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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.
What’s new
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.
Edmunds says
Old, tired and completely outclassed by its competition, the 2005 Ford Ranger only deserves a look if you're content with a cheap price and passable performance.
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 that's 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 it's one of the best vehicles I've 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.
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.
I wanted to give an update after owing the Ranger for 3 years. I am even more impressed with this little truck than earlier. Mileage is still great for a truck (4cyl,5spd) I still have the original tires. No squeaks or rattles, and it is a truck. Moved from Austin to DFW with a full load and a trailer load behind. Probably 2000lbs total. I thought it would be a slow 4th gear go. Not a … bit of it. Got out on I35, shifted up to 5th gear and away we went. I love this truck. I have met several owners that have owned more than one and now I know why.
Sparkly rims,and a bright red paint job. I purchased a Leer canopy for it and mounted Thule bike and kayak racks on the top. I can take it anywhere. I sleep in the back and go kayaking or biking the next day. At 27 mpg and a zippy little engine that gets me over those high mountain passes with ease, I have no complaints. AC works great and sound system is just fine. Seats are comfy and … interior attractive. Yes you could buy a more expensive truck but for the price and reliability it doesnt get much better than this.
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