1994 Ford Ranger Consumer Reviews

one of the best trucks ever

Written by: MIGHTY ranger on 03/28/2007

Vehicle

1994 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XL Standard Cab SB

Review

This ranger could be the Johnny Cash of trucks - "its been everywhere". I have my own complaints about it - but given that all its owners have treated it really bad. I have the crazy 4 cylinder (8 plugs), I am on the 3rd transmission, 2nd clutch, second starter. all of which I robbed from $25 parts trucks found locally. I have hit deer, bridges, barns, small brush trees. I have hauled tons of everything - car parts, cars, and wood. And even though the fluid clutch leaks, I can count on it 100% - do not use ATF as suggested by Ford - it rots the seals, causing the input shaft to break at the best possible time (250 miles from home) LOVE THE MIGHT-Y RANGER.

Favorite Features

Built-in security system - you can't drive off with a truck that can't go into gear, and who wants to steal parts off this thing. Lots of fun - but don't take yourself serious, as it is slow.

Suggested Improvements

Rewrite the manual to say use light gear oil for manual trannys, and go back to the old fashioned line clutch. And please use 1 plug per cylinder. And normal oil capacity for a 4cylinder. I would like a tow winch to pull others out of ditches, and some metal tracks to drive out of mud.

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Reliable

Written by: Tim on 11/06/2006

Vehicle

1994 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XL Standard Cab SB

Review

It is a reliable truck. 2.3L great gas mileage. I get 28 to 30 mpg! But it goes from 0-60 in a like 3 minutes. No power what so ever even though it is a 2wd. I can't figure out why it needs 8 spark plugs in a 4cylinder? It only has 98hp.

Favorite Features

I honestly like the size. As a work truck it fits the gas mileage bill.

Suggested Improvements

If you need a CB like I do at work expect a lot of electrical noise. I believe a lot of it is from the electrical fuel pump but the electrical noise is very bad.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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My Ranger in review

Written by: Bruce on 12/22/2005

Vehicle

1994 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XLT Extended Cab SB

Review

I first took possession of my 1994 Ford Ranger XLT on 3/3/04. Overall, the truck has been quite reliable. In the almost 2 years I've had it, I have replaced the starter, idler pulley, fan belt, (broke when pulley seized), and rear leaf spring mounts. It currently has a power steering leak, and needs brakes, that's it. The total amount for all my repairs is about $300 over 2 years; not bad for an 11 year old truck.

Favorite Features

The 4 liter V6 and the 5 speed manual transmission provide plenty of pep on the highway, and I really enjoying driving it. The extended cab and bucket seats allow my taller passengers to stretch their legs, while a guy my size can still drive.

Suggested Improvements

The interior of the vehicle could be improved as follows: console between the seats, dual outlet defroster (mine is center output), and more lighter/power outlets. Exterior: tie downs in the bed (if any) are obscured by the bedliner.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Best I've ever owned

Written by: Mountain Man on 12/04/2005

Vehicle

1994 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XL Extended Cab SB

Review

This has been the best vehicle I've ever owned. After 157,000 miles (mostly commuting), I've not had a single mechanical failure. My only expenses have been maintenance. I drove it on a 12 hour trip and it was as comfortable as any car I've ever driven.

Favorite Features

Reliable, economical.

Suggested Improvements

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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If you live out of the city

Written by: Hank Jr on 09/25/2005

Vehicle

1994 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XLT Extended Cab SB

Review

I got this truck in Feb. '05 with 179,800 miles, after I got my license. I'm not really a truck person but it was the only thing my dad would let me drive for insurance purposes (the insurance is kinda cheap even with full coverage). After driving it a month I had to get the brakes checked; turns out it was nothing, no major problems. I worked at Six Flags which is about 20-30 minute drive from my house. With the 3.0 engine you don't get much pick up until 2nd gear. Not for long trip, after 4 hours of driving brakes smoke when stopped even if you don't use them that much.

Favorite Features

I really don't have a favorite feature.

Suggested Improvements

More power in the engine, better fuel economy -- I only average 19 mpg.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Hate to admit it's this good...

Written by: Convert on 09/15/2005

Vehicle

1994 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XLT Extended Cab SB

Review

I've owned and been around full size GM trucks for a long time - a true Chevy guy. But I needed a truck (1st house rehab) recently, and couldn't afford a new one. A friend of mine offered me his old 1994 Ranger with 150K on it for cheap money, so I figured "why not?". Well, I'm glad I did! This comfortable little truck (2wd Extended Cab 4.0 5-speed) runs beautifully, is great on gas (20/24), has no problem hauling whatever I need, and has no rust after 150K of Rhode Island winters (road salt galore). It does need an Idle Air Valve, and it probably needs a new A/C compressor, but it has been good to its previous (original) owner, and it's forced me to change my opinion of Ford.

Favorite Features

Smooth, strong engine. Gas mileage. Storage room (Xcab).

Suggested Improvements

Pillars between doors and extracab are unnecessarily wide and obstruct vision - safety issue. Mirrors buzz due to poor design and are too narrow. Cupholder molded into gearshift cover is where my leg needs to be - somebody slap the guy who 'engineered' that one. Locking rear axle would be great.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Great truck

Written by: Carlos on 07/13/2005

Vehicle

1994 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XLT 4WD Standard Cab LB

Review

I bought the truck in 1998 with 50k miles on it and it is still running great. It's kind of rough on bumpy roads. I've only had to replace the battery, brakes, and electrical components at 100k miles. I'm not a big Ford fan, but it has gotten me through the years without any major problems. And of course I had to put 30 inch all terrain tires on it.

Favorite Features

Off road capabilities. Good power(4.0 V6). Reliability.

Suggested Improvements

Gas mileage is poor. I don't even get 20 miles to the gallon. Could be the bigger tires.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Mighty Mouse

Written by: Ed on 07/05/2005

Vehicle

1994 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XLT Standard Cab LB

Review

I love my Ford Ranger. I think that a Ford Ranger is the best vehicle that a teenager can own. It has all the get up and go that I need, never lets me down, and is easy to beef up, performance-wise.

Favorite Features

My favorite features about my Ranger are the V-6 (4.0), durability, and dependability.

Suggested Improvements

I wish that my Ranger had a set of 4:10 gears to go with the decent size V-6, or even a V-8!

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Great litle truck

Written by: jaxmo on 05/19/2005

Vehicle

1994 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XLT Extended Cab SB

Review

I bought this truck used in 1996. It had 15,000 miles on it when I bought it. It now has 117,000. This truck has done everything I asked of it and gave me nine years of trouble free service. The only items I replaced were the battery, brakes, temp gauge sender, tires and a $15 sensor. Still has original clutch, starter, exhaust, etc. Still not a spot of rust on it (Cleveland area) Parked in the same spot every day and not one drop of oil on the floor. The most reliable vehicle I've ever owned. I still like driving it. Can't say enough good things about it.

Favorite Features

The 4.0L engine has lots of power and runs smooth as silk. Transmission shifts smooth and positive. Comfy seats.

Suggested Improvements

Perfect just the way it is.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Build to last

Written by: Armbruster on 05/08/2005

Vehicle

1994 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XLT Standard Cab SB

Review

I bought my Ford Ranger when it was one year old in 1995. My truck had 40,000 miles on it then. 10 years later it has 227,000 miles on it! I still love this truck. Last summer I replaced the transmission and thought of getting another vehicle. I didn't need to; here it is another year later and it is still driving fantastic. Through the years I have replaced one water pump (at 160,000 miles) 2 batteries, the clutch at 190,000 miles, the oxygen sensor, brakes, tires, and the faulty emergency brake recall item. I can't think of anything else. (oh, I did replace the serpentine and timing belts as a precaution at 120,000 miles). A FANTASTIC vehicle. This is my third Ranger and I will buy another.

Favorite Features

Great tailgate - easy to open and close. Runs smoothly, corners easily, good gas mileage (around 26), very reliable, good sound system, love the air conditioning.

Suggested Improvements

Needs different window profile (replaced 3 windshields and got about 5 rock chips repaired) Need a lower speed on heater fan, redesigned driver mirror - car lights at night hit the mirror from behind and blind me. Angle bad for plugging anything into cigarette lighter.

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