[Stoneve]

I have a 2001 Extended Cab, 4x4, 4.0 liter V6 with 78,600 miles. The only problem I have ever had was a leak in the thermostat housing. Not sure that this is common, but the mechanic told me that this is a weak area for Fords as the housing is made of plastic. I think it is an isolated incident and probably not a common failure for the Ranger. This is the 4th Ranger I have owned and I highly recommend the truck. It is cheap and easy to maintain - if you don't mind doing some of the work yourself. My gas mileage is 19 mpg on the hwy, I average 17 mpg overall. If you get the 2.3 liter 4 cylinder engine - they are rock solid, get 26-28 mpg on the hwy. I've seen many of these truck with 225,000 and even one with 300,000 miles on it.