2005 Ford Ranger Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.29/5 Average
68 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The flareside pickup bed option is no longer available. Package updates and revised wheel and tire options round out the changes to the 2005 Ford Ranger.

Pros:
  • Multiple trim levels and options, functional interior, cheap price.
Cons:
  • Dated platform, weak engines, choppy ride, lack of modern features and amenities, no crew cab body style.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 68.00
  • I love it - 2005 Ford Ranger
    By -

    This was my 1st car. Has Never let me down have had it for a year now. I bought it from a salvage yard not salvage just needed a bumper fend and hood. I take it off roading every once in a while does just fine. haul my 4 wheeler with all the time. its a lil light in the back so it tends to slip and slide a lot. only thing i dont like about it is that i had to re seal the rear window because it leaked really bad. other than that just oil changes and on my 2nd set of tires.

  • Long Term Review (8 Yrs) - 2005 Ford Ranger
    By -

    I have had the Ranger for 8 years, and it has NEVER been in the shop. 1 set of brakes and 1 set of tires. Regular maintenance. Driven from CA to TN 4 times. CA to AZ countless times, towing 2 waverunners. Last week, the heater controll valve broke, but thats the only problem ever. Interior/exterior still looks new, except for someone backing into it 2 weeks ago. New complete rear bumper/Taillights ($260). In body shop next week (minor damage). Still gets 26 mpg on the hwy. Not a luxury car, but its one of the best vehicles Ive owned. Thought about selling it, but love it too much. Going to add custom upgrades and drive it for another 8 yrs. See the rest of post for more info.

  • Needs more power - 2005 Ford Ranger
    By -

    Purchased this vehicle as a way to get around logging roads for camping and fishing and to haul kayaks. Interior is appealing -- very clean and low maintenance. Exterior is very appealing. Paint lacks quality (black). My model EDGE is a 2x4 with 4x4 torsion bar suspension. This makes for some very difficult situations off-road. I have been stuck in situations where a 1 ton Buick could have got its way out -- but not this thing. Drives very nice on twisty mountain highways. The only major concern I have is the amount of engine vibration in the 3.0 L it is very very unstable past 2k and doesnt feel/sound healthy after 3.5k. Fuel mileage is okay if your driving like you are retired.

  • Great little truck. - 2005 Ford Ranger
    By -

    My dad bought the truck to be my future vehicle. Great for around town driving and trips to/from Lowes, not great for heavy hauling and towing. A/C and heater work GREAT because of the small size of the cab. sank this one into a hole while delivering hay and pulled it right out, no damage. the Vulcan V6 leaves some to be desired but it can hold its own. no maintenance besides normal checkups needed. runs like a Swiss watch, never had any strange sounds. the engine does vapor release with a click quite a bit more often then other cars but no problem. The truck gets good mileage but the tank is small. expect to fill up a bit more often. I like to think of it as a car with a large trunk.

  • MY 2005 ford ranger edge 3.0l LEMON - 2005 Ford Ranger
    By -

    I bought it thinking it was great from all the great reviews it had well after new sensors, computer, fuel injectors ,fuel pump,exhaust heaters,O2 sensors ,Brakes,calipers,rotors,The only thing i havent had to replace is the radio it still sounds as good as when i purchased this LEMON, will never purchase a ford again!

  • I agree with Consumer Reports - 2005 Ford Ranger
    By -

    I keep looking at other vehicles simply because I usually trade every 4-5 years. I can not justify trading my Ford Ranger Edge. Im a big man and its very comfortable to drive. I knew I wasnt going to get the mpg of a Focus, so Im not disappointed in the 19-20 mpg that I get. I have an ARE flat top on it and I purchased an extended warranty, which Im sure Ill do agian at a 100,000 miles. I bought the Edge after my wife traded in her Mazda B-4000 LE. I know that was my Edges twin and with over 140,000 miles at trade-in, I felt confident in my choice and I have not be sorry. It has been and continues to be a great little truck!

  • Install a fiberglass shell/ topper - 2005 Ford Ranger
    By -

    Bought this vehicle. Saw the handwriting on the wall that gasoline was going through the roof. Mileage is 24/29 exactly as spec. Clutch pedal stiff and squeaks, no resolution, aftermarket dealer installed A/C problems resolved. window cranks squeak big time, no resolution, Rear leaf spring out of alignment, resolved. The 4 banger lacks a little here in NM, with hills and all but its fine. Installed an Astro bed topper and the handling was much improved, and it looks great and matched the white almost perfectly. After the various bugs, a good set of Continental SUV tires, the thing is doing exactly as expected. You get what you pay for!

  • Not bad for a cheap little truck - 2005 Ford Ranger
    By -

    Bought this truck on a lease for $225/month and havent had a lick of trouble with it. Its no luxury auto, pretty boxy and not a lot of acceleration, but it serves a purpose.

  • Have you driven a Ford lately? - 2005 Ford Ranger
    By -

    I was skeptical to buy a Ford at first, but the salesman convinced me that Fords are built as well if not better than ever.and for the first "3 years or 36000 miles" we loved our truck. Got lots of compliments and it was fun to drive, other than the squeeky brakes. Then mile 36001 came along. Alternator, wheel hub. I do not abuse my truck. It is kept clean and has only been off road 2 or 3 times. I didnt think alternators went bad anymore. Not only do they go bad but they cost a bunch! I thought ok...$100?...nope $500!..Wheel hub...ok....$100....nope $300. Cant wait to see whats next...I am afraid to drive my Ford lately! Hate to see a U.S. company struggle...but "Quality is job 1"

  • 2005 Ranger - 2005 Ford Ranger
    By -

    I bought the truck used about a year ago. Very nice truck, the ride is a little stiff, but I dont mind that. The seats could be a little more comfortable, but other than that it rides nice. Its only been in the shop once, a friend of mine kicked the inertia switch and broke it, so thats nothing to blame on the truck. Plenty of torque, Ive towed a 4000 lbs box trailer with relative ease. Fuel economy is not great, 19 MPG was the best I got, going 60 on mostly highways using cruise control, but its a truck. Stereo sounds good. I like the overall look of the truck. If you get the sport mirrors, a set of blind-spot mirrors might help they dont show a wide enough angle to see.

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