1988 Ford Ranger LX 2.3 unleaded from North America

Summary:

Great for the price purchased

Faults:

Had to replace the head, transmission, clutch, timing belt (twice), muffler with tailpipe, cracked manifold, fuel relay switch (3 times), fuel pump, the paint on the hood, top of the cab, and along the top of the bed faded away.

Also the mirrors kept flopping down when the vehicle went over 55. The Ford letters fell off one by one.

General Comments:

I bought this truck from a friend for 500.00. It served me well for the time I had it, but I fixed it often to keep it running.

It is a tough little bugger because I drove it for over 80,000 miles within a 8 month period. But I must say that it had a few aggravating defects.

The fuel relay switch that is under the hood had to be replaced often.

The paint faded away on some parts and the mirrors were not strong enough to withstand the wind.

I was left stranded plenty of times. But I do have to say, when I really needed it, it was faithful.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 5th August, 2000

1988 Ford Ranger XLT 2.9L V6 from North America

Summary:

For $5000, an excellent return on the investment of a pickup truck after we moved to the Poconos

Faults:

Changed oil regularly, had heads redone at approx 200K, muffler 3 times, full exhaust twice, tires 3 times, rust became a problem recently.

General Comments:

This was the most reliable car we had ever owned. We used it fairly well too, its transfer case was used at least every winter, after just over 300 thousand miles, and after 200 thousand miles of valve tap, my dad crashed it into a rock. Our neighbors bought it, and it's still on the road today. I've heard stories about how other Fords don't quite live as long, but I still say it's all in the maintenance.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th June, 2000

1988 Ford Ranger LTX 2.3 from North America

Faults:

In 204,000 Miles I have replaced the brakes (twice), the shocks (once), muffler (twice)with tailpipe,and I am on my third set of tires.

The paint has peeled of the roof of the cab, and most of the hood.

General Comments:

I have been changing the oil and filter each 3 to 4 thousand miles. I add only one quart between changes. However it is beginning to get tired. It still has the original clutch. But the clutch may be the next thing I have to replace. I have no idea how far or how long the Ranger will go.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd September, 1999