Whether it's image or utility that attracts you to a compact truck, Ford stands ready to seduce you into its strong-selling Ranger. Trim levels range from the practical XL through the well-trimmed XLT and STX--all the way to the beguiling little Ranger Splash with its fiberglass Flareside bed, chrome wheels, and lowered suspension.

With the optional 4.0-liter V6 engine, in particular, acceleration is impressively brisk, whether from a standstill or when merging and passing. The base four cylinder engine can overtax the Ranger when carrying a heavy load. Automatic-transmission upshifts are crisp and barely noticed, with just a slight jolt under hard throttle, and downshifts deliver only slightly more harshness. Push-button four-wheel-drive, if installed, is a snap to use.

Well-controlled overall, with good steering feedback, Rangers handle easily, corner capably (within limits), maneuver neatly, and stay reasonably stable on curves. Occupants aren't likely to complain about the ride, either, though it can grow bouncy around town. Gas mileage isn't the greatest with the big engine and automatic, as expected.

Ranger sports an worldwide industry first for safety protection this year. An optional passenger side airbag is available, and it can be disabled with the flick of a switch in the event that a car seat is installed in the truck. Also new for 1996 is a 100,000-mile tune-up interval on the 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, and standard privacy glass on Supercab models. A fresh twist for XL and XLT two-wheel drive models equipped with the base engine is the Flareside box from the Ranger Splash; it can be ordered on regular and Supercab models. Trim changes include the deletion of the garish green tape stripe on Splash models, as well as the cargo cover on Supercab models. The XL Sport disappears from the lineup.

Seats are firm and supportive, urging you to lean back and enjoy a long haul. Rangers are all truck, with few pretensions toward any other identity, but can be loaded with gadgets like a luxury auto. Fun to drive, sharp looking and well-built, they deliver a solid compact-pickup experience.

1996 Highlights

For the 1996 Ford Ranger, an optional passenger-side airbag is now available, and it comes with a switch that will disable the system if a child seat is installed in the truck. Super Cab models get standard privacy glass, Splash models lose that putrid green tape stripe, and the Flareside box from the Splash is now available on two-wheel-drive, four-cylinder XL and XLT models.

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 1996 Ford Ranger.

Overall Consumer Rating

4.650 reviews

Write a review See all 50 reviews

5(60%)

4(36%)

3(4%)

2(0%)

1(0%)

Most helpful consumer reviews

Been Worth the $

cmd,02/05/2010

I bought this truck used with 72K, now I'm up to 138K and the 2.3L (5 spd Man) engine is running good. During the cold months, I get 20-22 on the Hwy, but when it's warm, I've gotten 27! The body has held up great and I've had to replace some things like brake lines, Pwr Steering lines, Upper and lower ball joints, e-brake cable and the surprise was the brackets on the rear springs.

Poor Trans

Ford4me,11/21/2010

This was the second truck I have ever owned. I liked the size until now when I need a bigger truck because of family. I have had multiple issues with the Transmission, starting at 98,000 miles. Door handles broke at 120,000. Rear Tailgate handle broke around the same time. Over all a good truck.

In Alabama you need the 4.0L

LilBit,04/10/2004

It's a very reliable truck. I bought it used in 10/97. I love it! The only thing besides normal wear items like a battery, tires and oil changes, is that I had to replace the oil pan seal. The one thing I don't like is the lack of power(3.0L)and performance going up the hills on the interstates and roads here in Alabama

Treating me good

Ray_Scheel,08/08/2005

Original owner, 4.0 V6 manual extended cab. Easy to work on, gas mileage is good, and has hauled in some bigger loads than one might expect for its size. Roomy enough for me (6'3"). Things I've had to repair, in order: The O2 sensor, under warranty, <5000 miles. Starter relay ($9) flaked out at 70K. Throwout bearing (manual) at around 90K miles, garage charged $300 for that and a

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Features & Specs

MPG

19 city / 24 hwy

Seats 0

5-speed manual

Gas

112 hp @ 4800 rpm

MPG

19 city / 24 hwy

Seats 0

5-speed manual

Gas

112 hp @ 4800 rpm

MPG

19 city / 24 hwy

Seats 0

5-speed manual

Gas

112 hp @ 4800 rpm

MPG

19 city / 24 hwy

Seats 0

5-speed manual

Gas

112 hp @ 4800 rpm

See all Used 1996 Ford Ranger Extended Cab features & specs

Safety

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Driver4 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Side Barrier Rating
OverallNot Rated
DriverNot Rated
PassengerNot Rated
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front SeatNot Rated
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
RolloverNot Rated
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of RolloverNot Rated

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Side Impact Test
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Not Tested
IIHS Small Overlap Front Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test
0

More about the 1996 Ford Ranger

Used 1996 Ford Ranger Extended Cab Overview

The Used 1996 Ford Ranger Extended Cab is offered in the following styles: XL 2dr Extended Cab SB, XLT 2dr Extended Cab SB, XLT 2dr Extended Cab Stepside SB, XL 2dr Extended Cab Stepside SB, XL 2dr Extended Cab 4WD Stepside SB, Splash 2dr Extended Cab Stepside SB, XLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD Stepside SB, XLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB, XL 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB, Splash 2dr Extended Cab 4WD Stepside SB, and STX 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB.

What's a good price on a Used 1996 Ford Ranger Extended Cab?

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Which used 1996 Ford Ranger Extended Cabs are available in my area?

Used 1996 Ford Ranger Extended Cab Listings and Inventory

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Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 1996 Ford Ranger Extended Cab for sale near you.

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Find a used Ford Ranger for sale - 2 great deals out of 6 listings starting at $19,326.

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Should I lease or buy a 1996 Ford Ranger?

Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.

Used 1996 Ford Ranger Extended Cab

Used