Used 1996 Ford Ranger Regular Cab Consumer Reviews
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Keeps on runnin'!
I purchased this truck used with about 40,000 miles on it. Ten years later I have over 261,000 miles and its still running great. I have had to put a couple thousand into it but nothing major. Clutch, tires, brakes, etc. I am NOT good at getting the oil changed but that hasn't slowed it down any. Definitely have gotten my money's worth AND MORE out of this truck. I plan on driving it until it won't drive anymore and then give it a dignified funeral! :)
Reliable Truck
This is a good basic reliable compact truck. I own the 4 cylinder 2.3L model with a five speed. For the higher elevations of Colorado its a little underpowered, but around town and the plains its fine. A good quality truck.
Extreme Reliablity
I have owned several Rangers personally over the years and still own most of them (one was destroyed in a collision). I have owned many through my company and they've always been great trucks even through the abuse employees put them through. This particular gen is super smooth, easy and inexpensive to maintain and parts are extremely plentiful. Can not speak highly enough of these trucks. I personally have put over a half million miles on these four cylinders in two different trucks with only basic maintenance, never have opened the engines up for any deep work. Just belts, hoses, the occasional sensor and oil/filter changes. I honestly believe with minimal maintenance this truck will outlive me and maybe the next driver.
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A great vehicle all around
I got this truck 5 years ago with around 275k miles on it. I’ve put maybe 30k on it since then and I’ve never had a single problem with the engine or anything else under the hood, not even the ORIGINAL battery from 1996. It was my first car and boy can it take a beating. I got into a little fender bender my first year driving it and all it left was a little scratch, while the other guys entire bumper fell off. They don’t make cars like this anymore, I honestly think it might outlive me.
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One of the best values available
The 4.0 liter, V-6 is smooth and makes for a fun, quick truck with good hauling ability. Engine runs like a dream if you treat it right. Transmission isn't the smoothest, but it is holding up well. Body doesn't rust easily. Brakes are good, not great. It handles like a truck. Interior is well designed and slick. If you want a reliable used truck, I don't think you could get a better one than this for the price.