1993 Ford Ranger XLT Extended Cab 2WD 2.3 Four Cylinder

Summary:

Simple, cheap, rugged, and durable basic transportation

Faults:

The serpentine belt idler began making noise at about 50,000 miles, and I replaced it.

The vacuum diaphragm for the dealer-installed cruise control began leaking at about 80,000 miles, and I replaced it.

At about 80,000, the oxygen sensor began to go, causing a check engine light.

I had the brakes redone on all four wheels at 110,000. Surprisingly, the rear still had a good bit of lining left. The front rotors had gotten a bit thin, though, so they are replaced.

It now has a very slight oil leak in the differential, requiring a few spoonfuls of oil at every other oil change.

Everything else has been expendable items like shock absorbers and mufflers, and routine maintenance.

General Comments:

This truck is simple, rugged, dependable, and long-lived. It runs and drives about the same now as it did when I bought it.

I was looking for cheap, no-nonsense transportation and light hauling capabilities, and the truck delivered superbly.

It is, however, seriously underpowered, and the very slow acceleration takes some getting used to. Still, it's withstood hour after hour of towing a light trailer on the interstate in hot weather, throttle wide open, many times without complaint.

The ride is what you would have expected from a truck, before trucks began to get more and more car-like. It's pretty rough, with the old Ford twin I-beam suspension. But this arrangement, which is no longer in production, is simple and rugged. There are no ball joints to wear out, and it handles off-road exceptionally well. It's never been aligned in all the time I've had it, tracks straight and true, and wears the tires evenly.

None of the stuff that tends to break on an older vehicle -- air conditioning, door latches, universal joints, power steering pumps, etc. -- has given a speck of trouble. The clutch is original. No smoke, oil burning or leaks (except as noted above), pinging, body rattles, vibrations, or anything else.

In many ways, this vehicle is simple and crude. Yet the build quality, and the durability of the components, are top-notch. Only the dismal horsepower/weight ratio keeps this truck from being excellent in all regards, and that was something I knew about from day one. I bought what I could afford at the time, and I got everything I paid for.

The new Rangers, with their high-tech dual overhead cam engines and ball-joint suspensions, appear to be good machines, but I think the old-tech 1993 model was built to survive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th June, 2002

26th Mar 2004, 15:01

I was delighted to read such a positive commentary. I just bought a '93 Ranger Splash 4x2 2.3L, 5-spd for my 16 year old son. The truck has 101,000 km (63,000 miles) and appears to be in great condition. I had a dealer check it out for me and their reply was that this truck should live forever. I don't want a powerful truck for my son, so the comments about the lack of power are perfect. Thanks!!

1993 Ford Ranger XLT 3.0L V6

Summary:

Looks good, too many repair costs

Faults:

This 1993 XLT, 4x4, V6, 3.0L, standard cab with fresh tires and a new Pioneer C.D. system looks great. BUT, I haven't had it more than a month and there's been too many repair costs!

First off, the truck overheated when I came back from a little 40 mile trip and back. They had to repair a rare water neck part.

Then, the 4x4 never worked in the first place! They still have to repair the shift motor.

Also, there is no room in the cab!

General Comments:

This car is loaded!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd December, 2001

11th Jan 2002, 16:54

I have had my 1993 Ford Ranger for almost exactly a year now, since that time.. the only repairs needed were the general oil changes, and new wipers.. I am a college student and frequently travel 200 miles between home and school. My truck has not only performed with the highest of quality, but it has now surpassed 160,000 miles, and it still runs better than my mother's 98 Dakota sport on gas mileage and fuel economy. I highly recommend the 93 ford ranger to any buyer, it is a great vehicle for the first time driver, as well as the school commuter.