1996 Ford Ranger XLT 3.0

Summary:

A great small truck for the money

Faults:

The universal joints in the front axial the 2 on the ends nearest the front wheels, the universal joints in the front driveshaft all had to be replaced at 150,000 miles, at 70.000 the ABS brakes had to be disabled by removing the fuses, they were way to sensitive to drive in bad weather, the check engine light came on at 90,000 mile and it is the emissions system I know what needs to be replaced, but it doesn't effect the performance, also the left side ball joints were replaced at 120,00 miles.

General Comments:

Overall in the 6 years I owned this truck it has never let me down. The only thing I would say could be done is add about 100 pounds to the rear of the truck to improve traction in 2 wheel drive. The interior is set up great for reaching all the controls, but it does need a longer steering column for us log legged people who put the seat all the way back and slightly tilt the seat toward the rear.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th January, 2004

1996 Ford Ranger XL 2.3L

Summary:

It's an overall good truck

Faults:

The door chime started and did not stop at around 110,000, the sensor was bad.

At around 125,000, the door chime started and the cab light would not go off. The new solution to the problem was to get out the screwdriver, pop off the door panel and disconnect it.

For the last 20,000km, every time I put any strain on the truck, there is a rumble in it. The mechanic found nothing, but I hear it.

General Comments:

It took me everywhere I wanted to go.

The cab was very bright when the light was hooked up!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st December, 2003

8th Mar 2004, 15:06

I feel your pain about the door chime. I called Ford and they said that they have never heard of the problem. I feel that this is a safety issue. The dealership would not disconnect it even though it stays on for 30 minutes at a time. The dome light lid is starting to melt from it staying on for so long. They said it is a safety issue and also a liability if they disconnect it. If the dealership says it's a safety issue how come Ford has not sent out a recall on this. Please if anyone is having this same problem call Ford at 800/392-3673. I spoke with Selam.

25th Aug 2004, 22:17

Same problem with my '95 Ranger with 175k miles. No TSB found. Wipers and washers on intermittently. Also had hot weather starting problem. Fuel in the throttle body worked. Ultimately, replaced the fuel pump relay ($10.00) and all is good,

1996 Ford Ranger XL 2.3

Summary:

Good dependable truck

Faults:

There seems to be some kind of light clucking noise coming from the clutch when it's in neutral, it comes and goes. When I push the clutch pedal in it goes away. My cousin said it is the clutch release bearing. I took it to Midas and the mechanic said it was not a mechanical problem and that my engine just needed a tune up, (That's a good one). I did not agree with him and so didn't get the tune up. I will just ignore it until it either gets too loud or breaks down.

This puppy never looses any oil. My sister has a 4.0L V6 Ranger 4WD with about 100,000 km and she looses about half a liter every thousand kilometers.

Basically I have not needed to do any repairs besides cheap maintenance work, (Replace sensor - for engine light, brake light, regular oil changes).

So many times I hear people talk bad about Ford. I can tell right away that they are inexperienced and ignorant.

And remember people to always check the vehicle for accidents before you buy it. So many people cry about this and that breaking down on there vehicle's, if only someone could tell them that the reason they got there car for that special price was because it was prior write-off in the past.

General Comments:

Acceleration in the city is decent with the manual tran, but on the highway it can be a little slow. The top speed with no wind is about 147 km/hr.

Specs say it does 22 city and 27 highway mpg. I haven't checked it, but it does sound about right.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th September, 2003