1989 Ford Ranger XLT review from North America
"Extremely reliable transportation"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Replaced alternator twice.
Replaced timing belt every 100,000 miles or so.
Freak incident... my differential cover was plastic, not steel. Spare tire jumped out of carrier (my fault for not securing) and rubbed pin hole in the cover. Oil loss ruined original... replaced with differential from a junk yard.
General comments?
Best truck I have ever owned. Regular maintenance included oil/filter change every 6,000 to 7,500 miles (Halvoline 5/30, NAPA Gold filter).
Generally 25-28 MPG on the highway. (89 octane ethanol blend)
The 2.3 engine is not particularly powerful, but was adequate for occasional, modest hauling and pulling.
Recommended Reviews:
  | Miss my 1989 Ranger |
| A big truck in a little truck body |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1992 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.3L Manual |
| Performance marks | 5/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 9/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 78000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 334000 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Ranger |
| Date of Entry | 25th March, 2003 |