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Ford Ranger 3rd Generation (North America)

1998–2011 · truck

The third-gen US compact Ranger ran from 1998 through December 2011 with surprisingly few mechanical changes — Ford kept building the same truck while the rest of the lineup turned over twice. Engines: 2.3L Duratec I4 (143hp, 2001+), 3.0L Vulcan V6, 4.0L Cologne SOHC V6 (207hp, the FX4 / Edge engine). 5R55E 5-speed auto or 5-speed manual. Regular cab, SuperCab; no crew cab in this generation. Discontinued in North America after 2011; replaced by the global Ranger in 2019.

Watch out: 4.0L SOHC V6 timing-chain tensioner and guide failure is the well-documented engine killer — the rear cassette is buried at the back of the engine and a full repair is a $1,500-2,500 job (engine often has to come out). Catastrophic if ignored. The 5R55E automatic also has solenoid pack failures that mimic transmission failure and can be fixed for under $300 if caught early.