Used 1996 Ford Ranger Extended Cab Consumer Reviews
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Been Worth the $
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. But overall, I'm paying less than a car payment. My boys want me to keep it for when they start driving it. I put some new Cooper ATR tires on it this year and it's done pretty good getting up the hill on my drive way here in the CLE area with 200lb of sand in the back.
Treating me good
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 clutch replacement. Driveshaft carrier bearing disintegrated at about 120K miles, $30 part. Gas pedal mounting bolts/rivets (<$1) fell out at 140K. Front brakes at around 160K miles, in the $30-$60 range. At 174K miles the ignition switch shorted and the truck was trying to start without a key, $20 part.
Totally worth it love this truck
i traded a newer car for this truck have to say it was worth yes its had some problems but nothing serious the biggest problem ive had is iac valve going out 40 dollar part and the tailgate handle broke this truck runs great smooth riding i would have another one
Like a good friend
I've owed this vehicle new from dealership; driven it hard and regular. I've never experienced a problem - Just semi-regular maintenance. I'd buy it again. The only thing I'd change is adding a console.
In Alabama you need the 4.0L
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
Poor Trans
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.
I LOVE my truck!
I have driven my little truck hard. It just keeps on ticking. I really don't mean to run it hard but it just runs so great, that it is hard not to. I compare it to a '86 Toyota 3/4 ton that I had, they both just keep performing no matter how hard they are driven. Way to go Ford!
Love this truck
I drove this truck back and forth from MD to NC every weekend for 2 years and never had a problem with it. I've had it for 5 years, bought it used. The only thing I've had to recently replace were the tires.
1996 ford ranger xlt
Purchased vehicle from original owner with approximately 33000 miles on it. Majority of my driving was local with some trips of 100 miles each way. Ride and handling are very comfortable. Dependability is very good. Unfortunately with the small v-6 the gas mileage is horrible. The best it can get on the highway at cruise is 16 MPG, around town it drops to about 13- 14 MPG
Little 4banger needs assistance
I love my truck. I bought it as a powered wheelbarrow for hauling stuff to the dump and from Home Depot. So I bought one w/ very few creature comforts, but the thing is very comfortable to drive and great for long trips. Very comfortable seats for stock ones.