2003 Ford Ranger Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.32/5 Average
168 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

Ford's popular compact pickup receives a number of minor changes for 2003. The 2002 Tremor package, with its ear-splitting 485-watt sound system, returns for 2003 as a trim level, joining XL, Edge and XLT in the lineup. A chrome appearance package for select XLT models is available, and last year's FX4 package for four-wheel-drive Rangers is offered in two guises: Off Road and Level II. New Sonic Blue paint is unique to FX4 Level II Rangers. Other changes to the 2003 Ford Ranger include covered visor vanity mirrors for XLT models, standard step bars on XLT 4WD SuperCab and Edge 4WD models and minor interior trim and fabric revisions on some models. Finally, crew cab rear seats get LATCH anchors, and some new colors are available.

Pros:
  • Strong 4.0-liter V6 engine, handsome styling, variety of trim levels, functional interior.
Cons:
  • Uncomfortable cabin, dated design, no V8 is available, no crew cab configuration.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 168.00
  • First Ford Truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
    By -

    Purchased Ranger based on Price and options. Previously owned Chevy 2WD extended cab pickup. The only current issue is the amount of space in the cab. My S-10 could transport three people easier then the Ranger. My only initial problems were that the door alarm kept coming on because the extended cab doors would not latch tightly enough. Dealership corrected this problem. The heater and air conditioning still gives off a faint odor when being operated. My vehicle currently has 5200 miles

  • 03 ranger - 2003 Ford Ranger
    By -

    The 03 Ford Ranger is a compact truck, so do not compare it to a full size or wish it had a crew cab with a 8 foot bed. If these are the things you are looking for then the ranger is not the truck for you as a matter of fact no compact truck is right for you. I am so tired of reading review after review saying the truck is to small, wish it had a V8, wish it had a crew cab, or that it had a larger towing and load capacity. The truck is a great truck for a compact. It does alright on fuel and I have hauled my fair share of loads without any problems. The truck is comfortable if your not 7 ft tall and weigh 400lb.

  • I love my FX4 - 2003 Ford Ranger
    By -

    This is my second ranger in one year. I chose the FX4 since i really needed the 4wd, and it seemed like a tough truck. As an auto customizer i was looking for a truck to haul engines and to use as a daily driver, and to have a warranty! This truck is great, its perfect as it is as far as ride height and capability. I have done no exterior modifications for the first time on any car, however i did replace the air filter with a high flow and shell out the intake air box. Very happy with the truck.

  • Built Ford Tough! - 2003 Ford Ranger
    By -

    I bought this truck in Feb. of 2009 with just over 30,000 miles on it. In the 4 months I have had it i have put 5,000 on it. I love the 4.0 v6 and the 5spd manual transmission it has great up and go. Gas mileage is great for a truck I average 16 in the city and an amazing 20-23mpg. I love the FX4 package and the stepside bed.

  • Still the best value at this price - 2003 Ford Ranger
    By -

    My 2003 is my third Ranger. I started driving Rangers because I needed a truck, but I refused to drive a 10MPG nightmare. My Ranger is equiped with the 16-valve 4-clylinder engine and 5- speed auto trans, which has adequate power to motivate this 3000 pound truck. When I test drove various samll trucks, I found the Ranger roomier yet sportier than than any other truck priced below $15,000. This is the first Ranger I purchased instead of leased, and I have now owned it for 6 trouble-free years. I wanted a truck that I could get brand new for a payment of less than $300.00 per month. Frankly, I cannot think of many vehicles that are so inexpensive and yet so desirable to own.

  • Nice edge - 2003 Ford Ranger
    By -

    I dont have 4x4 but I have cross a river and had a lot of fun in the mud. Te ranger edge is a nice truck i would recomended to any one.

  • Nice edge - 2003 Ford Ranger
    By -

    I dont have 4x4 but I have cross a river and had a lot of fun in the mud. Te ranger edge is a nice truck i would recomended to any one.

  • Truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
    By -

    I hate this truck, it is uncomfortable,unreliable, and it backfires every 5 miles, so i quit driving it.

  • My 03 Ranger - 2003 Ford Ranger
    By -

    In 14 years of owning my Ranger it only let me down once, thats because the fuel pump died when I got to work. Had to have it towed to the dealer the truck was already 10 years old and built in N.J.

  • Mostly happy, but want 3.0 Liter not 4.0 - 2003 Ford Ranger
    By -

    Im generally pleased. Gas mileage with the 4 liter is 16.5 to 17.5. Having come from a Toyota 4WD, Im used to 22mpg, and would have prefered the 3 liter engine. Unfortunately, Ford stopped offering the 3 liter in 4WD. No problems in 8 months, but the heater/AC still smells. Fords bedliner needs rework on the rear slots for 2x6 partitions. The rear ones are completely enclosed by siderails and stiffener ribs. If the 2x6 is short enough to clear the ribs, it will also fall out. Changing the oil filter is a pain. Bucket seats are great. Upgraded stereo better than expected. No recirc option on the heat/AC. 2002 model.

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