My late dad’s 2000 Ranger is still going strong, I wouldn’t call it a POS. Quite fond of it actually, sentimental value though. I’d still rather have a Tacoma. Prefer the previous, more compact version though, prior to 2005. Owned a 2000 4x4 TRD Offroad myself, should never have sold it.
I bought an 03 Ranger for my daughter last year. Ran great for 6 months and since then has been one issue after another, plugs/wires, on my third fuel pump in fact in shop now for this issue, leaking back window repair, etc...
Wish I had got her a small fuel efficient car but she wanted a small truck.