Toyota Pre Runner or Ford Ranger

Kerouac

My Father has owned a total of 5 Rangers - 83, 86, 89, 92, 99. The '83 was a 4 cylinder "S" Model that didn't even have power brakes. It never gave us a problem but without A-C it had to go. The '86 was a 2.9L 6 cylinder model. It was great. Only problem in around 100k miles was one ignition module. It ended it's life under a tree that fell on it. The '89 was another 2.9L 6 cylinder model. Never had a problem, but was traded for a extended cab model. The '92 was a 3.0L 6 cylinder. Never had a significant problem. Dad decide he wanted a 4WD vehicle so he sold the '92 to another local. He replaced it with a 4.0L 4WD 4 Door Extended Cab. We still have this. I think over the 23 years of Ranger ownership the total amount spent on mechanical repairs is less than $500 (one ignition module, one muffler, one water pump are all the repairs I recall). One friend has a Toyota Tacoma - he spent more on repairs for that truck last year, than all our Rangers combined.

And as for Consumer Reports - even though I don't trust their ratings - They give the Ranger good marks. It has a "check mark" for reliability for every year since 1997 (that is as far back as thier rating go).

Ed