4 Cylinder Automatic Performance

Hello All,

I want a cheap truck, and am looking at the 2.3L Ranger. Does anyone have experience with an auto in this engine (or an older auto 4 cylinder in a Ranger?).

I don't want a V6 due to the mpg. I won't be pulling any serious loads, nor do I expect to get from 0 to 60 in six seconds. I just want to be sure I can reach 70 on the highway without getting the RPMs too high.

Are there any other considerations/problems with these engines?

I had a four banger. I also had a V6 3.0L. The weight to HP ratio was lousy. The vehicle eventually got me to the speed I wanted. However, either had the power of an amoeba. If acceleration and speed are not important features to you, go for the 2.3L. Gas mileage really was not that good. Because it's four cylinders, it had to go at a much higher RPM compared to six or eight cylinder engines to do the same work. Test one going up hill and see for yourself. I finally opted for a V6 4.0L.

Thanks...I'll probablly just get a manual in the 2.3L. Hopefully that will help me a bit. I'm not concerned with speed, mainly MPG.