1994 Ford Ranger XLT Longbed Standard Cab 2.3L 4 cyl from North America

Summary:

Sturdy, reliable, inexpensive, and fun!

Faults:

Idle was rough for a few months until I had it smogged this year. Probably a loose hose.

In 1998, the speedometer cable popped out of the transmission and I lost overdrive. It was fixed for about $100 at a very expensive shop in Belmont, CA.

The front brake rotors were noticeably warped at 75,000 miles. Basic front brake job: $69.95 including parts. It stops perfectly now (16,000 miles later).

General Comments:

My truck is a aubergene (metallic plum) long bed with a matching ARE mid-high camper shell. It's a long bed. It has cloth seats, automatic transmission, in-dash CD player, power steering, power brakes, alloy wheels, 2 wheel drive, rear-wheel ABS brakes, intermittent wipers, step rear bumper (chrome), bedliner, etc.

The engine runs very smoothly with no ticking noises. It does not consume oil (after 90K miles). But, the 4 cylinder engine and automatic transmission work really hard. It takes some time to get used to flooring the truck all of the time. The transmission will not seek the lowest useful gear until you push the pedal to the mat. Done properly, the truck can go 100mph. But, on a few very steep mountain roads, the truck could not exceed 30 mph.

Eager to see improvement, I added a JetChip, K&N filter, and Flowmaster muffler. The truck pulls harder now, but it is still a little underpowered. Fuel economy is unchanged at 18 to 20 mpg but now it must be super unleaded. The truck is also louder after the modifications, some "car guys" have asked if it is a V8 after hearing it start up. It's not, but I do like the way it sounds.

I bought the truck because my Honda Civic was too fragile (dents, rapidly worn upholstery, high insurance, low headroom for 6ft person, etc...)

The Ranger always starts up and gets the job done. And, the way the paint can still look good despite complete neglect is incredible.

It's fun to thrash around town or in the hills. It holds the road like a sporty car. The Ranger enjoys speed bumps. You can "park by braile." And, no tickets on my licence means insurance is about $50 per month with full coverage. I'm going to drive it until the wheels fall off.

Don't have a 1994 Ranger?

Have fun making payments!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th November, 2000

8th Jan 2001, 15:20

I must agree with you, I have a 94 Ranger, it's a V6 5 gear standard transmission and I love the thing.

To date nothing has gone wrong with it, I just hit 80,000 miles and the most expensive part I changed is the drive belt, it didn't break but it was kinda ratty looking so I replaced it - 60.00 dollars.

I changed the oil and plugs etc... myself so overall I would rate it a strong 8 and with the V6 I haven't exprienced the power shortage like your V4. I live in California and I ski a lot so I do a lot of uphill stuff.

Like you I plan on driving this truck until the paint blows off, then I just might have it repainted LOL.

1994 Ford Ranger XLT 4.0 liter V-6 from North America

Faults:

The only problems so far have been: a) Power window motor on pass. side died, and b) The brakes have been a hassle. The brakes have really been the only consistent problem. Front rotors have had to be turned 2-3 times and now the front brakes need to be replaced. All other things going "wrong" are what I consider routine maintenance, like a new clutch at 95,000 miles.

General Comments:

This vehicle has been outstanding. The brake problems mentioned above are not a big deal, I guess if something had to be wrong with this truck, brakes are about as easy and cheap as they come. Considering the miles I have piled up on this truck (115,000 in 5.5 years) this truck has been great, very few problems. It is comfortable, reliable, a great truck. If I didn't need to find a truck where I can put a baby seat in the back, I wouldn't be getting rid of it. And if Ranger came in a Quad cab, I wouldn't be looking at the Dakota.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th December, 1999

10th Oct 2002, 18:38

I have a 1994 4.0 4x4 extended cab. besides some transmission work it has been nothing short of excellent! Besides, the tranny was my own fault. Great little trucks.

14th Jun 2003, 14:32

I would agree with the previous evaluation of the truck. It is well-performing, dependable and of a rugged design. A few suggestions: there should have been a front seat area console for small articles easily reachable by the driver when in motion; the cargo space could have come with a net keeping things like shopping bags confined at the tail gate; most important, which is the reason for writing this comment, I would appreciate a procedural advice on adjustment of a manual transmission clutch.

I have now 150 000 miles, mostly easy ones on the Interstates, my transmission was rebuilt after about 100000 miles and now it does not properly disengage. The reservoir is full, the pedal works all the way to the floor.

Last time rebuilding at a dealership service of Russ Milne in Macomb Township, Michigan, cost me over $600, with a mere 12000 miles / twelve months warranty. I am now laid off, another rebuild, let alone a purchase of a new vehicle is out of question and I need using the vehicle. Please advise how to keep my otherwise beloved car on the road for at least another 18 months.

Thanks

Anthony Axel, raaxel@msn.com.

17th Dec 2009, 09:58

I own 1994 Ford Ranger XLT 4.0 extended cab with 279.000 klms. It runs just like new. I will buy a Ranger again.. The best truck I ever owned.. FORD TOUGH!!!

5th Apr 2010, 21:04

My 94 XLT Super Cab 4WD has 248,000 on it and it goes like a new one. Very impressed.