Used 1994 Ford Ranger Extended Cab Consumer Reviews
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Very Suprised
Eric, 10/04/2010
1994 Ford Ranger XL 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
32 of 33 people found this review helpful
Overall this truck has surprised me. I'm a Chevy lover and yet i like this truck. Very comfortable and great on gas. Despite i have the two wheel drive version it love the mud. No major problems with it. 189,000 miles and still going strong.
Great truck, keeps on going
Bill, 05/22/2008
1994 Ford Ranger STX 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
22 of 25 people found this review helpful
I bought this truck new in '94 and I used it every day for 10 years until I got a family minivan. I have towed concrete mixers, hauled scrap and lumber, use it weekly to carry stuff to the dump. I carried the kids in the extended cab (when they were little, not a lot of room there.) The truck never let me down and today I still have it (though it's semi-retired)and use it 3-4 times a month to go to the dump. It has 167,000 miles on it and now my daughter just got her lisense and she drives it daily to school and about. It still gets 22+MPG. Never did more than routine maint and replaced the clutch 2x. What a great investment in 1994!
A 16 Year Old's Dream
bigcuntry, 12/15/2009
1994 Ford Ranger XLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
10 of 13 people found this review helpful
I had this truck handed down to me from my dad, who has had it from 1996. He bought it from a private owner with 20k +/- , with the cruise control already not functioning. This has not bothered me though, I put about 30+ miles a day driving to school and back. My MPG stands at about 18-19 city, 22-23 hwy with the 3.0 V6. There have been no major issues with the truck, just routine maintenance, such as oil, brakes,fluid levels, etc. There is a oil leak at the universal joint, but its not major. at 110k, It is still going strong and I do not intend for it to quit today, or for that matter, a long time.
I love my truck
Bob Dinkel, 07/15/2003
1994 Ford Ranger XL 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Fantastic vehicle for single person or couple with no children. It is fun to drive, functional and reliable. Before we had children there is no vehicle I would have traded it for.
Great and Reliable Truck
XTruckChick, 05/22/2002
1994 Ford Ranger XLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought this truck to help with my frequent moves. I bought it in '96 with 56K on it and sold it in 2001 with 135K. Drove it from WI to CA about 3 times, it made it through LA traffic just fine. Only problems I had were normal maintenance, breaks, drive belt, one O2 sensor, etc. (Only qwirk was the A/C clutch froze up (which is included in the path of the drive belt) causing the belt to snap the fan blade and wreck the alternator). But a quick $150 repair and I was back in business! Great truck. Sold it to a friend who is still driving it! I miss it frequently! By far my most favorite vehicle.
Totally Satisfied
JTIME, 09/16/2003
1994 Ford Ranger XLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought the truck in March '03 with 166.5K in AL and thought that it would be an ok run-about truck. I drove the truck home (Houston, TX) and have not gotten out of it since. Currently has 178K and it does not burn or leak any oil. I really believe I can get 300K out of it without any major problems. The body is tight with no squeaks or rattles and the performance is great (4.0L V6). I get about 23 MPG hwy and 19 city. I own a Toyota Avalon and a Nissan 300ZX so I did not expect to be this pleased with an American auto. I would buy another provided its the 4.0L. I highly recommend this truck to anyone.
Best I've ever owned
Mountain Man, 12/05/2005
1994 Ford Ranger XL 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
Great litle truck
jaxmo, 05/19/2005
1994 Ford Ranger XLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
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.
Fair MPG, poor performance
Doink, 06/05/2016
updated 06/07/2017
1994 Ford Ranger XLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
4 of 8 people found this review helpful
I bought this as a 3rd owner in 2016 with 112k and the only thing that didn't work was the cruise but got it fixed (adjustment cost $40). I keep it around 2500 rpm, windows up and A/C on, and get 21 mpg. The arm rest clasp is broken so it won't stay closed. The paint is holding up great and has no body damage. The interior was very clean, but the headliner had to be replaced. It handles well, rides smooth, and brakes easily. It has terrible acceleration, but the MPG trade off isn't that great. I can tow my filled 5' x 10' trailer like it's not even there. The side view mirrors are too small and the cup holders don't work with most cups. I replaced the headliner and the cruise control stopped working again. Otherwise, the truck drives as it should and hauls as well as it tows. The MPG is not worth the lost performance.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
A truck for all-time
Hedgehog437, 12/21/2008
1994 Ford Ranger Splash 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Bought the truck from a pal with 11,000 miles on it in 1995. It's loaded; 4.0L V-6, PS/PB/AC/cruise/tilt/Captains chairs, the works. I now have 74,000 miles on it and it runs like it's brand new. My wife loves it because its big enough to haul her annual landscaping supplies, but small enough for her to be comfortable driving. People still offer me hard cash for this little gem, but I couldn't replace it for under $20K. It gets about 20mpg consistently, the A/C will freeze you out, and it's tough! This would be a perfect truck for someone who doesn't need to tow large trailers, etc.
If you live out of the city
Hank Jr, 09/25/2005
1994 Ford Ranger XLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
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.
Avoid the 2.3!
superbird_71, 09/08/2008
1994 Ford Ranger XLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
Bought truck from original owner, now has 278,000 miles on it. Burns no oil. Idles rough, check engine light pops up at random, has electrical problems - if you turn the wipers on they don't turn back off. 2.3 has no power at all and gets lousy gas mileage - 20 mpg average, even with the five-speed. It has 8 incredibly hard-to-change spark plugs - why 8 spark plugs on the 4 cylinder? rear spring hangers rusted off, even though there is not a spot of rust on the body.
94 Ranger 4x4
rbellew, 04/24/2002
1994 Ford Ranger Splash 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This has been the best all around vehicle I have ever owned. It had 68K on the odometer when I bought it, and didn't look really well maintained. It now has 192K and has been nearly flawless. It has the 4.0 V6, 327 gears, and 5-speed tranny; it's good for 18 mpg around town and up to 25 mpg on the highway. Runs strong at 75+ on the interstate. I highly recommend it to anyone.
1994 Ranger still going strong
mamacita99, 11/06/2002
1994 Ford Ranger XL 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchased this truck new and have hauled a full load on average once each week. After 180,000 miles the only repair involved replacing the clutch after 100,000 miles. This has been one of the most economical trucks I could have purchased. It still runs great and who knows how long that engine is going to last.
Would do it again...
Ford Lover, 10/02/2002
1994 Ford Ranger XLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought it new in '94 and have had it serviced according to the Manual. Now have 201K on same engine. Brakes done twice, new clutch, second timing belt, second set of shocks/struts. Great truck!
Jeep Hauler
CJRay, 11/12/2002
1994 Ford Ranger STX 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought the truck new,and almost 8 years and 168K later it still runs great.It has lost some of its pep,but is driven hard.Mostly highway miles,but a lot are hauling Jeep parts.I haul frames,engines,trannys,axles,-most at the same time. Squat it down with a load, and the little 4-cyl gives its all and comes back for more.I hauled 2 loads of bricks that broke the back springs. Replaced them, and I was back in business.Built Ford Tough-Heck yeah. I know guys with full sizes that don't get as much use. My friends will be sad when it goes-it is a lot of fun to see Jeep frames hauled by a SB Ranger. Go Ranger-168K and counting!
Love it!
Ranger Lover, 10/13/2003
1994 Ford Ranger XLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I owned this truck for almost 5 years and was still driving it at 170K miles when it was totaled in an accident. I rolled this truck at 60mph and walked away with just one scratch. When they say 'built Ford tough', they mean it! I just bought a 2000 Ranger to replace this one.
RANGER REVIEW
RANGER OWNER, 08/17/2004
1994 Ford Ranger XLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The vehicle is tough. The height to width ratio is such that roll is more pronounced that with wider vehicles. Torque curve is such that powering ahead is best in the 2000 to 2500 rpm range. The vehicle has good metal; some of the newer vehicles of today leave something to be desired when it comes to skin thickness. The vehicle corners well. Its twin I-beam front suspension is such that outboard front wheel tuck is well mitigated because spring compression produces an opposing angle to wheel tuck. Its 4.0 uses no oil, and supplies ample power. Transmission is a manual 5-speed, which affords great versatility. Overall, I give the truck and 8.0.
awsome truck
fordsarebest, 09/08/2004
1994 Ford Ranger XLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Ibought my ranger in 2002 and all I have done to it besides oil changes is a new battry.I did have the transmission suddenly lock up going 65 mph but it was my fault.I replaced it and I dont hink I will ever have to but another truck for a long time .Ithas 133000 mile and still runs like new .lots of power and great gas mileage I con get up to 450 miles to a tank. the only thing is it is not too comfortable on long trips,but i can deal with it because this truck is great.
Takes a beating well
OffRoader, 04/02/2003
1994 Ford Ranger Splash 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Five years later I still LOVE it! In the beginning I was a normal driver, then the offroad bug bit me. Great aftermarket support for parts, accesories & upgrades. Most people wouldn't believe what these trucks have been thru in the RRORC off road club I'm part of. The 3.73 gears w/rear limited slip is a blast. Dana 35 TTB front & 8.8 rear axles have taken such abuse very well. I've hauled countless heavy loads easily. Stepside bed too narrow for 4x8 sheets to lay flat. Supercab is a must for tall people & holds plenty of stuff. With great bucket seats, tilt, cruise, a/c, pwr mirrors, pwr locks & windows this truck is the best of both worlds!
Reliable workhorse
Travis, 12/09/2016
1994 Ford Ranger XL 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have the Mazda badged version of the '94 Ranger (B3000), identical except for body cosmetics. Bought it used w/ 75K miles almost 20 years ago, now has 183K. The 3.0 V6 is pretty anemic, especially climbing hills on the freeway (often I have to downshift to 3rd gear), but gets job done. Truck is super reliable -- replaced 5-spd. manual trans at around 130K, because grease monkey at lube joint didn't tighten drain plug, or fill up after draining. Costs: $700 for rebuilt trans found online and $200 installation with mechanic friend. Compare that to the $4K or $5K it takes to replace a modern auto trans in many vehicles. But you can't find manual trans anymore... brakes, shocks, wheel bearings, master cylinder, idler pulley and tires have been replaced -- normal wear and tear for a vehicle this old. I was thinking of getting something newer, but the horror stories of maintenance with these computerized wonders terrifies me ($1500 to fix power sliding doors on minivans, $9K to replace sensor deep in the bowels of a Toyota engine... it goes on and on). I decided to keep this "antiquated" jewel until it collapses into heap of scrap metal -- simplicity and cheap maintenance are values I do not care to sacrifice for any level of costly, power-assisted, processor-driven convenience!
- Performance
- Comfort
Only 1 regret
jcd302, 02/12/2005
1994 Ford Ranger XLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is my 3rd Ranger and my last one lasted to 182,000 miles. I sold it 4.5 years ago and he is STILL driving it. I have HAD to do nothing to her, but I did convert the 3.08 open differential to Traction-Loc & added a trailer towing package. 146,200 miles and only done 1 wheel bearing. I get 22mpg in the summer and 17/19 in the winter. I love it and will buy my 4th Ranger when this one finally dies, but my 9 year old daughter is planning on it being around when she gets her license, so maybe in 7 more years. I should have over 300k on it by then. Ford only rates it at 1200# towing capacity, but I have towed my 2000# pop-up camper with no problems and even taken a trailer w/ 2800# of trash to the dump!
My Baby
jogle, 05/03/2005
1994 Ford Ranger XLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
My first and only vehicle. Bought in 1997 with 9K. The seats fit me perfectly, I am 6 ft 240lb. I have 2 kids and four of us can ride fairly comfortably (my wife is 5'2" 115lb). I have changed the brakes, rotors, plugs and plug wires. Daily driver on average 30 miles per day. Another kid on the way may mean I have to purchase another vehicle. No matter what, I will not sell my Ranger.
My Ranger in review
Bruce, 12/23/2005
1994 Ford Ranger XLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
Great truck
David, 01/05/2005
1994 Ford Ranger XLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Best vehicle I have ever owned. Reliability has been excellant. Very convenient getting objects out of bed and easy to get in and out. While my new 150 Supercrew is more fun to drive on the highway, the Ranger is a better everyday useage vehicle.
Never stops
-stanky, 07/03/2008
1994 Ford Ranger XLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
So good. I love the power it has off the start, after popping into second you're gone. It's definitely the most comfortable ride, super smooth like butter.
This truck just will not stop!
Fscott, 05/21/2002
1994 Ford Ranger XL 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Ford Ranger XLT Extended brand new off the lot. It has a v6 4.0 liter with auto transmission and let me tell you, this thing will not stop. I mean, I have had almost no trouble out of it. Currently it has 161,000 miles on it and idles and runs like it did 100,000 miles ago. My dad bought a Chev S10 2 weeks after I bought the Ranger, and his truck is about to fall apart! I would buy this truck again any day. When Ford states that that they are built Ford tough....beleive it. This thing has been trough it all, and never fails me.
I can't kill this truck
cheech, 05/21/2002
1994 Ford Ranger XLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
223000 miles and still runs like a watch. For the past year I've been neglecting it, hoping that I'll be able to replace her. I bored after 200K plus and want a new toy, I just can't justify spending the $$ when my old one still works well.
Great Truck
redranger, 12/02/2002
1994 Ford Ranger XLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I'm 16 and i bought this truck as my first vehicle. I've always liked Ford and wanted a truck for the lower insurnace. So the Ranger was a natural choice. The 4x4 is great and i love the ride height. I have the 3.0L V6 and i get better gas mileage than my friends Nissan 4x4 4cyl. (I get 20mpg in a 4x4 V6 truck is pretty good). I have room for three people comfortably and four if i squeeze and five if they are small.
Ranger first truck
Chris, 12/25/2016
1994 Ford Ranger XLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A great first truck. Used it to pull lots of trailers and haul lots of stuff. Needed something bigger so I sold it to a family member and bought an F150.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
overhauled at 360000 miles plus
Bruno1960, 09/10/2021
1994 Ford Ranger XLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this 1994 truck in 1998 with about 68000 miles on it. Still have it, with recently overhauled 2.3 liter engine, and over 365000 miles. It has had starters, batteries, solenoids, etc. The only major thing was a rebuilt 5 speed manual transmission. It had an intermediate u-joint between the front and rear driveshafts. (Regular cabs have a single driveshaft, extended cabs two piece.) Lately the ABS light has come on but the brakes still work. Warrants investigation. Years ago I had trouble with the air conditioning, attributed to a leaking evaporator. Ford had a good idea to put the evaporator in front of the firewall instead of in the cab under the dash. A/C worked well while working. My late wife helped me buy this truck and it is not for sale.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Hate to admit it's this good...
Convert, 09/15/2005
1994 Ford Ranger XLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
Will Live Forever
Kent, 07/12/2008
1994 Ford Ranger XLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love this truck. I bought it in October of 2007. It currently has 264000 miles on it and it's still on its first engine and transmission. It has many many more miles to come. It hasn't given me hardly any trouble at all and I haven't done any repairs besides ordinary preventative maintainance. Still runs and drives like new and has no mechanical problems.