1996 Ford Ranger XLT review from North America

Auto transmission was serviced 3 times during the warranty period. The first problem occurred with < 1000 miles on the car! Tranny slips, misses shift, etc.

Steering linkage is junk. Wheel alignment can't be performed due to slop in the tie rods/linkage.

Lots of creeking noises from the bed and the front end.

Windshield wipers will operate on their own at any given time! Washer fluid will spray too! Freaky stuff...

The engine has performed flawlessly which is more than I can say for the transmission. I change the oil/oil filter every 3-5k. I am the original owner and have not been abusive in the least (when it comes to driving). I was extremely disappointed the first time I had to take my car in for tranny work. I figured it was a fluke and everything will be fine down the road.

Not! 15,000 miles later the tranny is slipping again. I take it in again (under warranty) and think: No problem... the dealer will fix it right this time and I'll be set for the next 100k.

Wrong! Right at the end of the warranty period (35,000 miles), the tranny starts slipping yet again.. This time I called the Ford corporation to demand a "new" tranny. To make a long story short, Ford said they would "fix it right" this time. The valve body was replaced this time. I since gone 50,000 miles and still get an occasional slip or unwarranted shift.

The whole experience dealing with the Ford dealership and corporation was agonizing. They had little remorse and would offer no kind of extended warranty. I am not comfortable driving the truck... I keep waiting for the transmission to crap out... The next time will be the last.

I will not buy a Ford again. I have talked with other Ford owners who have shared the same or similar stories about their transmissions. Take a look at some old Taurus reviews!