1990 Ford Ranger XLT 2.3

Summary:

Excellent truck for the money

Faults:

I had to replace the battery and also have some front end work done (i.e. tie rod ends.)

General Comments:

Gas mileage could be better.

Comfortable unless on long trips.

Rides good.

Decent performance for a 4 cylinder.

Cab room is a little cramped.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th October, 2001

1990 Ford Ranger XLT 2.3

Summary:

A sharp looking, reliable machine

Faults:

Timing belt broke after approximately 50000 miles.

Transmission began leaking after approximately 80000 miles.

Paint began to oxidize after approximately 70000 miles.

General Comments:

The 1990 Ranger XLT has been an incredibly reliable machine, and a more "sporty" descendant of pre 1990 models.

The 2.3 engine lacks power, which is my only regret. In hindsight, I should have chosen the 6 cylinder.

The interior is pleasant to the eye and comfortable; however, after striking my head against the rear window in a mild collision, I find the absence of a head rest a bit unnerving.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th October, 2001

7th Dec 2002, 00:07

My 1990 Ford Ranger XLT king cap has 279,000 miles on it's 2.9 V6. It is the most dependable truck I've ever owned. I replaced the trans at about 180,000 miles. After that I had to replace the flywheel at about 250,000 miles. Mine is custom painted and I use it as a show truck now. It has never shown an inch of rust and I live by Gary Indiana, the dirtiest city in North America.

Thank you, Tim.

30th Nov 2006, 18:05

About your seats: go to a junkyard or a parts store and order seats out of a 1992 Ford Ranger. This was actually the first year they came with the headrests.

1990 Ford Ranger LX 2.3

Summary:

A long lasting dependable Chevy towing truck

Faults:

My clutch went out at 84,000 miles.

My alternator went out at 134,000 miles.

The seats have started to wear a little.

The starter just went out at 181,000 miles.

I've had to replace a few sensors and fuses, and the universal joints one time, but that's about it.

General Comments:

This is the best vehicle I've ever owned.

It is 100 times better than that Oldsmobile.

I will always own a FORD from here on out.

I will never own another General Motors product.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th May, 2001

6th Apr 2003, 09:32

I now have 193,000 miles on this truck and have had no more trouble than what I wrote about in my survey.

1990 Ford Ranger XLT Supercab 4x4 2.9 V6

Summary:

Good enough for work yet sporty enough for play

Faults:

Motor leaked all the time around 130,000 so it was rebuilt. Not 5000 miles into the rebuilt motor it threw a rod and smashed the oil pan. It was fixed again, but never fully stopped leaking. To my knowlege, I estimate it was leaking about a quart every 2 weeks, then it would burn on the manifolds and stink horribly.

The slave cylinder went out about the same time, and had to be replaced.

The next winter both universal joints went bad in the front and had to be replaced.

All the cost that went into fixing it was well above the value of the truck itself.

General Comments:

This Ranger was modified and was not stock. A performance exhaust was put on complete with Flowmasters. A set of chrome American Racing wheels kept heads turning. A Lund Moon Visor was put on the front and a toneau cover on the box. A set of headlight and tailight covers made the transformation complete. All in all it was a very sound, and eye-catching truck.

It was very reliable and never once left me sitting along the road (however it left my father stranded when it threw the rod). It was very good on fuel, and just an all around decent truck, good for work and yet sporty enough for play.

I would buy another, and I would recommend it to anyone.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th December, 2000