How much horsepower does a 97 2.3 Ranger have?
A 1997 Ford Ranger with the 2.3-liter inline-four is typically rated around 105 horsepower.
The figure comes from the Lima-family 2.3L engine used in these Rangers; horsepower could vary slightly by emissions equipment and market, with EFI versions sometimes rated near 120–125 hp.
Engine specs and context
The 2.3-liter four-cylinder in the 1997 Ranger is a widely used powerplant in Ford’s compact-truck lineup of that era. While the baseline rating sits around 105 hp in the most common US-spec configuration, variations in fuel delivery, exhaust tuning, and emission controls across trims and markets could push the official figure higher in some versions.
What drives the horsepower variance
Several factors influenced the published horsepower numbers for these trucks, including fuel injection type, compression ratio, exhaust setup, and regional emission standards. Different trims (such as XL or XLT) and different markets (US, Canada, Mexico) sometimes carried slight calibration differences that affected power output.
Power figures by configuration
Below is a concise summary of commonly cited horsepower values for the 2.3L Ranger engine from that period. Note that exact numbers can vary by vehicle and production date.
- Typical US-spec 1997 Ranger with 2.3L I4: 105 hp
- EFI variants and certain market calibrations: around 120–125 hp
In practice, most drivers of a 1997 Ranger with the 2.3L engine will experience performance consistent with a light-duty pickup designed for reliability and everyday use, rather than high-speed acceleration.
Additional context
When assessing a used Ranger from this era, verify the exact horsepower as listed on the original documentation or under the hood, since factory ratings can differ by market and by the specific engine calibration installed at the factory. A well-maintained engine may also behave differently from a stock baseline depending on maintenance history and any aftermarket changes.
Summary
The 1997 Ford Ranger’s 2.3-liter inline-four is commonly rated at about 105 horsepower in the standard configuration, with certain EFI variants and market calibrations delivering roughly 120–125 horsepower. This reflects the model’s emphasis on practicality and efficiency over high performance.
