1998 Ford Ranger Consumer Reviews

average

Written by: D man on 09/04/2009

Vehicle

1998 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XLT 4WD Extended Cab SB

Review

I bought my 98 ranger in 2000 with 42000 miles now I have 150000 on it. It has worked great even though i put it through h***. Not much to complain about expect the 4x4. For the past 4 years I have had to put new 4 wheel drive hubs in. Not a cheap fix. Wish it had a more reliable 4x4 system. Overall a nice truck

Favorite Features

The ability to haul just about everything I need to haul. Has a pretty good payload

Suggested Improvements

A new 4x4 system would be nice. Maybe something with manual locking hubs.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

11 Years & Still Going Great

Written by: decajun45 on 07/21/2009

Vehicle

1998 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XLT Standard Cab SB

Review

I bought this truck used when it was about 6 months old. I got to say I really like it. While not the most comfortable or most stylish vehicle, the thing works great. I have over 135,000 miles on it and have not had a single problem besides normal wear & tear and 1 leak in the roof started last year (which I still haven't fixed - lazy me). The power is decent. I have no problem getting up to 65 mph when I get on the highway. It's not very comfortable to ride in on long trips, but hey it's a small pick up, not a Mercedes.

Favorite Features

The damn thing works great. Only 1 problem besides normal wear & tear. This is a very reliable small truck.

Suggested Improvements

Make it more comfortable to ride in on long trips. I had to change a flat on it once and had a hell of a time getting the jack set up and lifting the truck off the ground. It has to have the worst jacking system I have ever seen.

Report inappropriate post

great truck

Written by: midwest ranger on 07/02/2009

Vehicle

1998 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XLT Standard Cab LB

Review

This is a great truck! I've had this truck for 11 years. I've moved myself and family members ( mother, brother, daughter, etc.) 15 xs. That 3.0L engine has never let me down. And I average 22 mpg with an auto tranny and 3.45 axle.

Favorite Features

It's reliability.

Suggested Improvements

Diesel engine option, 20 gal. tank, ext. cab w/7' bed.

Report inappropriate post

One Super Neat truck

Written by: Jim Mac on 01/01/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

Have been looking for a Ford Ranger for a present for my wife as she was wanting one. Was very lucky to find a Ranger extended cab step side 4x4 Off Road package for the money and black to boot. She is absolutely thrilled with it and intends to keep it for a long time.

Favorite Features

Everything about the truck is a favorite. 4X4 setup is great and totally fun to drive.

Suggested Improvements

Possibly a little boost on the V-6 engine, other than that don't change it as it is perfect as it is.

2 out 3 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

I like it like that

Written by: Cobalt Blue on 09/17/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I bought the truck in February (2008) from a private seller -- only 65000 miles. It has 16-inch wheels, a 3.73 rear-end, 4 liter V6, and 5-speed manual. I don't drive it all the time, but in driving it back and forth to work it's been getting 22 mpg, average. I've gotten as high as 24 mpg. The drive to work is 20 miles one-way. Part is through town and part is open highway. The AC quit working after operating oddly about a month after I got the truck. I still need to have checked. The truck has good power, but I wouldn't want to tow much with it, because if feels like its geared pretty "tall". I really am satisfied with it. The bed is small, but what do you expect with a short-bed?

Favorite Features

Extended cab. Good sounding radio that seems to pick up AM and FM quite well. Good gas mileage. Nice bright red color and step-side styling.

Suggested Improvements

The seats slide forward when you lean them forward to get to the back area. I guess the 4-door models have "fixed" this nuisance. Some wind noise around doors, but its tolerable.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Cool little truck but mine gets problems

Written by: Ranger Danger on 09/15/2008

Vehicle

1998 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XLT Standard Cab SB

Review

From what everybody says on here, they love their Ranger and theirs is reliable. Mine on the other hand is already on its third clutch and I baby this truck like no other. My idle valve control keeps messing up and i'm on my fifth one already thats starting to fail(revs when I come to a complete stop). My back window leaks when it rains, engine idles rough sometimes, suspension squeaks loudly but its probably normal for it having 140,000 miles. I'm the second owner and the previous owner (which was my good neighbor so I saw the truck first day they purchased it.) They babied it as much as I did so I must have gotten a lemon from the factory but it wasn't always like this.

Favorite Features

Besides the problems, I loved this truck when I first got it as none of the problems existed. I like how this truck is very easy to work on except for the two back spark plugs you can't get to due to the intake being in the way. Also it's my tent when I go camping, I sleep inside with windows down

Suggested Improvements

I think just mine needs improvements as I heard other owners quite satisfied with theirs. My light too also stays on when the passenger side door opens but I just pull the fuse out when it does. Also they need to seal the back windshield better.

Report inappropriate post

Great Little Truck!

Written by: Olen on 08/18/2008

Vehicle

1998 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XL 4WD Extended Cab SB

Review

I am 16 years old and this is my first car! I can not say how pleased I am with this vehicle. Performance: a 3.0 liter V6. Can move the truck but is not an engine you can dog all day long. Comfort: Seats are very comfy and have great lumbar support. Back seat is fit for cargo only but my 8 yr old brother can fit back there. Fuel economy could be better. I get 18 city/22 hwy. Fun to drive, easy to drive. Shocks could be better but it's a truck! What do you expect? Interior design looks alright but I'm going to pimp it out soon! Exterior design looks awesome. Looks way better than S10s. Build quality: built to last...built to love. Reliability: very few problems!

Favorite Features

I love the look of it. I can adjust the seats and can slide them back pretty far (mines extended cab). Can haul enough junk in the bed but is not a gas hog. Speakers are pretty loud. I might be getting new speakers anyway though

Suggested Improvements

I need a little more power in the engine. I would like to see better gas mileage. 4 door Ranger would be nice. Radio stinks. I'm getting an in dash DVD player for it soon. Grille could look better

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

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.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

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

Report inappropriate post

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.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post