1996 Ford Ranger XLT 4 cyc

Summary:

The most solid and reliable truck ever

Faults:

My oxygen sensor went at 70000 along with the engines temperature sensor. (roughly $100 CAN for both installed)

No other problems.

General Comments:

I haven't owned my ford for long, but it is a great truck and was just what I was looking for in fuel economy and the ability to move bigger objects around.

This truck is 100% reliable even in -30 degree Celsius (-22 degree Fahrenheit). No other vehicle starts so well in the dead of winter.

I have driven many trucks in the past and I can't say enough good things about this trucks handling. I presently have 225/75R 14 tires and it's like driving a car instead of a truck.

I have gone on long trips with this vehicle and even though I only have a standard cab it's still well within comfort levels.

This truck is solid and most importantly extremely reliable only regret; it was not a 4X4 extended cab.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th April, 2004

1996 Ford Ranger 3.0 V6

Summary:

Very solid, reliable truck

Faults:

We had to replace the Ford automatic four wheel drive as it was not very useful. This was due to the fact that you had to drive ten feet in a direction for it to engage and it would disengage when you changed gears. We replaced it with Warn manual locking hubs.

There is a strange clicking noise up in the engine. I am unsure what it is, but I have not had a check engine light yet.

The bulbs in the dash started to burn out around 130,000 miles. They are a pain to get at for replacement due to a metal plate beneath the steering column.

Seat Belts are constantly getting trapped in the door. The recoil units don't work well.

Windshield fluid works sporadically.

General Comments:

This is a very reliable truck. I get excellent gas mileage and have had no real problems other than those listed above.

I would recommend this truck to anyone and I would buy another in a heartbeat.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th March, 2004

1996 Ford Ranger XLT 2.3L Gas

Summary:

Solid, reliable, small truck

Faults:

Front brakes need frequent replacement.

O2 Sensor.

Excessive Tire Wear.

Random Check Engine lights.

Center console latch breaks, now barely held together with glue.

Interior plastic weak in general.

General Comments:

The 2.3L is rock solid, though small you can't beat the reliability.

The engine is underpowered for pulling, but it will do it for you if you ask.

Don't pull any boat bigger than a Jon boat, you'll have some trouble getting it back out of the water.

I haven't treated my truck very well, as in washing and interior cleaning. I keep the oil changed and the tires rotated and she still runs very well after 102000 miles.

Forgiving when proper maintenance is not regular or, in some situations, non-existent.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd February, 2004

1996 Ford Ranger XL 2.3L

Summary:

A great vehicle, wouldn't trade it for anything

Faults:

The alternator went bad at around 60,000 miles, but it gave me plenty of warning and I was able to have it replaced before the vehicle ever became disabled.

The 2.3L engine is a good one, but many times, especially on the interstate, I find myself wishing for additional horsepower.

General Comments:

The 2.3L engine is very reliable and has never given me any trouble. It now has over 127,000 miles on it and doesn't use a drop of oil. I just follow the manual and get the oil changed every 5,000 miles.

The book value for this truck may only be $1,600 now, but I seriously wouldn't trade it for anything, except maybe a newer model with a larger engine.

I can't complain too much about the engine though, it is excellent on fuel and great for long trips.

The "check engine" light has been on basiclly since I bought the truck used back in 1999 while I was in high school. I have never had the light checked out to see why it is on and since nothing has happened yet, I don't believe I will ever have it checked.

Overall, the truck has been reliable, dependable, cheap to maintain, and has given me almost no problems. This could be attributed to the fact that it is a base model truck without all the fancy amenities. I've got the plastic floor, manual transmission, no power locks, windows, etc..., so there isn't a lot that could go wrong.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th January, 2004