1989 Ford Ranger XLT 4x4 2.9L gasoline from North America

Summary:

A definite keeper upper

Faults:

For some reason, every time something goes wrong with the truck, it's always a double whammy.

In addition to the various other problems I've had with the truck since I got it, just recently I replaced the slave cylinder and clutch. The slave cylinder started leaking again; the brake fluid leaks out somewhere, and the left exhaust manifold blew a hole. All in the last month.

It's a shame because I really liked the truck when I got it, and still do. I just really wish it wasn't so high maintenance, which is expected of a car of such high mileage, although it does seem excessive.

I do know this though; the engine and transmission had been rebuilt 600 miles before I bought it.

General Comments:

It's a good truck, and for the most part will do what you want, but watch out, they're notorious for leaking oil.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 30th January, 2008

1989 Ford Ranger XLT 4x4 2.9L from North America

Summary:

Greatest truck ford built

Faults:

The water pump went out at about 117,000 miles. The valve covers are leaking pretty badly which is common on these motors and could use a tune up shortly. Replaced front end bushing and aligned at 115,000.

General Comments:

This is a great truck and the 4x4 works great and will go a lot of places, the 2.9L V-6 is actually very powerful and the truck picks up and moves very well. I average about 18-20 MPG's which isn't bad. Love the single cab long bed because I can load my motorcycle up and close the tailgate.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th August, 2007

1989 Ford Ranger XLT 2.9L from North America

Summary:

So far, second to my Model A!

Faults:

Needed new headliner.

Replaced ABS Rear Braking Proportion Valve.

Replaced Valve Cover Gaskets.

General Comments:

I like the short turning radius and the quick steering. Like a lot of older trucks in a certain age group, the paint in certain areas only are badly oxidized. (Hood, tops of fenders, etc.)

The quality of the seat coverings is great! After all these years, they look like new, but the foam is slightly broken down. It had a camper shell on it which I removed. Now I am missing a cargo lite which was taken off to install the shell.

But this Ranger is a neat long bed truck for my general use. My first Ford pick-up was a 1931 Model A which I adored and gave me years of pleasure. I made a canopy for the bed and hauled my two girls all over California for many years with a Model A Ford club.

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

Review Date: 13th August, 2006

1989 Ford Ranger XLT Super Cab 2.9L EFI V6 from North America

Summary:

Tough as nails

Faults:

While I owned the Ranger, several things went wrong.

- Cooling system was replaced

- Spark plug wires were put on the distributor cap wrong (not my fault)

- Head gasket leaks

- Thermostat leaks

General Comments:

Very reliable, replacement parts are cheap and affordable for young or old. A lot of performance and styling parts are available for Rangers.

If you're looking for speed, this truck is definitely not it. If you're looking for something you can dress up or get you from A to B without a problem, it's definitely your truck.

I love my Ranger and I plan on keeping it till the engine dies on me.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th August, 2006

1989 Ford Ranger XL 2.3 from North America

Summary:

I love driving my Ford truck, it is an efficient little machine

Faults:

All parts on the engine have rusted together, but no service has been needed other than oil changes and a new battery.

There was also a leak behind the windshield, but was relatively easy to repair with silicone.

General Comments:

The truck is very reliable, especially after a new battery was installed.

The interior is simple, but easy to maintain, with all vinyl seats and floor.

A solid truck, a very economical transportation, with 29 mpg in the city and 32+ mpg highway.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st July, 2005

1989 Ford Ranger XLT 2.9L EFI V6 from North America

Summary:

The best 4x4 truck EVER

Faults:

This is what the truck has needed: wheel bearings, 4x4 hubs, front and rear brakes, fuel injectors, muffler, radiator reservoir, heater core, seat belts.

General Comments:

Mods I have done: off road 30x9.50 tires, 2 1/2 Flowmaster exhaust, cold air intake from a 1995 Dodge Neon. Fits good for the 2.9 EFI Rangers. CD player and sub-woofers. I painted the fake wood dash trim black.

My biggest complaint is the HP; there is hardly any.

My truck is a 4x4, and it has handled almost everything I have thrown at it. I had three dirt bikes in the back, and climbed a very steep hill in 4L just as easy as this guy's V8 Land Rover. I was very surprised, and so was she LoL. Good old Fords.

My next truck is a newer 4.0 V6 5 speed Ranger 4x4.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th February, 2005

19th Jan 2006, 06:05

I have an 89 Ford Ranger 4x4 super cab that I purchased brand new, and it has been a wonderful truck. It now has 328,000 miles on it with the original engine having no work done to it except for tuneups. I am meticulous about changing the oil and filter. My mechanic says the compression is on the low side, 100, but all 6 cylinders are the same. My truck is used to deliver firewood, and also its used taking long trips. I skid out my logs with this truck. It's size makes it very maneverable in the woods vs full sized trucks. I travel from Vermont to Connecticut with it;230 miles;and work in the woods down there. I did add a couple leaf springs in back so I can haul a heavier load. I run with oversize tires that can take 50 pounds of air pressure; Wild Country snow and mud tires. I love the super-cab part as I can store my gear there that I want out of the rain. I have used this truck so that it, s on its 3rd clutch and 2nd 5 speed transmission. It is also my hunting and fishing truck going all over Vermont and Northern New Hampshire.