Interesting read on 19+ Rangers

[Robert Mangrum]

https://fordauthority.com/2026/08/2019-2023-ford-ranger-among-most-reliable-pickup-trucks/?utm_source=fordauthority.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=ford-authority-daily-digest-for-august-17-2026&_bhlid=72ca115c59066529c395232339b803c3091719e7&fbclid=Iwb21leATxfONjbGNrBPF82XBkb2YFZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMzUwNjg1NTMxNzI4AAEeW8yKOg7MYVYkaV0l7UqZlnJ8vnKtvjP6MpE_bSv2qZMvDwggyxUOSyAaz3w_aem_EIl8eLPft5SLyvVVmJ75hg

 

[SenorNoob]

Hmm.

 

[oldgeek]

From the article: "Over the past several years, more than one study has pegged the previous-generation Ford Ranger as one of the most reliable vehicles shoppers can purchase. That includes Consumer Reports, which has previously named both the 2020 and 2021 Ford Ranger as two excellent options for those seeking a reliable used mid-size pickup."

Yes, in 2022, Consumer Reports recommended used 20-21 year models. But, the latest 2026 issues note that from 19-25 model years, only 2021 and 2024 model years have average reliability. The rest are below average in reliability. They are no longer recommended in their used pickups.

 

[sgtsandman]

I'm more in line with @oldgeek. If the Taco and Frontier are rating that much worse than the 2019 - 2023 Rangers, they must be pretty bad and reinforces the statement I've been making about no one builds a good truck anymore. Just pick the brand you like, learn the quirks and pit falls, so you can prepare for them as best you can and deal with them when they come up.

Or do what you can to mitigate them before they become a problem. If you have the money to do so ahead of time, of course.

 

[oldgeek]

I'm more in line with @oldgeek. If the Taco and Frontier are rating that much worse than the 2019 - 2023 Rangers, they must be pretty bad and reinforces the statement I've been making about no one builds a good truck anymore. Just pick the brand you like, learn the quirks and pit falls, so you can prepare for them as best you can and deal with them when they come up.

Or do what you can to mitigate them before they become a problem. If you have the money to do so ahead of time, of course.

CR has the 2016-20 and 24-25 Frontiers as average to above average reliability.

Do I have to hide if I mention the Ridgeline?

 

[sgtsandman]

CR has the 2016-20 and 24-25 Frontiers as average to above average reliability.

Do I have to hide if I mention the Ridgeline?

Honda isn't what they used to be either and I used to love them and I'm sure the Ridgeline is fine for what it is.

Around here, there is a certain demographic of people who seem to own them. You know, the one's who think they own the road and the rules don't apply to them. Unfortunately, it's gotten to the point that I make automatic assumptions concerning the character of the owner just by the vehicle they are in.

That being said, I stopped following what Consumer Reports has to say and subscribing to their magazine and web site. They have an obvious bias towards certain brands (though they will deny it vehimently if something is said)

 

[oldgeek]

Honda isn't what they used to be either and I used to love them and I'm sure the Ridgeline is fine for what it is.

Around here, there is a certain demographic of people who seem to own them. You know, the one's who think they own the road and the rules don't apply to them. Unfortunately, it's gotten to the point that I make automatic assumptions concerning the character of the owner just by the vehicle they are in.

That being said, I stopped following what Consumer Reports has to say and subscribing to their magazine and web site. They have an obvious bias towards certain brands (though they will deny it vehimently if something is said)

In theory, the basis for CR's used vehicles reliablity ratings is from subscriber surveys. While they will not list some model years of vehicles because of insufficient data, I still would like to see the numbers of owners, the numbers on repairs, etc. They don't list what percentage of repairs 'average' is. It was interesting several years back they listed many vehicles from what they had considered 'reliable' vehicles, for a long time, as lower than average reliability because of so many problems with the infotainment systems.

One aspect I found also interesting is how like vehicles vary in reliability. The Buick versions of GM's vehicles are often rated as more reliable. My theory is that mostly older people, with time and funds, are the likely Buick owners, and they are more likely to get their vehicles serviced and looked after. And they drive more conservatively. Lincoln vehicles are often rated as more reliable than the same Ford vehicle.