Faults:

Power steering started leaking.

70 MPH vibration since start of ownership.

Engine leaked a bit of oil.

General Comments:

Good high mileage truck that did have some age related issues..

This truck was my third Ford Ranger, and my second 1998 model year Ranger. The first was a 4cyl 5spd regular cab shortbed truck, and the other was a beat up 1992..

The truck in review was a good truck, always started, always ran good. It did have some issues, but I bought the most inexpensive 4x4 Ranger the local Ford dealer had on the lot, but even still, taking it on trips was no big deal because I never had to worry about it, and it would pull 20 MPG on the highway, and handled like a slot car because of the rear swaybar and long wheelbase (extended cab)..

The truck's life came to an end when I was driving down a road in the early morning, and the sun glared on the dirty windshield, and I hit a telephone pole at about 40 MPH.. airbags deployed, and really the truck did not seem to hit that hard.. both my friend and I were able to get out of the truck fairly easy and pretty much unharmed.. her door was jammed up a bit, and took just a tiny bit of prying to get it open.. after going back to where the truck was towed to, to clean out my stuff, it was obvious the truck really hit a lot harder than I thought, as the dash is pushed in a bit, and the cab is shifted off to the passenger side bad, which is why the door was jammed...

All in all, it's a pretty safe vehicle. It did a good job at saving our lives, and I will be buying another 1996 or newer Ranger (dual airbags) as my next vehicle.

Faults:

Blows the #27 fuse instantly.

Wheel bearings (from sitting by previous owner).

Overdrive doesn't always kick in.

4WD problems. Unsure of what it is exactly.

General Comments:

We pull our 12 foot box trailer with our Ranger with ease. This truck drives like it has 100,000 less miles on it. While the 4WD makes the ride bumpy, it is a very strong truck that responds when accelerated.

If there's one thing that is a constant inconvenience, it is the single cab versus the extended. Much more bang for your buck in the extended.

This truck has the potential to go for 250,000+ miles. It is truly a remarkable truck that has a lot more power than expected. A very good buy.

Faults:

Neighbor ran into it in my driveway. Kid was drunk and had no licence. But mother stood up for it. Sorry to say too late. Insurance took first before I found out. I would have sued the B--- off the people otherwise for the full repair of truck.

General Comments:

Best darn car I have ever owned. She was a cream puff. Much better the d=== Sonoma GMC that I have now. I want her back so bad it really makes me mad at the neighbor.

Faults:

I've only had to replace the lower ball joints once.

General Comments:

It runs and drives great. I take it mudding every day, it wears 33 12.50 tires, goes with no problem knock on wood, so I think it's a great truck.

Will own another if this one ever goes out, which it doesn't look like it will any time soon.

Faults:

Oxygen sensor first problem, but was covered under warranty.

Shuddering while driving at any speed. Disconnecting battery and clearing the computer corrected the problem.

Interior light stayed on with the door closed, but spraying silicone lube into the door hinge corrected the problem.

Several dash lights out, but still able to see the gauges.

Grinds sometimes shifting into 3rd..

Have not replaced the timing belt/chain yet.

General Comments:

Bought the truck brand new, and still happy with it 11 years later.