1989 Ford Ranger XLT 2.9L

Summary:

I like Ford Rangers, but this one has been a bad one

Faults:

The automatic transmission would not shift until 4,000 RPM's, and then started slipping real bad.

Radiator started leaking along the side.

Right front brake line started leaking were rubber meets metal.

Air conditioning sprung a leak and now will not hold any pressure in the system.

Plastic around seat-belts has cracked and made sharp edges.

General Comments:

Interior is very clean and worn well for the age of the truck. Dash is still in one piece with no cracks. No rips in the seats or carpet. Headliner still in place with no rips.

Body still in great condition with no rust.

2.9L provides okay power, but sucks gas as bad as an F150 V-8.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th February, 2005

1989 Ford Ranger STX SuperCab 2.9 liter V6

Summary:

The Ranger is one of the best vehicles I have ever owned

Faults:

The head gasket blew at about 12,000 miles; the dealer put stop leak in and said it was OK. At 33,000 miles the problem had ruined the engine and it was rebuilt on warranty. No problems in the past 100,000 miles.

OEM tires (Firestone) went out of round at 8,000 miles. Replaced them with Goodyear Wrangler and have been happy with Goodyear's ever since.

General Comments:

Generally, this has been one of the most reliable vehicles I have ever owned. Some previous vehicles I have owned were a Volvo sedan and a Toyota Corolla. Since the warranty work, this vehicle has been as reliable as both the other brands.

My biggest gripe is that fuel economy is somewhat lacking. I average only about 15-18 mpg. (Not the 17-22 that Ford said it would get) I would have gotten a bigger truck if I had known that the fuel economy would be no better than a full-size F-150.

I like the interior of the cab. The SuperCab is comfortable, the bucket seats are great and after 15 years both the outside and inside of the truck look good.

I would drive this truck across the country tomorrow, because I know it is reliable and comfortable.

Service has been no problem. I have done all the service work myself except for having the muffler replaced. Since 1989 I have replaced the brakes 3 times, the hoses 4 times, and tuned the truck up just once! These vehicles are very reliable if you follow the manufacturer's service specs.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 2nd June, 2004

3rd Jan 2008, 21:54

I agree completely with this review. I bought a Ranger of the same yr and model (except mine's 4x4) about 2 yrs ago for $1500. It was very well maintained and has given me no problems as I tool around the Northwest. It handles great in snow.

I was also frustrated with 15-18 mpg. My first tank of gas gave me 24 mpg, but that was because I was cautious about stomping on the gas and easing it through gear changes (automatic). It is extremely sluggish on acceleration so I got nowhere fast, and eventually had to stomp on the gas most of the time.

It has been a great vehicle to teach my 16 yr old to drive, because it is so slow and forgiving.

I think dependability and comfort are great and I like the way this model Ranger looks, but poor fuel efficiency and power are things to consider. This will be an excellent first car for my son.

28th Jun 2009, 11:46

I have a 1989 Ford Ranger with 133,000 miles on the stock engine and trans. I agree with the reliability of the trucks. Mine is great, and it is my project truck.

I also agree with the performance of the truck to an extent; the only thing that my truck refuses to do is climb a hill in fourth or fifth gear, but I don't agree with the bad fuel economy, simply because I have 5 inches of total lift on it and 32 inch tires, and I am still getting around 19 miles per gallon. My father has a completely stock 1995 F-150 with the 300 straight six with 122,000 miles, and no lift or anything, and I have been driving it for about three weeks now, and I have been getting a consistent but terrible 13 miles per gallon.

I would not trade my Ranger for a full size F-150 of that model; it has no better acceleration than my truck, and it also cannot climb a hill in fourth or fifth gear to save its life.

There are a lot of things that you can do to these trucks if you want better performance and gas mileage. If you go to http://www.therangerstation.com/ they have great hints and mods that you can do to the 2.9 to make it a great and efficient engine.