Are Ford Ranger 2wd good trucks?

yes and no. the 4 cylinder model [this engine dates back to the pinto] is slow period.the 3.0 L. v-6 is a solid engine with decent performance/mileage.

my recommendation is for this engine, 4-w.d., and extended cab.

both the 4.0L. push-rod and 4.0L. o.h.c. engines have been solid and dry but they eat more fuel.

all are fairly simple to maintain, service items are within easy reach and are not horribly expensive

note: the 4 cyl used 8 spark plugs and 2 coils the "intake side" plugs and wires are a chore to change. timing belts last approx 90k miles and these are free wheeling engines [no damage if belt breaks]

I've owned a lot of Rangers and highly recommend them. I always buy 4x4 and supercab (extra-cab) because I'm over 6' tall. The 4.0 Liter doesn't get but 20 mpg, but the 3.0 gets better. So, unless you plan on towing, I'd go with the small V-6. If you are shorter than I am the regular cab is OK. If you go with 2wd, throw lots of weight in the back for traction. The 4 cylinder is sufficient for the regular cab because it is much lighter.

Ford Rangers are good reliable trucks, but I personally won't drive compact vehicles. I recommend getting a late model F-150 4x4 with a standard shift and either a V6 or small V8 motor. I like the F-150's simply because you have more physical space for your stuff, and also you have armor around you in case an accident were to happen. I've seen too many people get seriously injured or killed driving compact vehicles, so I much rather sacrifice mileage instead of myself.

I have owned two 4x4 rangers one reg cab and one super cab. both did just fine most of the time in 2wd once I had decent tires on them, even in the snow. I'm 6'2" and the reg cab was tight but doable. If you research rangers in Consumer Reports and Edmunds.com you will find that they are very reliable and cheap to maintain. also they aren't too bad for your average shade-tree-mechanic to work on. A regular cab 2wd 4 cylinder manual trans ranger is rated at 25ish on the highway. Some people have reported fuel economy as high as 28-29mpg during the warmer months. That all depends on how you drive it though. Mine were both supposed to get in the neighborhood of 20mpg and I routinely got 16mpg even when I was driving mostly highway. I have a very heavy foot though, can't stand to drive behind someone who is driving the speed limit so I pass a lot. My dad was able to get 4-5 mpg better economy than me in almost any vehicle. I hope this helps. Wish you the best of luck.

I like my 1994 Ranger. My son drove it a lot and did his best to kill it, but couldn't. It's the only vehicle he's ever driven that he could kill. The 2.3 keeps going and going and going... Of course it's slow. If you want fast, get a Mustang. I have no problems driving my 2WD in icy conditions, because I know how to drive. I just take it slow and laugh at all the 4x4's in the ditch.

A 2WD pickup will be terrible in the snow. I have a Ranger 4x4. It can't get out of its own way in 2wd.The only way it will work is to get the best snow tires you can and put weight in the bed. Use sand bags not something solid. Less damage in an accident.

Yes that is an good truck but in icey counditions you should get an 4wd and you will still get really good mpg with the v6 and if you what really good mpg the v4 is an good motor but you won't get as much power

If you are going to get the Ranger, get the 4wd model with 4.0 liter engine.