1996 Ford Ranger Consumer Reviews

Treating me good

Written by: Ray_Scheel on 08/08/2005

Vehicle

1996 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XLT Extended Cab SB

Review

Original owner, 4.0 V6 manual extended cab. Easy to work on, gas mileage is good, and has hauled in some bigger loads than one might expect for its size. Roomy enough for me (6'3"). Things I've had to repair, in order: The O2 sensor, under warranty, <5000 miles. Starter relay ($9) flaked out at 70K. Throwout bearing (manual) at around 90K miles, garage charged $300 for that and a clutch replacement. Driveshaft carrier bearing disintegrated at about 120K miles, $30 part. Gas pedal mounting bolts/rivets (<$1) fell out at 140K. Front brakes at around 160K miles, in the $30-$60 range. At 174K miles the ignition switch shorted and the truck was trying to start without a key, $20 part.

Favorite Features

The A/C has yet to meet a Texas summer it can't handle and has NEVER needed a recharge. Spaces behind the jump seats are handy storage spots. Headlights have excellent coverage. Interior has stayed looking good despite poor cleaning habits.

Suggested Improvements

The included jack just doesn't cut it. The hook for hanging clothes should be moved further behind the driver's seat so they don't block the rear view.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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My 5th Ranger

Written by: fugitive on 03/23/2005

Vehicle

1996 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XLT 4WD Standard Cab LB

Review

Have owned Rangers since 1983. The only real problem I have had with the '96 was the automatic hubs went out, I had them replaced with manual hubs for $260. As of today I have 98,000 miles and the body and finish are still excellent.

Favorite Features

I like the 7' bed and the 4 liter V-6.

Suggested Improvements

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no test drive required

Written by: fastz28s on 09/07/2004

Vehicle

1996 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XLT Standard Cab Stepside SB

Review

Purchased used with 31k miles. Have had zero problems, aside from the carrier bearing on the two-piece driveshaft scaring me when it gave. An excellent vehicle, it is easy to see why there are so many of them on the road. And I'm a GM guy (2 Z28s, 2 Firebirds and a Trailblazer in the stable now).

Favorite Features

The interior layout and it's usability as a truck exceed the S10. Sits like a truck with a good ride quality.

Suggested Improvements

Factory V8 power.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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I Lost It

Written by: 96rangerlover on 08/26/2004

Vehicle

1996 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XLT Extended Cab SB

Review

My mom got it brand new in 96. Then my dad put a 3" lift on it. Then when I turnd 16 my mom gave it to me. I was using just to go to work and school. Then 4 months later after i got it, I was making a left turn and some people in a car T-boned me. So truck is no more. Ever since then I'v been looking for another 96.(My favrite year).

Favorite Features

The AC and the usable power from the 4.0

Suggested Improvements

The 5 speed tranny(I went though 4 of them). And the gas milage.

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1996 Ford Ranger

Written by: anthony727 on 08/24/2004

Vehicle

1996 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XLT Extended Cab SB

Review

Excellent vehicle. Low replacement of parts during maintence except common stuff like brakes oil filter, air filter, ect.

Favorite Features

All

Suggested Improvements

None

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Pyro's review

Written by: Pyroqueen13 on 04/21/2004

Vehicle

1996 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XLT Standard Cab SB

Review

Well its a tough little truck, i've gone everywhere in my little ranger, and i gotta say i love it and i wouldn't have anything else, its a good starter truck. I wish it would last me forever, but sadly all good things must come to an end, i hope thats far off for my little ranger.

Favorite Features

I love that its small, but still a truck

Suggested Improvements

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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In Alabama you need the 4.0L

Written by: LilBit on 04/10/2004

Vehicle

1996 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XLT Extended Cab SB

Review

It's a very reliable truck. I bought it used in 10/97. I love it! The only thing besides normal wear items like a battery, tires and oil changes, is that I had to replace the oil pan seal. The one thing I don't like is the lack of power(3.0L)and performance going up the hills on the interstates and roads here in Alabama

Favorite Features

A/C

Suggested Improvements

More power.

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Great little truck

Written by: Mdixon on 03/30/2004

Vehicle

1996 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XLT Standard Cab Stepside SB

Review

This was my first new vehicle. I got it off the lot with 12 miles on it. No real complaints. this truck really is built ford tough. i hit a deer about 2 years ago. Airbag deployed and the fiberglass pieces and lights were all messed up. all messed up. got a new airbag and lights etc and got back on the road. no engine trouble. radiator was well protected. she's getting old and bouncy on bumps now tho, but she's got 170000 miles on it. check engine light has been on since i hit 50,000 miles. needs a $150 replacement sensor or something, but still runs well.

Favorite Features

The stepsides on the bed give it a nice style. reliable. got some pep if tuned up. heats up quick in winter due to the small cab.

Suggested Improvements

check engine light has been on since i hit 50,000 miles. told it was a sensor and this is common. friends with rangers have the same thing happen. Factory supplied jack is too small to put new tire BACK on. it can take em off, but...

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Me Ranger

Written by: J30rdesign on 03/23/2004

Vehicle

1996 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XLT Standard Cab LB

Review

I have had no problems with my truck. I was told to just keep the oil changed and I would never have a problem. Well they were right. I have driven this truck hard, beat it up and it still wants more! Great Truck

Favorite Features

Manual Trans

Suggested Improvements

V8

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Reliable Truck

Written by: Arty304 on 03/15/2004

Vehicle

1996 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XLT Standard Cab SB

Review

This is a good basic reliable compact truck. I own the 4 cylinder 2.3L model with a five speed. For the higher elevations of Colorado its a little underpowered, but around town and the plains its fine. A good quality truck.

Favorite Features

Five speed transmission!

Suggested Improvements

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