1998 Ford Ranger Consumer Reviews Page 4

Great truck !!! Electrical quirks!!??

Written by: tom kleinfeld on 12/04/2003

Vehicle

1998 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XLT Standard Cab SB

Review

I bought the truck new in the fall of 1998. I have 150000 thousand miles on it. It has been a good truck. I have had to replace the alternator THREE times and last month had to do the front struts. Not bad for all the miles. The front seat could be a little more comfortable for a bigger guy 6 2". But you can't beat the price and gas milage.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

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Same as every one elses reviw

Written by: Arnela on 08/15/2003

Vehicle

1998 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XLT Standard Cab Stepside SB

Review

Dome Light Stays On Door ajar Light stays on Check Engine light came on three times in four years ($270 to fix sensor EACH time) Latch on armrest compartment broke at 2 years and 15,000 miles non replacable part, armrest is $$$

Favorite Features

Cute, fun to drive, east to park in San Francisco

Suggested Improvements

"SAIL" style side mirrors always end up pointing at the stars when someone just walks by the truck in the parking lot. I have to manualy adjust mirrors every time I leave the grocery store. 4cyl a little sluggish

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Disapointed

Written by: henry_thoreau25 on 07/31/2003

Vehicle

1998 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XL 4WD Extended Cab SB

Review

All the platic parts break. Engine compartment is very noisy -- fan belt, air conditioner, power stearing. Passenger seat reclining mechanism broke. Shifter knob came off, never to stay on again. Sometimes the window washer works, sometimes it wont. Door sensors have false readings often.

Favorite Features

Exterior styling is OK.

Suggested Improvements

Lay off all the plastic. (Even the gas pedal is platic.) How about old fashioned metal?

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Ranger Rocks, Tranny Sucks!

Written by: Younguns on 07/23/2003

Vehicle

1998 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XLT 4WD Extended Cab SB

Review

Vehicle is great, however, the transmission stinks! I have had the truck in for transmission repairs 4 times now, and the vehicle only has 44,000 miles on it.

Favorite Features

Hauls a decent amount of weight, gets average fuel economy.

Suggested Improvements

Find a new transmission manufacturer!

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Ranger XL ext cab 4x4

Written by: cp on 06/14/2003

Vehicle

1998 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XL 4WD Extended Cab SB

Review

This is my second Ranger. Good, nimble little trucks but won't haul a whole lot.

Favorite Features

Easy to get in and out. Not to hard to park in small spaces. Goes good in snow, mud, etc. Actually pulls a trailer much larger than rated capacity fairly easily.

Suggested Improvements

Door light switch--prone to failure. Oil gage is a phony; doesn't register actual oil pressure--replace with real gage. Tail gate latch is flimsy and has broken twice--redesign. Not very good fuel economy for a truck this size.

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Ranger 2wd 3.0 5M

Written by: Review on 05/23/2003

Vehicle

1998 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XLT Standard Cab SB

Review

Bought this truck new - 5 years and 60,000 miles later I have nothing to complain about. Mechanically it has been completely reliable. I am getting 21-23 mpg, which I think is very good for a V6 pickup. Interior materials and exterior paint are holding up very well. Everything still feels tight, no rattles, etc. Feels like it going to be a solid truck for a long time.

Favorite Features

It has been very affordable to own. Has given me no headaches or hassles.

Suggested Improvements

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SWEET!!!!!

Written by: afireman on 05/09/2003

Vehicle

1998 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XLT 4WD Extended Cab Stepside SB

Review

Bought this vehicle used at 65000m. It had been altered from original, have had general parts replacement as it was well used in those miles. Rides stiff like 4x4's do. Thats why I bought it. Not to mention the power and 17-20 mpg. So i get the best of both worlds. If you want a 4x4 that gets good milage, with plenty of room, handy controls, and lots of towing, hauling and take off power.... Get one!!! I will be trading this one in on a new one in a couple of years.

Favorite Features

4x4, 4.0L engine, center console, and the off-road package.

Suggested Improvements

More rear-end weight

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Choose wisely

Written by: The Avenger on 05/03/2003

Vehicle

1998 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XLT Standard Cab SB

Review

The engine has been reliable. The exhaust at certain speeds makes a rattling noise. The truck thinks the drivers door is always open. I had to take out the interior bulbs to drive at night. The fan switch only works on high setting. A common Ford problem. The AC compressor always seems to go on and off even if just the vent is on.

Favorite Features

Passenger airbag turnoff switch.

Suggested Improvements

More leg room. Optional bench seating.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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3rd ranger

Written by: 3rd ranger on 03/23/2003

Vehicle

1998 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XLT 4WD Extended Cab Stepside SB

Review

Towing package allows for an impressive amount on a trailer, No 4x8 material will fit in stepside bed and it is easy to break the fiberglass pieces back there. the 4 liter engine is a push rod design that feels weak when compared to others but does the job. I have almost always gotten 17 mi to the gallon when empty. The electric four wheel drive has been nothing but trouble as has the electric heater/air controls. Aside from this, the truck has never left me set. Rear of truck is very light. Find truck very comfortable to drive. As the past two rangers I think these are a good compromise truck rides nice.

Favorite Features

aluminum wheels,seats,body style suspention

Suggested Improvements

More power(this was adressed later with sohc 4.0) get rid of the electric motor that shifts transfer case. Make models with option of manual hubs and transfer case for those who want to be able to depened on having 4x4

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Great Little Truck

Written by: BikeNut on 03/03/2003

Vehicle

1998 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XLT Standard Cab Stepside SB

Review

I started out leasing this truck and by the time my lease was up, I knew that I wanted to buy it. I have taken long trips, hauled everything from refrigerators to sheetrock and have never had to do anything to this truck except change the oil and put in gas. It is a great looking truck and is very comfortable. I now have 113,000 miles on it and I drive it 100 miles a day to work and back. I would highly recommend this truck to anyone who is looking for a small, good looking, economical and trouble free vehicle.

Favorite Features

Sliding rear window

Suggested Improvements

None

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