1997 Ford Ranger Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

by the zzdcar Experts

　　

What’s new

　　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.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 Ford Ranger XL 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$170/mo  for Ranger XL

　　Ranger XL

　　XL 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M) (Most Popular) - N/A MSRPXL 2dr Regular Cab LB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPXL 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPXL 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPXL 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPXL 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPXL 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPXL 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPXL 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPXL 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPXLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPXLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPXLT 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPXLT 2dr Regular Cab LB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPXLT 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPXLT 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPXLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPXLT 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPXLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPXLT 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSplash 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSplash 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSplash 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSplash 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSTX 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSTX 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSTX 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRP

　　vs

　　$218/mo

　　Avg. Compact Truck

　　

Vehicle overview

　　Whether it's image or utility that attracts you to a compact truck, Ford stands ready to seduce you into its strong-selling Ranger. Trim levels range from the practical XL through the well-trimmed XLT and STX--all the way to the beguiling little Ranger Splash with its fiberglass Flareside bed, chrome wheels, and lowered suspension.

　　With the optional 4.0-liter V6 engine, in particular, acceleration is impressively brisk, whether from a standstill or when merging and passing. The base four-cylinder engine can overtax the Ranger when carrying a heavy load. Automatic-transmission upshifts are crisp and barely noticed, with just a slight jolt under hard throttle, and downshifts deliver only slightly more harshness. Push-button four-wheel-drive, if installed, is a snap to use.

　　Well-controlled overall, with good steering feedback, Rangers handle easily, corner capably (within limits), maneuver neatly, and stay reasonably stable on curves. Occupants aren't likely to complain about the ride, either, though it can grow bouncy around town. Gas mileage isn't the greatest with the big engine and automatic, as expected.

　　Ranger sports a worldwide industry first for safety protection. An optional passenger side airbag is available, and it can be disabled with the flick of a switch in the event that a car seat is installed in the truck. New for 1997 is a five-speed automatic transmission; a first for vehicles in this segment. Ford claims that the new five-speed automatic allows better acceleration, trailering, and hill climbing by their capable Ranger. Ford also shuffles option packages this year in an attempt to make the 70+ options easier, and cheaper, to order.

　　Seats are firm and supportive, urging you to lean back and enjoy a long haul. Rangers are all truck, with few pretensions toward any other identity, but can be loaded with gadgets like a luxury auto. Fun to drive, sharp looking and well-built, they deliver a solid compact-pickup experience.

　　

1997 Ranger Highlights

Type: Regular CabExtended CabRegular Cab

　　Trim: XLSplashXLTSTXXL

　　

Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	22 MPG
Cost to Drive	$170/month
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive