1998 Ford Ranger Consumer Reviews

1998 Ranger

Written by: Ron on 05/17/2008

Vehicle

1998 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XLT Standard Cab LB

Review

I bought this truck new in 1998 and put 150,000 miles on it over the first 5 years. Overall the truck has been quite reliable. The two problem areas have been the interior light staying on and multiple issues with the air conditioning. Other than that the vehicle has never left me stranded. In fact, I have a 4 cylinder/5 speed stick and have never even replaced any part of the drivetrain in cluding the clutch. The truck currently has over 175,000 miles and continues to run like new.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

It appears that the problem I have experienced with the interior light is widespread, perhaps Ford should rectify this.

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It is a truck, not a car

Written by: bob on 05/06/2008

Vehicle

1998 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XL 4WD Standard Cab LB

Review

If you want a reasonably decent small truck for hauling stuff around, the Ranger is a good choice. If you want a passenger car, buy one of those instead of a truck. BTW, the 3 liter engine is plenty powerful enough.

Favorite Features

Off road package, gas mileage, long bed, 3.0 makes plenty of power.

Suggested Improvements

Gas mileage could be better, it would be nice if a 4x8 foot sheet of plywood would lie flat in the bed.

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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1998 Ford Ranger 4x4

Written by: good truck on 04/27/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

Has been a good truck. Have not had any problems engine wise or with the transmisson. Body and paint have held up really well. 3.0 v6 is under powered for the truck.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

Ford should recall the problem with the dome light and the door ajar problem.

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Great truck for price

Written by: superswitchks on 02/03/2008

Vehicle

1998 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XLT Standard Cab SB

Review

The 2.5L motor provides great gas mileage and a decent amount of power when you need it. If you keep your right foot out of the firewall you can easily achieve 25+ mpg on the highway. However if you plan on using all 120hp plan on getting less than 17 in the city. But the handling of the truck is good for a truck; you can sling the rear around if needed, or stick the front for some decent corning out of a truck.

Favorite Features

My favorite features are the comfortable interior and I am 6ft tall. Also I am a fan of the driver feedback I get out out of the truck. I am a fairly accomplished driver and the amount of feel you get out of the wheel and body roll allow a knowledgable driver to wheel the Ranger like they stole it

Suggested Improvements

I would, as any race inspired driver would, love a more powerful 4 cylinder engine. A slightly stiffer suspension might make the truck handle better. A smoother shifting tranny or one than took abuse better would also be preffered. Don't get me wrong my Ranger sees more than its fair share of abuse.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Good old reliable truck

Written by: AZSoonerfan on 01/19/2008

Vehicle

1998 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XLT Standard Cab SB

Review

I have owed this truck for 8 years now. I have not had any major issues with the truck. My only issues with the truck are that the interior light will sometimes say on after the driver door is closed and the brakes are a little weak. Other than that, the truck has been great. I would recommend the truck to any of my friends.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

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Very Nice Little Truck

Written by: Chris on 01/12/2008

Vehicle

1998 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XLT Standard Cab SB

Review

I bought a 1998 Ford Ranger 2.5 liter I4 for $2400 for my first truck back in February of 07 and it was a great little truck. I had very little problems with it, I did have to replace the exhaust and the rear leaf spring shackles and mounts. I had dual exhaust put on and it sounded very nice. Not like a Honda or a weedwacker on steriods. For a four cylinder truck it was very quick, and reliable. Never broke down or any engine problems. In the winter all you need for the snow with the 2wd type is good tires and i put four 70 pound sand bags in the bed and it went through anything. I absolutly loved this truck up until the day someone t-boned me and totaled it. Awesome truck overall.

Favorite Features

Everything. Great sounding factory speakers.

Suggested Improvements

Nothing.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Great small truck

Written by: JC on 08/22/2007

Vehicle

1998 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XLT 4WD Extended Cab SB

Review

Can't say much more than the title. Have owned this truck for about two years now and the one thing that stands out is that it will go just about anywhere. Have taken it up 45 degree hills with no slippage in mud and snow and it tows my 16.5' bass boat as if it was not even there. Have experienced some of the normal, minor problems of this model but all of the info available on the web makes fixing hem a breeze.

Favorite Features

IFS - Standard Ford bolt pattern - Comfortable front seats - modifiability (if that is indeed a word)

Suggested Improvements

Better MPG - better stereo equipment - include an overhead console like the explorer and widen the truck and release the four-door Ranger line in the Us for cripes sake.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Fun little work-a-bout

Written by: truck-guy on 06/09/2007

Vehicle

1998 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XLT 4WD Standard Cab SB

Review

This is my third Ranger and all were purchased used. I like the Ranger and this one has not dissapointed me. I must say the previous owners took good care of this truck, I got a bargain when I found it. My own loot at it followed by my friendly mechanic's evaluation confirmed that this rig is in top shape. I like the 4.0L V-6, it has plent of power for fairly heavy hauling and medium towing.

Favorite Features

Need I say? The 4.0L V-6 is bulletproof.

Suggested Improvements

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Great Truck

Written by: 4x4RangerGuy on 04/12/2007

Vehicle

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

Review

Besides the automatic, my Ranger has been bulletproof. I off-road as a hobby, and this truck has taken me everywhere without ever breaking a thing. The 3.0 V6 is bulletproof, and the 4x4 always works. I replaced the hubs with manual hubs to get rid of the vacuum assist, and it's been great. The truck is comfortable, and it has been on long trips with no complaints. These magazines are bought out by Japanese manufacturers, so they never have anything decent to say about American vehicles. Well, the Ranger disproves it all. A solid, well built and well priced vehicle. I will be buying another Ford Ranger for my next vehicle.

Favorite Features

3.0 V6 reliability, manual transmissions are bulletproof, off road capability is great. Truck is reliable!

Suggested Improvements

Offer a solid front axle, none of this IFS minivan stuff. A V8 would be nice.

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The Best Compact Pickup Out There!

Written by: Jordan on 04/04/2007

Vehicle

1998 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XLT Standard Cab Stepside SB

Review

I really love the Ford Ranger because it goes forever on a tank of gas. I bought this truck used and it was in excellent shape. It is great acceleration with the 5 speed transmission. I would recomened this vehicle to a friend.

Favorite Features

CD player. Power windows and locks. Airbags. Air conditioning. Power from the 2.5L 4 cylinder!

Suggested Improvements

None

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