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 1 through 10 of 71.00

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  97 Ranger 4cyl 5 speed still runs great 143k - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By dalebass3 - April 3 - 8:56 am

  I bought this truck 2 years ago. I knew it needed a slave cylinder just didnt realize it was inside the tranny. So I had a mechanic buddy do it and replace the clutch and rear main seal while he was at it. Has run great since. Only problem is the A/C. It wasnt working when I got it. Found a big hole in the condenser and then it worked for a couple days but then sprung a new leak in another line with the new found pressure. This seems to be a pretty common problem. Engine runs great for its age. I see a ton of these on the road

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  Reliable with manual, reasonable repairs for age - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By 97rangerlou - October 9 - 10:00 pm

  I purchased my 1997 Ranger XLT Flareside in 2003 with about 60,000 miles. 5 speed manual. It now has 198,000 miles. The only time I had any trouble that prevented me from running was around 120,000 when the alternator went out. That was an easy repair. Other issues: Replaced original clutch two years ago around 175,000 miles. Instrument cluster lights started going out around 150,000 and are all out now. I havent seen a way to get to them besides taking apart the dash. Door chime issue hasnt been solved, but I havent spent time on it. I believe now the fuel injectors need to be replaced.

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  my 97 ford ranger xlt 2.3 automatic tranny single cab - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By coltay69 - February 5 - 2:50 pm

  I bought the truck in june of 2011. It was a decent looking truck , i have put brakes,tires,shocks,fuel pump,sending unit. timing belt,cam shaft seal,cam seal,rear main seal, oil pan seal, valve cover seal, water pump,all dashboard lights,AC asymbaly line, still has leak somewhere in AC, door switch due to inside light stayed on, new battery,new cataylac converter, i have put so many parts on this truck, its cost me over 17,00 in parts alone. Friend did work, when will it end. I know i am forgetting many parts. when is it going to stop, suspension on truck is horrid. front end jumps when hits small anything in road, nothing wrong with it. its the way it was built,now needs window regula

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  Love my ranger - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By mapplema - November 1 - 10:38 am

  I purchased my 97 Ranger in 2004 with 75,000 miles, in 2011 it now has 145,000. The clutch needed replaced when we bought it, also had the slave plate fixed in 2009. Those were the 2 biggest expenses. Being in Ohio, rust has been my only enemy. Ive replaced rusted broken parts as needed, and this thing still runs like a champ. You will be in the shop 2-3 times a year as it gets older, but theyre not expensive trips. Gas mileage is excellent around 23-24 with mostly city driving.

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  Great Truck all around - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By vand - September 20 - 6:03 pm

  I bought this truck in 2001 with 60K on it. It was an excellent, excellent truck. I replaced the alternator around 100K and did normal maintenence on it other than that. It started up every time, fun to drive (although the rear-wheel drive could be a little tricky if the roads were slick), used and abused it. The light bulbs behind the display went out slowly over the years--no big deal. I loaded all kinds of things in this truck over the years. It got great gas mileage. I had owned it for 10 years and put 90K on it when I was rear-ended and the truck was totalled. It could have been a much more serious accident, but the solid construction of this little truck saved me.

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  Still running - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By taylorc - February 17 - 11:01 am

  I bought the truck in summer of 2008 and Its now at 160k miles and still running strong, Ive only replaced the leaf spings from the abuse ive put the truck through. It takes sh!t and smiles

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  Reliable and fun - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Daniel - February 15 - 1:19 pm

  I purchased my truck when I was 16 for 2000 dollers with 120,000 miles. Since then ive put another 90000 miles on it for a total of 210,000 miles with no major hitchs. The truck is quite peppy out of the hole but lacks top end power. Ive had mine up to 110 on a long downhill stretch. Back end is a little light which makes it fun to slide around but scary when over driving a corner.My ranger is two wheel drive and will get stuck in grass if it is wet. This truck needs a limited slip deferential to counter this problem. Cabin of truck is spacious if you are under 6 foot tall. Over all if you are looking for a nice reliable truck this is it. 13 years, 210,000 miles later, and no rust.

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  Awesome Ride - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By James - January 13 - 6:08 pm

  Bought for $2,800 with 118k miles. Have never had a problem except with neutral safety switch not making contact and shifter knob coming off (its the 5 speed manual 2.3L). Runs great and is very fun to drive. Im not a big fan of the sag in the front, but that seems standard with most rangers of the time. It has problems with uphills but nothing major. You can get some serious bounce and slide out of the back which is fun on occasion. I have never gotten lower than 24.3 miles to the gallon and I keep up with it everytime I fill up. It came with 14 inch rims which is a shame because there are not that many off road tires for that size, but i can always upgrade. all in all, an awesome truck!

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  Not bad - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Jason94519 - December 26 - 6:48 pm

  Had the truck for a little over a year, put almost 12,000 miles on it and not a hitch. Bought it with 142,000 and was a bit weary, but got a great cost and I know the Ranger reputation to be good.

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  Has never failed me - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Kevin - November 10 - 11:19 am

  This is my first truck. I got it when I turned 17 and it has been a great car. I dont take care of it and I drive it like I stole it, but it keeps on going. Starts every time and never leaves me stranded. I even wrecked it and I still drive it today without replacing anything but the windshield. It has some problems with the gas line. There is a crack in the filler neck hose so I lose gas onto the ground every time I put gas into it and I only get 17 mpg. It idles pretty rough too. Its pretty fast for a 4 cylinder with the the aero dynamics of a brick. Overall this has been a great truck and Im content with it.