Gas mileage, CDN gallons, miles: 2.3 litre Ford Ranger, 2003...
Summer: 35 mpg (CDN) fabulous. Verified several times over this summer.
The 3.0 litre, 5 speed, even if you baby it and never drive over 55 mph, will never give you good mileage.
The vehicle is over-powered for the daily uses most drivers have (90% of the time).
Get a 2.3 litre and don't overtax it.
You will have to order it from the factory as most dealers don't stock the small motors - they don't make any money on this type of vehicle.
Then again, if you're pulling a trailer, get a 4.0 with all the bells, extendeds this-and-that's, power lights, deer whistles.
I have a 2.3 litre, 2003 small box, no frills, don't need them. Bought it on order, new, for the mileage and simplicity.
My opinion only.
Caveat emptor.