1998 Ford Ranger Review
1998 Ford Ranger Review
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Used Ranger for sale
Appraise This CarFord Ranger model years
Ford Ranger types
- Regular Cab
- Extended Cab
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Multiple engine choices. Decent performance. Nice price.
Cons
- Don't like new front-end styling.
What’s new
The 1998 Ford Ranger gets new sheet metal, a new grille and revised headlamps. The wheelbase on regular cab models has been stretched to provide more cabin room and the displacement of the base engine has been increased. A short- and long-arm (SLA) suspension replaces the Twin-I-Beam suspension found on last year's models. A four-door Ranger join the lineup midyear.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 Ford Ranger XLT 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$214/mo for Ranger XLT
Ranger XLT
vs
$246/mo
Avg. Compact Truck
Vehicle overview
Ford has had the best-selling small trucks in the country for years. We think it's because 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. Even though we're not crazy about the new styling, we're certain that they will continue to be a big hit.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1998 Ford Ranger.
5 star(48%)
4 star(36%)
3 star(15%)
2 star(1%)
1 star(0%)
93 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Best Truck Ford Produced!
nbrookshire, 02/07/2013
1998 Ford Ranger XLT 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
I bought this truck Brand New in 1998 with 3 miles on the truck. I have wrecked the truck 12 times, flipped it twice and it has over 600k miles on it and still runs strong. I have repaired the truck each time it has been wrecked. When Ford says Built TOUGH they mean it. My little ranger is Built Tough. I have an extra engine in my basement if ever needed. I would not trade , sell, or … EVEN GIVE away my little ranger. I LOVE my little truck. This little truck gets GREAT gas mileage as well. The only mechanical issue I have had is replacing the Clutch. I go through clutches quickly. But overall Best truck Ford Made!!!
4.13 out of 5 stars
1998 Ford Ranger 4x4
good truck, 04/28/2008
1998 Ford Ranger XLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
Has been a good truck. Have not had any problems engine wise or with the transmisson. Body and paint have held up really well. 3.0 v6 is under powered for the truck.
4.63 out of 5 stars
1998 Ranger
Ron, 05/17/2008
1998 Ford Ranger XLT 2dr Regular Cab LB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
I bought this truck new in 1998 and put 150,000 miles on it over the first 5 years. Overall the truck has been quite reliable. The two problem areas have been the interior light staying on and multiple issues with the air conditioning. Other than that the vehicle has never left me stranded. In fact, I have a 4 cylinder/5 speed stick and have never even replaced any part of the … drivetrain in cluding the clutch. The truck currently has over 175,000 miles and continues to run like new.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Ford Ranger XLT 4x4
Starman1950, 02/19/2003
1998 Ford Ranger XLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
This is probably one of the best
vehicles I've ever owned. EXCEPTION---
front brakes. Right front brake has
had serious mechanical problems for
the 2nd time now...#1 warranty #2 will
be out of pocket. I will be no doubt
replacing the rotor, pads and God
knows what else.
1998 Ranger Highlights
Regular Cab
XL
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $214/month |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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