Overview & Reviews

Ford introduces its brand-new five-speed automatic transmission to the 1997 Ford Ranger lineup. Available with the V6 engines, the five-speed automatic is designed to improve the Ranger's acceleration, towing and hill-climbing ability.

• Great looking compact truck with a cornucopia of engine choices and options.

• We wish the base engine were stronger, and that a third door was offered.

User Reviews:

Showing 61 through 70 of 71.00

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  No Worries - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By EricL - August 28 - 2:00 am

  Ive had more Ford Ranger since mile 7 and it has been a trusty member of the family. It is the only car I own and I drive on average a hundred miles a day as a single working parent and rarely have to worry about "shiny" (as my daughter has named it).

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  Rockin Ranger - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By mrs. hall - August 26 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun truck! Only been in the shop twice in its 60K miles (defective thermostat). With good care I expect at least 140K out of this truck. Interior design is very functional, controls easy to reach, seating very comfy. Definately has typical truck- like suspension ( you feel every bump! ) but its a small price to pay for a great truck!

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  Hard to Part w/ A Wonderful Truck - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By StanFurlow - August 16 - 2:00 am

  One ownerGood Ride (use 70lb sand bag in bed/3 for snow=4WD)Once you find a good seat position its OK (heated/vibrating seat cushion-long rides)70,000K milesGreat paint-willow green (has purple metallic in it)front of stepside catches rocks/sandUse rubber bedliner and leave long on all sides + tailgate rubberHave removable kayak/lumber carrier on bed sides- doesnt allow cap/locking topBit notchey in shiftVery, very few minor probsDome light fixed w/switchRegular oil changes4cyl but wish for V6 at timesOnly on 2nd set of tiresA/C bogs down engine however w/o A/C is worse

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  Excellent Small P/U - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Jordan Murphy - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Excellent small Pickup. No problems in 1.5 years--bought used. Poor fuel economy w/4.0L V6 (14/15 MPG). However, great in snow, and sporty.

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  A great vehicle! - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By mrbower - August 10 - 2:00 am

  I have owned many vehicles, including ultra-luxury models, and this is the most reliable, most comfortable vehicle I have ever owned. I purchased it from the dealer with 15000 miles on it and the only problem it has ever had was the adjustment switch for the driver side o/s mirror failed and was replaced under warranty. The 4.0 engine has enough power for any situation and gets reasonable economy for its size. Handling is superb. My next vehicle will probably be a Ford SUV, as I will be needing a little more room.

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  Great and Horrible - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Lee Diane - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Good ride. starts every time. steering good. interior nice. handles well. now for the bad stuff. Have had nothing but problems with 4 wheel drive. tough to get it to shift out of 4 wheel -since it was new! 5 trips to dealership were fruitless. tranny hangs up sometimes between gears. learned to live with it at 60,000. electrical problem solved at 30,000.

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  Great Truck - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By evill - June 19 - 2:00 am

  This has been an outstanding vehicle. We have put over 80,000 miles on it with absolutely no problems. The V6 engine is quite adequate for fast acceleration and for hauling large loads/trailers. The best selling small pick-up for a good reason.

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  My review - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By ljscmm - June 9 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is one of the worst Ive ever had. I had to get a complete tune up at 45,000 miles. I will never own another Ford. I also had to replace the mechanism that keeps the seat from falling back.

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  Maintenance/Repair Nitemare - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Douglas P. Smith - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Major mechanical problems after 70,000 miles. Over $2,044.08 spent on four repair occasions since 2-08-02 (I have receipts). Just had clutch assembly and slave cylinder replaced at 77,012 miles mostly highway miles). U-Joints, Ball Joints, and injectors thermostat and sensors have been replaced. I will never purchase any vehicle maufactured by this company again. I intend to make known to my friends, family and associates the problems I have experienced with this vehicle in order that they not make the same mistake I did. Obviously, Ford trucks arent built tough.

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  expect problems - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By brandonm - May 2 - 2:00 am

  the ranger is an attractive pick-up that means well, it just had horrible engineers. ive only put on 20,000 miles on mine in the last 3 years (52,000-72,000) and cant believe the problems ive had. ive been stranded, oil changes bring a list of things that need to be fixed, and new electrical problems almost regularly. fuel-pump died on a road-trip leaving my wife and me stranded. after returning home the check engine light came on again and the canister also had to be replaced. not cheap. had to replace all ball- joints, another $700. this shouldnt be happening on a truck with 70,000 miles on it. ill never buy a ford again because of my experience with this truck.