1988 Ford Ranger XLT 2.3 from North America

Summary:

Excellent truck!!!

Faults:

Timing belt went at 170500 miles roughly, then just went again at 185500 miles.

I seem to have a minor issue with the starter, that has been replaced twice in 1-1/2 years.

Brake lines from the master cylinder went 1-1/2 years ago in 2009.

The cap and rotor should be replaced every year, as with a normal tune up.

Rust is plentiful especially around the driver's mirror and the wheel wells.

The clutch plate has been replaced.

Most of the major repairs, including the leaf springs, have been done pretty much in 2008.

General Comments:

This truck has been in my family since it came off the assembly line.

All of the repairs that have been put into it have been normal wear and tear.

I can't complain too much about this truck, it has served me very well.

It's really good on gas, but does not like hills, especially with the cap on it.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Ford Ranger, especially if it's the same year as mine.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th September, 2010

1988 Ford Ranger Base 2.0 liter from North America

Summary:

Great little truck after I fixed all the problems

Faults:

When I first got the truck, it didn't work at all.

I replaced the whole ignition system.

I replaced the fuel pump.

I replaced the battery.

I replaced the gas tank.

I replaced the fuel and all brake lines.

I cleaned the carb.

I replaced the rear brakes, which made no sense, I should've done the fronts.

I replaced the master and slave cylinders and lines.

I replaced all the fluids in EVERYTHING.

I replaced all the fuseable links under the hood and the dash.

No radio when I got it, which was very disappointing, but so was the truck.

General Comments:

Now this little 1988 2.0 liter 5 speed 2WD Ranger that I own is a real engineering marvel, after you literally fix EVERYTHING!

I traded my beat to snot 1986 Pontiac T/A for it and a 1993 Ford Taurus SHO, thinking I was getting a good deal; turns out, not so much. I ended up selling the SHO to pay for the parts for the Ranger, because I needed a truck for winter.

I spent countless hours under the hood and frame of this thing, tuning and fixing it. Oh and countless amounts of money, which is not something I'm happy about.

After spending all that time and effort I realized that I had myself a little tank. I could haul decent loads of wood and I never got stuck in the woods or in the winter. Maybe for the fact that I welded an 8.8 rear end posi and had some meats, but I'm just saying.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th May, 2010

1988 Ford Ranger XLT 2.9 from North America

Summary:

Long live the Ranger

Faults:

Gas tank had a small leak - fixed.

Fenders have bad rust - bought good shape fenders, $20.

Power steering pump bearings - got one with the same, $20.

General Comments:

This is my favorite out of all the vehicles I've owned, minus the little problems I've had.

It has exceptional power, and does really well off road, compliments to the 3in body lift and 31-10-50 Mud Kings.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th May, 2010

5th May 2010, 22:35

Sounds like you got a good truck! Once that 2.9 engine starts making a ticking sound however, get rid of the thing as soon as you can. While you can still get some $$ for it. Unless you like to rebuild engines.

1988 Ford Ranger S 2.3 from North America

Summary:

This truck is an unquestioned winner

Faults:

I replaced the engine shortly after I bought it. Other than that, I replaced the clutch and flywheel at around 215000.

General Comments:

This a very striped down vehicle. I've driven the crap out of this truck, and it has never let me down.

I get a consistent 25 miles per gallon.

It is not built for speed or comfort for that matter, but it has always amazed me with its versatility and overall toughness.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th December, 2009