How many miles will a 2004 Ford Ranger last?
Typically, with proper maintenance, a 2004 Ford Ranger can reach around 200,000 miles or more, and many examples surpass 250,000 miles. Some well cared-for Rangers have been known to approach or exceed 300,000 miles.
This article examines what determines a Ranger's longevity, how different engines affect lifespan, and practical steps to maximize the truck's remaining life. While the exact number depends on countless variables, a well-maintained example can provide many years of service.
What determines longevity in a 2004 Ranger
Several factors influence how long this truck will last. The following list highlights the biggest variables owners should monitor and manage.
- Maintenance history: regular oil changes, fluid flushes, cooling system service, and timely replacement of wear items.
- Engine and transmission condition: the 2.3L four-cylinder, 3.0L V6, and 4.0L V6 each have their own reliability profiles; overall longevity is improved by sticking to service intervals.
- Driving conditions: highway driving and light-use tend to yield longer life than constant stop-and-go, heavy hauling, or off-road use.
- Climate and corrosion exposure: roads in snowy, salted environments can accelerate rust and underbody wear.
- Key components wear: cooling system, suspension, brakes, and exhaust hardware can determine how long the truck remains reliable at higher mileage.
- Previous accidents or structural issues: frame rust or major collision repairs can influence long-term durability.
Across these factors, consistent maintenance and conservative usage are the strongest predictors of longer life. Proactive care often yields the best results for these aging trucks.
Engine options and their typical life expectancy
2.3-liter four-cylinder
The 2.3L engine is generally considered adequate for light duties and can reach high mileage with careful maintenance. Many examples pass the 200,000-mile mark; longevity depends heavily on maintaining cooling, ignition, and fueling systems and avoiding overheating.
3.0-liter V6
The 3.0L V6 offers more torque and is commonly found in later Rangers. With regular maintenance, this engine can perform reliably into the 200,000–250,000 mile range, though leaks and gasket wear are potential concerns as the engine ages.
4.0-liter SOHC V6
Known for durability, the 4.0L V6 has many miles behind it in Ranger fleets. With proper care, owners frequently see well past 200,000 miles; the strongest factor is keeping cooling systems clean and addressing any head gasket or intake-related leaks early.
Maintenance tips to maximize lifespan
Long-term reliability depends on disciplined maintenance. The following practices help preserve the Ranger's condition as it ages.
- Follow the owner's manual maintenance schedule for oil changes (using the recommended viscosity and grade) and replace filters on time.
- Maintain cooling system health: use the correct coolant, inspect hoses, belts, the water pump, and flush as recommended to prevent overheating.
- Inspect and service the transmission and drivetrain as required, including fluid changes and addressing slip, harsh shifting, or unusual noises.
- Protect against rust: wash the underbody in winter, treat exposed metal, and address any chassis corrosion promptly.
- Keep brakes, steering, and suspension in good condition to avoid uneven wear and safety hazards that can lead to more costly repairs later.
Adhering to a proactive maintenance plan and addressing small issues early are the best ways to extend a Ranger's usable life.
Real-world expectations by mileage
In practice, a 2004 Ranger with solid maintenance and responsible use commonly reaches 200,000 miles or more. In favorable conditions and with continued care, 250,000 miles or higher is not unusual, and a small share of trucks can push beyond 300,000 miles. The exact outcome depends on the engine choice, climate, and how well wear parts are managed over time.
Summary
Long-term durability for a 2004 Ford Ranger depends on how well it has been maintained and used. With regular service, attention to cooling and drivetrain components, and protection from rust, many Rangers will reach two to three hundred thousand miles and beyond. The model's versatility—paired with careful upkeep—remains the most reliable predictor of a long road ahead.
What year to stay away from Ford Ranger?
The Ford Ranger years to avoid include the 1999, 2001, 2004, 2006, and 2019 models due to common problems like transmission issues, engine troubles, and electrical faults. Other years to approach with caution are 2002, 2005, 2008, 2011, and 2020, which may have specific issues such as timing chain problems or first-model-year bugs.
This video discusses the Ford Ranger's issues to avoid: 59sEveryman DriverYouTube · Oct 18, 2019
Key years to avoid and their common problems
- 1999: Frequently cited as one of the worst models, with issues including engine gauge problems, transmission and engine failures, and electrical and suspension issues.
- 2001: Noted for transmission problems, rough shifting, and a flashing overdrive light. It also had numerous recalls.
- 2002–2006: This period had spotty reliability and included models with timing chain problems (especially the 4.0-liter engine), automatic transmission durability issues, and front suspension wear. The 2002 and 2004 models are specifically mentioned for engine and transmission issues.
- 2019: This first-model-year for the new generation had issues like rough or shuddering gear shifts and costly transmission problems. Other reported problems include poorly fitting rear doors and flaking paint.
You can watch this video to learn about common problems in used Ford Rangers: 54sCars.co.zaYouTube · Jul 17, 2025
Other years to be cautious of
- 2000, 2005, 2008, and 2011: These years have also been flagged for various problems, including engine and transmission faults.
- 2020: Has been cited as a year to avoid due to first-model-year bugs that were later addressed, such as transmission and build quality concerns.
How many miles can a 2004 Ford Ranger go?
Fuel & MPG
| EPA combined MPG | 18 MPG |
|---|---|
| Range in miles (city/hwy) | 312.0/409.5 mi. |
| Fuel tank capacity | 19.5 gal. |
| CO2 Emissions | 8.1 tons |
How good is a 2004 Ford Ranger?
Yes, the 2004 Ford Ranger is considered a good truck, particularly for its reliability and value, though it has some weaknesses in comfort and interior refinement. Owners frequently report high mileage with proper maintenance, and its size makes it versatile for both city driving and off-road use. Key factors for a potential buyer to check are the condition of the frame (especially for rust) and the vehicle's maintenance history.
Pros
- Reliability: Many owners report their Rangers lasting well over 100,000 miles with only routine maintenance.
- Value: It is seen as a practical and durable option, especially when considering its low cost of parts and repair.
- Performance: The 4.0L V6 engine is especially praised for its power and reliability. The manual transmission is also considered solid.
- Versatility: It's capable in a variety of situations, from daily driving to off-roading, with some models offering off-road packages like the FX4.
Cons
- Comfort: The ride quality and interior space are not as refined as larger trucks, and some owners mention comfort as the weakest feature.
- Interior: The interior is described as basic and simple.
- Rust: A major concern, especially for buyers in areas with a lot of salt on the roads, is rust on the frame, particularly around the leaf spring hangers.
- Four-cylinder engine: The base 2.3L four-cylinder can feel sluggish, especially when not paired with a manual transmission.
- Automatic transmissions: Some owners note that the automatic transmissions may not be as durable as the manual ones.
You can watch this video to see a walkthrough and detailed review of the 2004 Ford Ranger XLT: 58sJosh AndersonYouTube · Aug 13, 2024
What to check before buying
- Frame: Thoroughly inspect the frame for any signs of rust, especially around the leaf spring shackles and hangers.
- Maintenance records: Check for records of routine maintenance, such as oil and transmission fluid changes.
- Airbags: Confirm that any necessary airbag recalls have been completed.
What is considered high mileage on a Ford Ranger?
A: Generally, a car with more than 150,000 kilometers (93,000 miles) is considered to have high mileage.
