Mid Sized Pickup; Ford Ranger or Chevy Colorado

[AKtinman]

I've had a couple of older Rangers and they were pretty good rigs. Half dozen F-150's, my favorite was the 1995 that I sold to buy a new 2005 Dakota. Big mistake. Dakota was uncomfortable and the auto trans died at 80k miles. No towing and I had the towing package for the extra trans cooling and theoretical longer tranny life. Sold it at a loss and got a used 2000 Tacoma.

That was traded in on a 2009 Tacoma which was replaced with a 2013 Tacoma, probably my last truck. It should last me until I can't drive anymore.

One thing to note about the Tacomas - the 3rd generation (2016 or 2017 to present) have the 3.5 engine rather than the 4.0 available in the 2nd gen models, and many people are disappointed in the performance of the 3rd gen models.

Another consideration - the TRD Tacomas have different seats than the SR5 base model. Much better seats in the TRD in my opinion.

A week ago my BIL bought a new Ridgeline and I ended up driving it to his home as he drove his old truck. I felt the Ridgeline was very uncomfortable. BIL loves it. Ya just gotta try out some vehicles and do your homework online before visiting the dealer.

I do still like the Fords, but for my purposes today's F-150 is just too big.

 

[LVSteve]

I see the "you can get a fullsize for the same money" point is raising its ugly head. The thing with a fullsize if that if it's too big for your garage, driveway or where you want to go, it's too big at any price.

Sometimes people want or even need a smaller vehicle, a fact that seems to baffle many, apparently.

 

[Toyman]

I ordered a Colorado in late 2014 took delivery in January 2015. 4 door cab, leather, 4X4 short bed with factory sprayed bed liner. I drove it till last October had 35,000 miles never had a problem.
I got 26 mpg on the road V6 had plenty of power. Had trailer towing package but never pulled a trailer with it.

 

[wood714]

I signed up for Tacomaworld forum and I am member 152. Thousand that is. Yes, there are over 150 thousand members on that site.

I swear that some people spend more on modifications and upgrades than they did on their truck.

I'm a member on that forum too.

I joined in October 2018 and I'm #269269

If you joined after that, they must have a funky numbering system.

A great forum for trolling, and Friday dumpster fire threads. It's a free for all over there.

They do love to spend thousands on a truck that's used as a mall crawler, a lot have too much invested to ever go off road....and they hate chrome!

 

[LoboGunLeather]

My $0.02 worth:

Bought a new Ford Ranger in 2001. 4WD, V6, 5-speed, AC, XLT-series. Very disappointed after 3 years use, gas mileage was nothing to brag about, insufficient power for moderate hauling or any towing uses. I was driving about 50K per year at the time and found the comfort level was minimal, always felt a little crowded.

Traded the Ranger in on a new F150 XLT Supercab in 2004, 4X4, V8, automatic, AC, cruise, towing package. Much more comfortable for daily use. Always got 2 to 3 more MPG, either city or highway, than the Ranger ever delivered, and successfully towed a 6000-lb. trailer on a 2000-mile round-trip without serious difficulties. Drove it for over 11 years, more than 160,000 miles without any significant maintenance issues or costs.

Only thing the mini-trucks or mid-sized trucks offer is easier parking and less space required in the garage. I suggest the full-size models for equal or better fuel economy, much better comfort, and enough power to get the work done without straining anything. Resale values will always be much better also.

 

[LVSteve]

My $0.02 worth:

Bought a new Ford Ranger in 2001. 4WD, V6, 5-speed, AC, XLT-series. Very disappointed after 3 years use, gas mileage was nothing to brag about, insufficient power for moderate hauling or any towing uses. I was driving about 50K per year at the time and found the comfort level was minimal, always felt a little crowded.

Traded the Ranger in on a new F150 XLT Supercab in 2004, 4X4, V8, automatic, AC, cruise, towing package. Much more comfortable for daily use. Always got 2 to 3 more MPG, either city or highway, than the Ranger ever delivered, and successfully towed a 6000-lb. trailer on a 2000-mile round-trip without serious difficulties. Drove it for over 11 years, more than 160,000 miles without any significant maintenance issues or costs.

Only thing the mini-trucks or mid-sized trucks offer is easier parking and less space required in the garage. I suggest the full-size models for equal or better fuel economy, much better comfort, and enough power to get the work done without straining anything. Resale values will always be much better also.

In 2001 the Ranger was way past its sell by date. Outdated in more ways than I can count. You said you found the cab of the Ranger confining. I'd agree on a single cab version if you are 6' or more.

I'm a bit surprised you say you got better highway mileage from the F-150. Just comparing the frontal area seems to give the Ranger the nod. Did you have a bed cover on the F-150? Guy at work put one on his Silverado in the early 2000s and it gave 3 mpg improvement in gas mileage.

 

[Breakaway500]

Tacoma first. No contest. Not even close. Then the Frontier. Then the Ridgeline. This is based on what I hear from my truck owning customers and the thousands of trucks I've seen on my lift for 45 years.

I own 4 full size trucks; Two Ford F350s (7.3 PSD), one 1964 F100 (429 powered). Ford stopped making dependable trucks in 2003. I own 1 Dodge 3/4 ton, which is the "newest" in my fleet at 14 years of age (Cummins, 6speed manual) NO GMs...their electronics went into the crapper in 2001 and has never returned. Personally, I have no use for a "small" truck. It's an oxymoron actually..

 

[bgrafsr]

I have had 3 Rangers, one 4 cylinder, regular cab, and two 6 cylinders with extended cab. I'm 6'4" and the regular cab was a bit cramped for me, especially after I gained weight.

Bought a used '13 F 150 XLT with 5.0 engine, 4X4, Super Crew Cab, & tow package for towing the camper my Wife had, as I didn't think her Explorer was up to the job.
We decided the camper was too small and the Explorer wasn't really good for towing. Bought a 27' Keystone Bullet Premier and the F 150 pulls that thing like it wasn't even behind the truck. Use a Weight distribution hitch which helps a lot too, and also helps with sway.
I installed a Hellwig Anti-Sway bar to the rear of the truck also.
I'll stick with a full size pickup as long as I can drive.


I will say the new Rangers are nice and my brother-in-law, who tows a boat, bought one and loves it. He did have an F 150, but decided it was too big for him anymore, and he says the Ranger tows the boat better than the F 150 did. The Ranger has the 2.7 liter Eco-Boost engine, tow package, etc., etc.

 

[Turn4811]

Test drive a Gladiator.

 

[DWalt]

I have a 2003 Ranger XLT supercab V6 I bought used in 2005, still have it, never a problem with it since, except low gas mileage (around 20). But I have no way to compare it to a new Ranger. I still occasionally have people knocking on my front door asking me if I want to sell it.

 

[Telecaster]

I see the "you can get a fullsize for the same money" point is raising its ugly head. The thing with a fullsize if that if it's too big for your garage, driveway or where you want to go, it's too big at any price.

Sometimes people want or even need a smaller vehicle, a fact that seems to baffle many, apparently.

Yes, I cannot fathom why no one makes a pickup the size of the old Ranger. Maybe people have become too *ahem* overweight to fit in small trucks? Or is it that the manufacturers can't make any profit on them?

 

[Jon651]

I'm in the market for a new mid sized pickup and I spent the past Saturday doing test drives. Based on my on-line research and specifications I'd ranked the Ford Ranger as my first choice, then Toyota Tacoma and Chevy Colorado. Must have features are 4WD version with trailer towing package, full 4 door cab and short bed. I'll be comparing other options like spray in bed liner and electronics. Fuel economy is a consideration.

I've talked to actual owners of both the Ranger and Colorado and am leaning a direction already, but wanted to see if there was any real world feedback from the forum. TIA

Just a question without weighing in on the "which is better" debate - did you consider the diesel option for any of these trucks? I am not currently in the market for a smaller truck but I understand that the new small diesels are interesting options.

Because of the towing I do, I need a 3/4-ton truck and have had very good experience with Chevy's since 1988 but my experience isn't likely to be helpful with choosing a new mid-size truck.

 

[llowry61]

My last 3 vehicles, Dakota Tacoma TRD Off Road, Tacoma SR5 - I had issues from day one with the Dakota and both the Tacoma's have met my needs perfectly. I do not do any heavy towing or off roading, but for pulling a small trailer, doing everyday driving to hunt fish etc. they are all you woul d ever need. Put gas, oil brakes and tires on them and that's it. For me the Toyota is a no brainer.

 

[garddogg56]

Ranger hands down

 

[Old 44 Guy]

I'll be buried in my '07 Ranger 4x4. has only 94,000 now.

 

[JcMack]

I can't get in a Ranger without bangin my head on the roof and I ain't that big. Drive behind one and with 2 guys in it and they look like they're in love. I've got a Colorado and it's just O.K. I had 3 Toyota 4x4's in the 90's and loved them. I had a 2019 Nissan Frontier 4X4 crew cab as a loner for 2 weeks late last year. That is what I would buy if I was in the market.

 

[The Norseman]

Midsize crisis

Great thread! Chevy and Ford need to up their game, the Reliability
and Engineering just is not there.

My '98 Chevy Silverado has had it problems over 22 years,
my Son's two Toyota's have been virtually problem free.

For me Chevy/Ford are out. I would consider Toyota based on
experiences of my Son, Friends at work, and mechanic's here.

I am Old, Pickup prices are outrageous, so I am Out; the 3 Pickups
I have access to will do until I go to Valhalla.

 

[chief38]

My opinion is ........ Get the full sized version of either! The smaller pickups while a little cheaper are a lot less truck! I think you will regret buying the small version down the road once you find out that it is NOT anywhere close to the truck the full sized versions are.

I personally prefer the GMC, then the Chevy and then the Ford but that is a personal preference. You should go with your fav. brand but again - go for the full sized Truck.

 

[rubiranch]

One of my friends sold his Tundra for a Ridgeline. He loves the Honda. Plus, they run forever.

For most tasks the Ridgeline is enough.

A friend of mine bought a new Colorado last year.

He picked the Colorado over the Ridgeline because the Ridgeline rode too much like a car and he wanted a truck. LOL

If I were to buy a new truck today I'd probably get an F-150, 4-wd regular cab short bed with the 5.0L V-8 and 10-speed trans.

And keep my Chevy for hauling my camper.

I'm surprised that the Ridgeline is rated to tow 5000 lbs and the Ranger only 3500 lbs.

Base price the Ranger costs $9000 less than the Ridgeline.

If you plan on keeping a vehicle for a LONG time resale is not a factor.

 

[rubiranch]

Great thread! Chevy and Ford need to up their game, the Reliability
and Engineering just is not there.

My '98 Chevy Silverado has had it problems over 22 years,
my Son's two Toyota's have been virtually problem free.

For me Chevy/Ford are out. I would consider Toyota based on
experiences of my Son, Friends at work, and mechanic's here.

I am Old, Pickup prices are outrageous, so I am Out; the 3 Pickups
I have access to will do until I go to Valhalla.

Been a Ford man all my life and my 2011 Chevy is my first Chevy.

I drove all three and Chevy had the best ride and the ergonomics fit me better than the others did.

Toyota doesn't make a truck that will accommodate my 4000 lb camper so Toyota is out.

Two of my daughters drive Toyotas and they LOVE them.
An older Corolla, Tundra, FJ Cruiser and a newer Tundra.

I'd never consider a Ram so its out too.

If I bought a new truck to haul my camper it would be a new F-350 dually, regular cab with their new 7.3L and 10-speed trans.

If I were to buy a new car it would be a Ford also.



5 headlight bulbs, one license plate bulb and a fuel pump at 180,000.

It still wears its factory brakes. Doesn't use a drop of oil and runs as good as it did the day I bought it.

This has been an excellent truck.