A Ranger guy entering a Tacoma World.

No, I didn't see that. I know new transmissions are adaptive and "learn" your driving habits. The computer then makes adjustments to shifting patterns based on how you drive. It's definitely better than the first week as i now start week 3. I'll be sure to check the fluid levels tomorrow when i'm off. Thanks for the tip!

 

Since so many ranger owners here:

Are rangers reliable? Would you say bulletproof reliability like Tacomas?

 

I might have to make a new profile with the name blacktacosmatter. Genius.

 

Nice lookin' Taco and welcome brother. Closest I've come to owning a Ranger was a 351 Clevland F-150 Flairside. Great truck but would simply belch at gas stations which it would not pass. Saddle bag 20 gallon tanks which it drank from profusely. Not sure if the Taco gets used to me or I'm used to it or something in between but after 10K mine runs like a swiss watch and the only quibble is a french horn sound when going 65mph and a cross wind from the passenger side; had a jazz station on once and thought somebody was out o' tune, grin. Attribute the french horn sound to 'charm and color', part of truck's character.

 

I've had 4 Rangers and would have bought another one if still available new. I'll be very happy if my new Tacoma is as trouble-free as all of my Rangers have been. Nothing but routine maintenance on any of them, kept every one for 150K-200K miles and still running great when sold, still have my 2003 4.0L 2WD for a daily driver (150K miles).

 

Congrats and Welcome to TW!!

 

AllTacomasMatter!

 

I've had to put a radiator in mine because of inferior plastic end tanks, but Rangers are extremely extremely bulletproof. I have one, my dad had a V6, and even my grandpa had a 4 banger to tow behind his class A. They don't break down.

 

Welcome to TW. You are among friends. Tons of us (myself included) were Ranger owners haha

 

I had 2 a 2001 and 2003, my 2001 needed the pulley's replaced every once and awhile (friend had same issue). At 121k the transmission needed rebuilt, otherwise a solid truck and the fiberglass bed (had a flarside) still holding up nicely, my dad uses it still as a truck around the farm.

 

I considered a ranger when I wanted a truck, I came to tacomaworld. I saw a post "The only good thing I can say about my ranger is it cost less to buy." I eliminated a ranger from consideration.

 

Also a very happy Ranger owner that has just moved back to ToyLand after a lot of years. No new Rangers available in Canada, so after a little research walked into local dealership 4 days ago, and bought a 2016 Quicksand TRD Off Road Manual, right off the show room floor. Loving er so far. Back to my roots as my first Toy was a 73 FJ40 that I turned into a Chevota. Then a 81 Toyota p/u 4x4. Then to an 85 toyota 4x4 which was the Last good year of the straight axle. Then on to the Ford Ranger 4x4's. The last being my current Mazda B-4000 (ranger) that has never let me down, even through all the crap and bushbashing that I have put her through. She's getting a little long in the tooth with over 350,000 orginal on her but still runs great. Here's hoping that my newest ride, the TRD Off Road, treats me just as well.

 

The only taco that matter is the pink taco

 

Rangers were pretty good trucks. I just hated how they were basically the same truck for like 20 years. They never changed much. They did have some frame issues on those as well. My aunt had to scrap hers because the frame rotted out, otherwise she'd probably still have it today. Other than that it was pretty much bulletproof

 

Have a 2016 TRD OR M/T with a manual transmission. 11k on the odometer, no problems yet. Welcome to TW!

 

The one thing Ford always did well was their trucks. The Rangers I owned were awesome and I don't know why they stopped making them. Would have bought another Ranger but Ford gave up on small trucks.

This is my first Tacoma. Always thought they were nice looking and know their great reputation.

 

I've always heard the same. Which is why if/when I need a bigger truck the F-150 will be a top contender.

The others are too much of a gamble as far as reliability goes and the Tundra isn't as competitive anymore.

 

I had a 89, 92 and a 97. I've been looking at Tacoma's and finally made the leap.

My 97.

 

I

I'm a second gen dude and a Ranger owner, I still have my 99 with 188k plus miles on her. Other than routine maintenance and replacing stuff that wore out (ball joints, shocks,brakes) it's been rock solid. Like you I feel Ford quit on me when they dropped the Ranger. Regardless the Tacoma is like a spaceship compared to the Ranger and I don't ever regret making the switch.

 

My Tacoma has a great ride. The Ranger was more like a jeep feeling every bump in the road. I do miss her though. 13 years with her and she's gone. Just hope that she finds a good home.