4 Star Reviews for 2003 Ford Ranger

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 31 through 40 of 168.00
  • You get what you payed for. - 2003 Ford Ranger
    By -

    I do like this truck it rides well, especially on the highway. One problem is that the rear is so light. It doesnt handle well if the rode is even slightly wet, never mind snow. The 3.0 engine is all right a bit noisy, and the pick up is just OK. But i never had one single problem with this truck in 18,000+ miles. I would definitely get the 4x4 next time, but I got a great deal on this 03 leftover and couldnt pass it up.

  • oil leak - 2003 Ford Ranger
    By -

    i have had my truck into the shop 3 times for a leak first they told me there was none then they said it was the rear seal then they told me the oil filter was not tight enough ... for 2 years i dont think so i think it is the oil pan which i will fix myself besides the bad experience with the machanic i like my truck , not sure i would buy from that dealership again

  • oil leak - 2003 Ford Ranger
    By -

    i have had my truck into the shop 3 times for a leak first they told me there was none then they said it was the rear seal then they told me the oil filter was not tight enough ... for 2 years i dont think so i think it is the oil pan which i will fix myself besides the bad experience with the machanic i like my truck , not sure i would buy from that dealership again

  • Great Truck Overall - 2003 Ford Ranger
    By -

    Bought this truck as my first new car. Best compact pickup, overall am very pleased with everything. Opt for a 6 cylinder, cause the 4 has no power and lacks great gas mileage. Paint quality isnt very good either. But am overall pleased with the vehicle is fun to drive and looks great with the XLT Appearance package(chrome grill and wheels). Still too new to tell overall reliability!

  • Ranger 4X4 SuperCab 4-Door FX4-Level II - 2003 Ford Ranger
    By -

    Outstanding initial build quality. Tight, perfect paint, no sqeaks or Rattles. Everything screwed together very well. Cabin layout is near perfect and well designed. Switchgear is tactile and solid. 4.0L V6 has plenty of power and torque. BFG All Terrain KO 10.5X31X15s are superb in the snow. Torsen limited slip is a definite improvement over a standard Limited Slip in the snow. Above tires, wheels and rear are specific to the FX4- Level II package. I have the 5 speed Automatic, which was not listed as an option here on the review site.

  • 2003 Ford Ranger - 2003 Ford Ranger
    By -

    Drives well, comfortable interior. Would have liked leather but not available. Reliability has not been great. It sported an out-of-round rear axle from the factory and I thought it may have been just a fluke, but a few months later a front axle bearing went out. These kinds of reliability problems could have been avoided with more care at the manufacturing level. No more problems to report at this time. I feel a little better about the truck now that these problems have been addressed and I have driven it for approx. 10,000 miles since the incident with the front bearing with no other problems to report.

  • No Frills Ford - 2003 Ford Ranger
    By -

    Not to satisfied with my first Ford. Hood was way out of aligned when I got it. Got only 400 miles to a tank. I was hoping for at least 420. Sheet Metal is a small gauge. I can feel the hood actually buckle when I wax. Also the paint is poor quality. Interior is outstanding. Seats are comfortable. Lots of cup holders, and the cup holder can hold a coffee mug with a handle. Instrument cluster is laid out in a good way. Do not like rotary headlight control. Engine very weak in 4th gear. If want to pass, cut off your AC, pop it in 3rd, and hope. Step rear bumper too small.

  • Will Buy Another - 2003 Ford Ranger
    By -

    Have had truck for 10 months & 11,000 miles. Has been 100% trouble free. Be sure to get the 4.0 Liter V6. The extra cost is worth the grin-factor. Considered the Tacoma, but for the same equipment it would have cost about $5K more. The extra cost was not worth the possibly better reliability. Plus with the Ranger I bought a 75K mile extended warranty so whats to worry about. Im way ahead on $$

  • 2330 ford ranger - 2003 Ford Ranger
    By -

    so far so good more truck for less money compared to the toyota tocoma.

  • Second Ranger - 2003 Ford Ranger
    By -

    The Edge is a very precise handling truck, due in large measure to its suspension I suppose. Dont move the steering wheel unless you want the truck to change direction. In trade for that precision handling, you sacrifice ride comfort. It is a rough ride, and the seat quality leaves a lot to be desired, but then again, this is a sport truck. At 20000 the idler pulley went, and the windshield is typical Ranger in that anything harder than treesap will chip, crack or break the glass. The fog lights are not simply a coolness thing. They work well. Easy in and out, except the jumpseats, and easy to clean interior.

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