1998 Ford Ranger XLT SuperCab review from North America
"A fair value for your money"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The car has been plagued with minor electrical problems since early on. Both door switches, (driver's side once, passenger side twice), dome light assembly, turn signal/wiper switch and a GEM (Generic Electronic Module, $242!) have been all replaced. "Door ajar" indication for the passenger door recently decided to stay on again. Is it the door switch or GEM this time?
The timing belt was replaced at approximately 65,000 miles.
The second set of brakes were done at about 96,000 miles and required replacement of shoes, pads and rotors.
Access to the area behind the seats is very clumsy and will only accommodate average size pre-teen people.
General comments?
Aside from the electrical gremlins, the little truck is pretty well built. After 114,000 miles it is still rattle free and drives very well.
I find the driver's seat exceptionally comfortable, a real plus when trips exceed 2 hours.
Fuel mileage under normal driving conditions ranges from 22 MPG to 26 MPG.
The 100,000 mile tune up was fairly expensive, but because it was the first one, I guess that should be expected. All indications from the mechanic's report was that all is well and there are no indications of impending doom.
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 4 cylinder. Manual |
| Performance marks | 6/10 |
| Reliability marks | 8/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 3/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 24 miles |
| Most recent distance | 114130 miles |
| Date of Entry | 5th July, 2002 |