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2003 Ford Ranger reviews

Ford Ranger reviews by year of make: 2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009  2011  Read all reviews

Peter Eacrett, Ireland

Ford Ranger crewcab 2003

5 star review

I’ve had my Ranger since May ’03 and Ican’t complain about it. It is one of the best pickups for fuel, 33-35 mpg, and has 183k miles on it now. So far I’ve had to change the fuel pump due to a fill of dodgy diesel, both rear sets of springs at different times (not sure why they snapped as wasn’t doing very heavy work), both front shocks, and recently my radiator; a word of warning here as Rangers are known for getting the rads blocked with dust and starting to overheat, if it happens then change rad asap. One small gripe I have is that it has no low diesel warning light as I found out when I ran out of diesel! It is very easy on tyres and I am only on 3rd set now. I wouldn’t change it for anything and look forward to breaking the 200k and 250k mile barriers.

Submitted: 21/10/2011 11:00:48

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Eastern Garib, Trinidad and Tobago

Ford Ranger Thunder 3.0 diesel automatic 2003

1 star review

I upgrade from a 2003 Ford Ranger 2.9 diesel manual to a 3.0 diesel automatic (Ford Thunder). The vehicle has two major mechanical defects that the dealer can’t solve: 1-Transmission hard shifting with heavy backlash. 2-Breaking is insufficient for vehicle.

Submitted: 25/05/2011 09:13:10

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Aidan, Worcestershire

Ford Ranger 2003

4 star review

Re: Everyone with flashing glow plug lights. These motors are rebadged Mazda B2500s, and as such their engines are taken from the Bongo (a camper van). As you all probably know there isn’t a normal ODB2 diagnostics port in the car, instead a unique connector in the top right of the engine bay (looking towards the car). Instead of paying Ford for a diagnostics you can do it yourself with a paperclip. Go on this link: http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=25081&hilit=flashing+glow+plug. Its hard to figure out first, and I found it easier to record it on the camera phone and play it back. PS, my flashing glow plug light refers to timer control valve and EGR malfunction. As EGR is active only when warm I suspect that may be the common fault resulting in glow plug flashing when warm.

Submitted: 08/04/2009 09:44:01

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Aidan, Worcestershire

Ford Ranger 2003

4 star review

Had the Ranger since May, since done 13500 miles in it including 2000 miles in France in July, now on 130,000. No problems in it as yet apart from the flashing glow plug light when warm as quite a few people seem to have. Can’t fault it really, its not the quickest or the most economical but it seems to keep on going, its not got the ridiculously expensive to repair components that other vans of the same age have. Example, Ford TDCI injectors and programming is apparently £1000 at the dealer. I got a 2nd hand low mileage set of 4 injectors for this Ranger for £20. As far as I know it doesn’t have a dual mass flywheel, and as far as I can tell with the detailed history its on its original clutch, which feels like new. It looks dated inside but has air con, electric windows and arm rest as standard. The only rattling comes from the truckman top I fitted myself with only 2 out of the 4 bolts. It is rear drive, therefore it doesn’t have any problems pulling away in the wet (unlike my old company T5 130bhp which either wheelspins or traction control cuts all power) You aren’t sat as upright as in a T5/Vito or similar with a bulkhead, meaning its much more comfortable. I would change it but then read about Vivaros/Traffics-gearbox and turbo faults; T5s-gearbox, clutch and flywheel; Transits-rust! clutch/flywheels, injectors?; Vitos-injectors? But otherwise very nice. Caddys cost a fortune, Astras nice, but low roof height, back of load area difficult to reach with bulkhead, and on it goes. I think my next purchase will be an 06 Thunder, last of the old shape with leather.

Submitted: 02/01/2009 09:04:43

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Declan Ryan, Northern Ireland

Ford Ranger XL 2003

5 star review

Super work and pleasure truck, decent handling and good on motor way too. I purchased it new and have just sold it with 90k on it. It is really easy on tyres too, the second pair were just coming to there end of life when I sold it . Ultra reliable, a must for any one who wants a 4x4 that will last for ever and cost little to run, rear light lense only cost £20. Don’t buy this if you live in a city as its just too big and has a brutal steering lock .

Submitted: 08/07/2008 12:05:29

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Mick Hume, Cheshire

Ford Ranger 2003

3 star review

Hi, I am currently experiencing this problem. What have the dealership done? I was about to change the air flow sensor?

Submitted: 17/03/2008 10:09:04

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