranger, single cab, 2wd, 5 speed manual with factory 2/65 air. That thing was bulletproof. I’ve been looking for one lately to run errands in and toss stuff in, but here in central NY, they are all rotted out now because of the salt.

[@Richardsmithabcd]

My first ranger, 88 regular cab 2wd shorty. I sold it at 20 years, and everything still operated normally. 287k miles. I purchased an 08, exactly the same 2wd shorty. I installed an eaton tru-trac, "posi differential." I live in snow country. I still own it, and it still looks new. I would buy another, someday, except the price doubled when the new model came out.

[@nickprioletti7221]

My 2006 2.3 has 390,000 miles! It's my daily driver/work truck.

[@nicholasbeane6414]

My grandfather has this exact year and color but the 4 cylinder. He bought it used with 24k miles 20 years ago and is his daily. I surprised him by pulling a rear bumper in great condition at a junkyard after his old one was damaged in an accident and helped make that pickup feel complete again and made his day.

[@davidbigley7018]

For sure. I had a 1998 Ranger XLT with the 2.5L with a 5speed. I had that truck for 13 years. I got it with 43,000 miles on it and put over 150,000 miles on it. The thing that killed it was a burnt valve. I did not have the money to rebuild or replace the engine so I had to get rid of it. I wish I could have fixed it. I miss that truck. Also the clutch on it lasted the whole 190,000+ miles surprisingly.

[@davidlp3019]

Clutch can last the life of the car depending on how you drive it. Highway driving and rev matching and low rpm take-offs maximise its life. My civic has 226,000km original clutch I've never changed it.

[@jackhouston357]

I've HAD 4 Rangers OVER THE YEARS AND I AGREE!

[@michaelbenoit248]

When I used to work at an independent automotive shop we had these in all the time. Mostly for basic stuff. They’re pretty tough trucks. These things refuse to die. Everything else on the truck was falling apart around the truck itself.

[@danwahl5231]

Bought one for my kids to learn how to drive. They learned to drive a stick. Didn’t get any speeding tickets, couldn’t haul around a lot of people and if they had wrecked it, I figured they wouldn’t do too much damage and I would only be out about 4k for another one. They hated it at first but were sad when I sold it. Used it to teach two teenagers and sold it for more than I bought it for. Great little truck.

[@sohackitj]

I've had a 1999 Mazda B2500 5MT since 2004. In 19+ years I've only had the check engine light twice. Once for a bad egr pressure feedback sensor, and once for a bad injector. The original coil packs lasted 23 years. The truck is still a daily driver with a bit over 243000 miles. No major repairs. I've had multiple people asking if I'm interested in selling it, not anytime soon.

[@MattLikesGaming]

I have a 2001 gmc sonoma and get asked every so often if I want to sell. They just dont make small trucks like they used to.

[@joedorcas]

I had a 1994 Ranger SPLASH edition regular cab with the 4.0L and a 5 speed. That little fart, my cousin and I took it back in the bush behind his mom’s place to get sand. We filled up the box RIGHT to the top. It squatted maybe half an inch if that. I wanna find another one.

[@tstepp8557]

I have a 1997 ford ranger and a mazda b3000 which is the same. The ranger has 350000 on it and the mazda has 225000 on it both still run great! Had a 91 ranger before that.

[@brianwaldo2642]

My 2002 Explorer Sport 4.0L with only 180,000 kms is still going strong and running well. I did have the tranny rebuilt a couple of years ago and valve cover gaskets last year. Other than that, it’s been normal scheduled maintenance. It’s the perfect vehicle for me here in 🇨🇦 and gets me around in the snow effortlessly.

[@WC3fanatic997]

The standard 3.0 V6 Vulcan engine may be called the "3-Point-Slow", but they are literally half-million-mile engines; when I was in the market earlier in the year, there was not only a crap ton of these things for sale everywhere, but I saw a startling amount of them in the 300K, 400K, and some even 500K miles that looked in relatively good shape. A gentleman I know who has a mess of cars says he has several that are over 300K, and one his dad had drove for decades with almost 600K. Hell, just reading the comments here, the only times these things truly die is when some freak accident happens and it's literally destroyed. They are apparently notorious for rust, though, but few people seem to want to discuss where they were kept to _get_ this rust. For the record, all the ones I saw with bad rust seemed to disclose that they were kept in salt-road states. However, Wizard, I disagree with your assessment that these trucks aren't worth putting money into; aside from the fact every vehicle is a tool, and can be useful, especially a truck, these things are part of a discontinued segment of super small trucks that are exceptionally useful and desirable, easy to work on, cheap and easy to find parts for, with engine options that, as mentioned, can go seemingly indefinitely as long as you keep oil and coolant in it. I hear so many stories of people thrashing these things and loading them up with loads and tasks meant for bigger trucks and they do it without complaint. Aside from the fact that newer cars are not only exponentially more expensive, but just plain becoming notorious for all their extra, less-desirable addons that seem to become more and more required by the day (here's looking at *_YOU_* little kill switch the dubious, significantly untrustworthy Government wants to put on all new cars). They are little trucks that can do big truck things.

[@adjacentchannel]

I've got an '03 Mazda B2300 with a manual, exact same model as the Ranger 4cyl with the 2.3l engine. I have had it parked as a standby vehicle for my household just in case something else were to break down on me. Could have sold it during the inflated pandemic used market but I knew it would have been a pain to find a replacement vehicle. If gas prices go crazy again, I'll park my E150 and drive the B2300 again. It easily kept the mpg in the 30-40 range.

[@scottimusgarrett15]

These are great trucks, but they're hard to find where I live, because no one sells them! This is a fine example of one of these. If anyone's interested, Sarah n Tuned did a full resto of one of these puppies, and it turned out fantastically! Thanks, Mr. and Mrs Wizard!

[@courtney5796]

My son scored a 2002 Mazda B4000 for $2000. 115K and ZERO leaks from the motor or trans. My mouth literally dropped open when we went to look it over. What 21 year old vehicle has no leaks at all. Crazy to me.

[@JdanielJones-o1p]

I've got 85 s10 4x4 & 97 xlt 4x4 ranger..Both great trucks

[@maxseed4730]

I still have my 98 ranger that I bought new in June of 98 .. has the 2.5 5 speed.. 167k on it.. still great running

[@DEG-3]

I had a 4.0L V6 5 speed regular cab Ranger. Never had any major issues. It had nearly 300k miles on it and was nearly 25 years old when a tree fell on it. I miss that truck. 😢

[@gixxer750r3]

I am on my third Ranger. My current one is a 2011 (the last year of this body style) and I love it. Yes, they do last forever. Best of all they have a longer bed than most newer midsize trucks, albeit at the expense of four doors, although it does have those little access doors that give me ability to get to my tools I keep behind the seats. Overall I have put well over 250,000 miles on my Rangers.

[@donsab-xz4so]

Yeah, the new generation body is too big--might as well get an F150

[@arnoldschmidt2753]

Nothing last forever except God's Word.

[@Doc1855]

We’re on our 4th Ranger. It too is a 2011 4WD with the 4.0L , but ours has only 36K miles

[@coletrickle-km7cl]

What alot of ranger owners don't know is the 1993-1994 2WD standard cab splash model was fords sportstruck. VERY stiff springs. Thicker front sway bar. And a rear sway bar. That let's it just zing around corners like a SVO mustang. Corner hard enough and It will pick the inside rear tire off the ground like a old VW golf GTI does. Suprizes the heck outta modern sports car owners. Match up the 4.0 v-6 and the stick shift and you have the fastest all-around ranger ever made.

[@CharlesWilson-zs3vd]

I have a 94 splash, 6 cylinder.

[@scottcrowley2061]

Surprising good weight distribution for a mini-truck! I'm talking 03 short bed. Fun handling little daily driver.Bravo Ford.

[@CharlesWilson-zs3vd]

@@coletrickle-km7cl Thanks for the information, Brought a 94 used splash, needed some work, but runs like a champ

[@coletrickle-km7cl]

@@CharlesWilson-zs3vd most of these splashes I see have the wrong tire size on them if they still have the original wheels. cause the selection of tires in 235/60R-15 size is slim. I recommend BFGoodrich radial T/A's if you want stock tire size. I'm typing about the muscle car tire version not the off road version. They've been making that tire for 50 years. Or you can bolt on most 1994-2004 mustang wheels if you want to upgrade to a larger wheel.

[@CharlesWilson-zs3vd]

@coletrickle-km7cl Thank you. I will check into it.

[@EdKy101]

Ford switched the grills to the honeycomb style in 2003 as well as some updated interior pieces. Source: I owned one in 2003 with that sweet 4.0, 5 speed and 4wd

[@gcanada3005]

Just retired my exploder 4.0L 5spd auto. Motor still ran great as did everything else even air conditioning. Tranny needed servicing and steering pump blew. My wife wanted a new car. Made me take hers because it was 5 years old. If someone put $1500 into my old Exploder, +$500 I got. Hell of a truck for $2k. It would tow 4000 pounds no problem had the Eddie Bauer so the seats were great. Sad to see it go. But it’s cheaper than a divorce

[@Turk_85]

Actually the honeycomb was introduced in 2001 on the 4x4 and Edge (torsion bar 2wd) Rangers pared with the "domed" (powerdome) hood. This style grill ran from 2001-2003 on the 2wd coil spring Rangers and was pared with the "flat" hood. Source: Ranger enthusiast (and TRS member) since getting my first around 2000, my dad owns a 2001 4.0L 4x4, and I intend to swap my 99 4.0L 4x4 to the later 01-03 nose along with a drivetrain swap from an Explorer.

[@Turk_85]

@@gcanada3005 "cheaper than a divorce" IMO that's questionable. Wife wanting a new car, that's fine. Taking wife's car because you want to, that's fine. Wife MAKING me take her car, not happening. Choosing to drive wife's old car and keep your old one as a a toy/project/backup, that's fine. Wife MAKING me get rid of my vehicle, not happening. Of course, this is coming from someone perpetually single with a car and 4 trucks. 4 vehicles registered, insured, and drivable. Three of the trucks could be considered projects, though the parked one is paitently waiting for its turn. If a woman comes into my life and says something's got to go, it's going to be her. So, maybe there's a reason I'm perpetually single.

[@gcanada3005]

@@Turk_85 Wow no wonder you are single. That truck was 20 years old and a winter beater. It needed work and got 14 MGP. My “new” car needs nothing and gets 52MPG since new, still under PHEV warranty and paid for. I drive a 2014 Mustang Roush stage 3 in summer. Last of the old style. So I’m good big shot. No need for multiple junker trucks, to “feel” cool. No need to call my right hand “honey”. I’m sure you’ll die happily alone.

[@boblash7489]

luv my 2003 ranger 2.3 straight drive,,,,,,2700000 on it and still runs and drives like new,,,,,factory ac still blowes cold

[@MrSupro]

The main problems with these trucks are the plastic interior and exterior trim just decomposes from the sun. Otherwise they are fine. So cheap that if it does do its final fall apart you just dump it and find another. Otherwise they just keep running as long as you don’t abuse it.

[@alb12345672]

I have a 96 Explorer limited, same dash as ranger, if I detail it up it can look showroom new. I put in new cruise control switches for $20. Quality is excellent, maybe better than new stuff.

[@terry3193]

Great truck! I have a ‘98 Ranger XLT 4x4, super cab w/3.0 v6 and automatic. It has 265K miles and it’s all original….engine, transmission, differentials, exhaust, etc….never have had a problem. It runs and drives like new….smooth and tight. AC blows ice cold. No leaksIt really is a dog with power but it gets me from a to b and use as an extra truck around the property. I love it. People will random routinely ask me if I want to sell it. It looks great.

[@stevekynard6658]

I'm on my third Ford Ranger. Had a 99 that I sold, an 02 that I gave to my grandson and now have an 04. 2 door, extended cab, brush guard, mag wheels and a color matched camper shell. I wouldn't take a new truck in trade for my Ranger. 175,000 miles and still running strong.

[@Allen-45-47]

My 99 4-cylinder Rager has 8 spark plugs. I'm not sure if it made a difference but my truck has been running strong for many years.

[@jimw91321]

I have a ‘09 Ranger Sport. Everything is original except front brakes, (water pump and radiator, damaged in an accident before I purchased it at 16,000 miles). It’s currently at 79k miles, garage kept and California born and raised. I expect to leave to my Estate, I’m only 78 yrs old, I figure we’re both good for at least another 20 years, both in excellent shape.

[@behindthewolfseyes]

I daily a 2008 with the 4.0 and 236k miles. Rust is the only enemy. We had a 2003 that was a lemon, possibly from sitting in the driveway for weeks at a time (elderly driver's second vehicle). The 4.0 Rangers have surprisingly good acceleration, but suffer from traction issues when unladen, as much as any truck I've ever driven.

[@williamstone4334]

That's why, when I ordered my 2008/4.0 /5 speed I added the limited-slip ($300). Didn't want the useless jump seats so deleted for a credit ($255). Love it. $18,5 out the door, only has 47,000 miles. Rust no problem in SOCAL.

[@IamGroot786]

WOW, that's a clean little Ranger! Last September, I bought a 2004 XLT from my neighbor with 163,000 miles on it. Mainly for my middle boy to have as his first vehicle and for the both of us to have a project to bond over in the garage. It's a 4.0 V6 with the 5-speed manual. It's great to see him learn to drive a stick shift and being underneath the truck as we work together replacing pretty much all of the major fluids such as the transmission and differential. You're right, the darn thing runs like a clock! Next spring I'm hoping to find a new bed for it since the rust here in the snow belt has taken its toll on the original one.

[@Spanky8402]

I would rather have the 2.3 4 cylinder Ranger, like you said in the video. I should have kept my 1st car, a 2.3 1989 Mustang. I was young and dumb. I wanted a V8. Now that gas is high, I can't think of anything dumber I did. The car was a hatchback, which I was able to get bigger items in that smaller car, which I left the hatch open a few times to move stuff on slower roads. A 2.3 Ranger, extended cab would be a dream for me to own right now.

[@travis4798]

Only time I've ever seen a Ranger or older explorer for that matter "blow up" is because of lack of maintenance. People usually drive these into the ground and not touch fluids, joints, etc on them for over 150k miles. Transmission give out? Yep that fluid has been in it since new. If your differential fluid is silver and transmission fluid black, it's probably time to change it lol!

[@iLupi]

I love these Rangers so much! They’re so small, dependable, and capable. Grandfather’s manual Ranger is well over 300k miles by now and is still chugging along 20 years later! Probably will for at least another 20 years at this point too, haha! 😂❤it eventually replaced the Aerostar and Escort they had. Good times with all of those cars.

[@Handsomemangame]

Had a 94 best vehicle ever owned

[@JeTTRod]

I got 785,000 kilometers our of my '86 with a 2.9-5sp(5 sp had to get fixed twice, motor was never opened, and 534,000 so far with a '97 and the 4 banger, 5sp, untouched aside normal maintenance... The 4 banger is getting a 302 once the 4 pot craps out...

[@lightedfirecracker]

Got a 97 ranger with the 2.3 and a 5 speed. Been a great truck can’t go wrong for 2k. Put about 50k miles on it so far with no issues. Good gas mileage too!

[@ddellwo]

I’ve had two Rangers - both purchased new. My first was a ‘97 4x2 short box regular cab with the 2.3 four banger. At 235k (about 10 years ago) I gave it to my niece to use as her high school vehicle. She eventually sold it to one of her neighbors and it is still in use today - I even get to see it sometimes when I head up to Dallas for a visit! My second and current Ranger is a ‘09 4x2 two-door extended cab Sport with the 4.0 SOHC. It is pristine inside and out with just a shade over 30k on the odometer and is part of my stable of collector vehicles. I am actually surprised by how much attention that vehicle gets whenever I take it out for a drive - I think it’s mainly because people just aren’t used to seeing a Ranger from this era that still looks like it just rolled out of the factory…….😂

[@TonyNick-i5t]

I Have a 04 b2300 no options manual. rear seal leaks oil but still runs and shifts great. luckly, the orignal owner never drove it in the winter so just surface rust no rot. my dad had an 01 xlt brings me back to my childhood

[@thomasdearment3214]

I was looking for a smaller truck. I bought a Ford Ranger Why, at that time. Chevy had carburetion. on all their V6 and that's what I wanted a V6, Chevies were under powered, but they did ride nice. and Dodges while nice were over my price range a V6 ranger was also hard to find all were 4s I did finally find one it was a ford. and no regrets

[@stephenbacks3100]

I bought a new 2001 in 2002 for only $13,000. My father-in-law still drives it with 160,000 miles. It has the same engine and a (French built!) 5 speed automatic. I repainted it once (beautiful deep green color), and I’ve repaired the rear door latches and tailgate latch. It drips a little oil, but still runs and looks great.

[@306_cstm]

I have a 2001 ranger that i daily drive. I live on a farm which is a 10 mile drive down a dirt road. It takes a beating, cold starts like a champ, and its cheap to get parts for and cheap to insure. If anything happened to it I would just replace it with another one. Great little trucks!

[@Flies2FLL]

Finding one of those for that price in decent shape is the real challenge. Most of them are seriously roached out these days. Great video!

[@Flies2FLL]

@jonathoncook8367 But in decent enough shape? Most of the ones I see are in horrible condition.

[@truckertae9725]

My neighbor bought one for under 7k low miles, no rust he had to go to a different state

[@NamesGolden]

I just picked up a beat up barn find 02 ranger 2.3/5mt for my mom last week. $800 the (last replaced in 2016) "electronic" thermostat was cracked and the fingers that held the stat against the body were broken off. these are $120+ but I swapped it with the 04+ model for $30

[@861-k1t]

I had a 92 with the 4.0. it was great. Had it for years. My youngest son has it today. It was the best vehicle that i ever had.never put much into it. Cluch,brakes, batteries. For years i drove it everyday. Got a nice big car and gave my truck away. I have regretted that ever sense but we do what we think is right at the time

[@tedperzanowski113]

I have an 86 2.9 and a 96 3.0 love them both!

[@furmanmackey5479]

IF a potential buyer could find one of those in "daily driver/beater" condition in our area it would sell for stupid money since folks around here are not buying the current Ranger because that truck is way bigger than what they want or need. Size and overly complicated are the main reasons I purchased a high mileage '05 Chevy Colorado LS 4X4 pickup back in 2019 rather than a newer model Chevy OR Ford pickup. RAM dropped the ball, big time, when the Dakota (my favorite midsize pickup to date) with the V-8 Magnum engine was discontinued.

[@williamcarlson5405]

From WC, I’ve had 2 Rangers, both 4 cyl 5 sp. the first one a 96 that had 8 spark plugs, 4 of them were terrible to change, but not a lot of problems! I sold it for $2000 in 2014 after I bought my neighbors 2003 Ranger with 40,000 miles! That first one by the way carried 4 loads of dirt (that wore 2 inches off the mud flaps!) from my son-in-laws that had ordered too much of for a sidewalk! They were 15 mile trips one way even over a medium mountain! My 2003 Ranger now has 62000 miles on it now, it needed power packs I think they are called and the front end parts that have rubber in them that had rotted over 21 years, the equivalent of one truck payment in 10 years! 2 wheel drive is certainly no match for 4 wheel drive but a little weight in the rear and using your brain will get you through a lot of bad weather situations!

[@dhalvorson8622]

I have an 03 Ranger XLT I bought brand new. I don’t drive it very much so it only has 25,000 actual miles on it. Good truck!

[@scottcrowley2061]

I'll take it.

[@stevegabbert9626]

I have a 2003 Ranger, 156K miles on it, and have loved it since I bought it. The dealer was using it to get parts. 4L V6 and garage stored has kept it looking nice. I was given a thumbs up while putting gas in it. "Worth" is the key, but I'll be driving it until it crumbles to dust, or until I crumble to dust. Doesn't drip a drop of oil anywhere.