serious questions

[Sam I am]

I have a '96 Ranger extended cab, 2WD, 2.3 liter 4 cyl, 5 spd with 118,000 miles on it. It gets 25 mpg, and about 21 towing the tear. The clutch was replaced at 113,000 miles and the starter just last month. Good vehicle!

[2old2tent]

I've had a few Rangers and all did good by me. Currently have a '96 2wd Supercab with 2.3/5 spd with 225K on it. I get about 26 mpg under normal commute (100 mile round trip).

[jay]

thanks for all the input. i have had 3 Fords but the last one was 22 years ago. the Toyotas get very high marks from the internet research sites but i still am leaning toward the Ford. i've got a couple of months to decide and appreciate the recommendations.

[calwes]

It has the 3Liter engine the standard automatic trans and 355 gears in the rearend

[asianflava]

If I were going to get another small truck, it'd have to be anything (import or domestic) other than a Ford. The Ranger's platform has been around since the 70's. There is something to be said about tried and true but you have to evolve into something newer than a 30 year old platform. The 2.3L is a variant of the Pinto motor.

My choice for a 1/2 ton truck would probably be a Tundra. I would probably hold off till the beginning of the year for the new one to come out Bigger, Badder and, more powerful.

For a 3/4 - 1 ton truck, I'd go with the big 3's diesels. They all get high marks, with the exception of the 03-04 6.0 Fords. The Dodge/Cummins have good reliability and durability. The GM Allison transmissions are also very durable. The Fords are good all around.