i was wondering if the 3rd gen ranger 2.3 liter was more reliable than the 3.0 or 4.0. if i was to get the v6 what liter size should i go with?

 

The 2.3l Duratec was/is very reliable, 2004-2011 are better years in that they didn't have electric thermostat or IMRC like the 2001-2003 did
Ford used the turbo charged version in the New Ranger, 2.3l Ecoboost

3.0l Vulcan was very reliable as well, 1986 to 2008, had a bit of a hiccup 2004-2006 with exhaust valve seats but other than that they lasted

4.0l SOHC, 2001-2011 was also a good reliable engine, but 2001-2004 did have timing chain tensioner issues, which could require pulling out the engine to repair, so $$$
The 2005-2011 are a better choice

The best for MPG is of course the 2.3l 4cyl, it also has 143HP(horse power)
The 3.0l(148HP) and 4.0l(207HP) are almost the same for MPG so 4.0l sohc would be the better choice for more power