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 11 through 20 of 71.00

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  Great for 12 years - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By randy - September 17 - 6:39 am

  I bought this truck new, it was inexpensive and all the more truck that I needed. It was a bit of a challenge in four wheel drive( tough turning) and had very little off road hill power,in my back yard. The engined revved all the time, when stop at stop signs etc and would not idle down, I believe this cause this truck to really use the gas. I had to replaced five idler pulleys because of the screeching from the engine compartment.I changed the oil every 3000- 5000 miles. The truck had 79,000 miles 9-16-09 and without warning the engine went. It was a good vehicle but low mileage and its now JUNK.

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  still going - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By artifishal bait - May 12 - 1:26 pm

  it is the best truck i owned and would recommend it to beginner drivers. i own the 5 speed 3.0L 4 cylinder with 176000 miles and it is flippin awesome to drive and drives like a cadilac

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  Last US truck I will ever own - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By LA24 - February 20 - 5:05 pm

  I got this truck with only 6000 miles on it. It has been nothing but problems here are some. Wheel bearings 10000 miles, endless ignition problems nobody can get it to run right 4 different shops, hubs 29000 miles and i rarely use 4 wheel, front u joints 60000 miles, steering wheel locked up, electrical problem, brake seal 65000, sensors relaced, heater stuck on hot, always some sort on electrical problems. This truck is junk. Dont buy.

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  A sad farwell to a old friend - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Mechaicsville Steve - September 15 - 7:09 pm

  After the years of abuse today I finally retired my old friend the Ranger. (190,000 miles) Bought this truck with 80k on it and never had any major problems, only repairs were basic repairs, leaf springs and a alternator. This truck has been through a lot, multiple deer strikes, a guardrail or 2 and more and still kept on going. Sadly though the list of problems that started to build up on it at 180K have taken its toll and I had to junk it even though it still runs. Amazing is all I can say after the hell I had put it through. Never burned one drop of oil. It was so good on oil that I would only change it every 10,000 miles!

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  Ranger Reliability - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Lone Ranger - August 20 - 10:12 am

  11 years old with 234,000 miles with only normal repairs, brake pads, alternator and battery. The 4 cylinder is not powerful but is reliable.

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  Good Purchase - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Michael - July 19 - 5:31 pm

  V6 5 speed. I bought this used in 2001 with 50,000 miles on and have put 135000 on it still running strong. Had to replace the clutch at 130000 miles. Other than that had no mechanical problems. Truck has not been babied at all. Missed oil changes, driven hard, and still always starts and runs.

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  Junk - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By chuck - March 14 - 12:01 pm

  Nice looking truck inside and out. It now has 118,000 miles on it and most of the front end components have been replaced more than once. The 3.0L v-6 with the automatic is greatly underpowered. It gets bad gas mileage less than 15 mpg. It also has a poor ride. It does not like to go up hills. It has had endless problems with the ABS brakes. The frame is starting rust out

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  1997 Ford Ranger Review - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By richfax - December 27 - 12:15 pm

  I purchased my Ranger with 43000 miles on it in 2002. Five years later Im approaching the 100000 mile mark. I bought this truck as inexpensive transportation to get to and from work. I paid $5900 cash and dont regret it. I havent had to take it in for anything other than oil changes, new tires and a new battery. Replacement tires and parts are very inexpensive and easy to find. My annual out of pocket for maintenance is about $100 per year. The EPA rates the fuel economy of the 4 cylinder (which I own) as best in class. I dont recommend the 6 cylinder if you are looking for good fuel economy because it is worst in class. Cheap, reliable, good mileage- great so far!

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  One Flaw Ranger - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By KD - November 26 - 10:14 am

  I own a 1997 Ford Ranger XLT 4cly. with 99,000 miles to this day. Its been very reliable as the engine, trans, and so on. Only had small problem with frnt brake slide pins outside of normal maint. It has one major exterior flaw: rust! I did wash the underbody every spring it still rusts. Id swear Ford designed this trucks frame to rust out. I suppose if I lived in another state besides Maine (and snow & salted roads) this would not be a problem, or would it.

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  Best Truck Ever!! - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Bob - March 30 - 1:01 am

  I am 18 and this is my first car. I have the manual tranny and it is great. It is ten years old and has never broken down. It gets great gas mileage which is good because I have to pay for everything in my car. The engine is good and has a nice kick but if you dont have the manual I think it will not be as much fun. I do take it off road sometimes, but only on small easy courses. It handles fine on and off road. Overall great first vehicle or farm vehicle, which is what it originally was used for.