1996 Ford Ranger XLT 2.3 gas 4-banger from North America

Summary:

Get the V6 4WD options. its worth it!

Faults:

The only thing changed by previous owner did was change the oil and air up 4 tires (not the spare) So I had to:

Flush coolant.

Clean engine compartment (1/8 inch dust, just sprayed off with a hose)

A brake cylinder went foul, which caused a pad to go foul, which caused the rotor to become fine metal shavings on my tire at about 1/16" per mile. Not a big problem except for the rotors were the hubs which meant changing bearings and everything. (BIG pain in the tush).

The geniuses at Ford put 8 spark plugs on the 4-cylinder engine (should have put DOHC on the underpowered crapper not dual ignition). Then they put the fuel rail over half of them. Then they put the intake manifold over the fuel rail! Then they nestled the back of the engine too close to fit a socket on the rearmost 2 bolts on the manifold...

General Comments:

This really isn't that bad of a truck, except that the 4-cylinder's absolutely worthless (about 100 horses). I got worse mileage than the larger V6 driving granny-style, and it didn't get any better on the highway because of wind-resistance ~18/20 city/hwy. If you've got a heavy foot, don't even consider this engine: that wee little engine'll suck the 18 gallon tank dry in about 5 minutes if you let it.

2wd kinda stinks, but the stick shift makes up for it (rocked it out of a ditch with 1 back wheel nearly off the ground and open differential :-p)

Other than the spark plug issue and my own choice to get a 2WD truck with a 4-banger this is a great truck, fun to drive, with plenty of space in the cab (I'm 6-4 and had space, and made 4-hour trips non-stop w/o cruise control)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th April, 2005

1996 Ford Ranger XLT 2.3L 4 cyc. from North America

Summary:

This Truck is junk

Faults:

Dome light quit working 2 days after buying it. fix it with WD40. spraying it in the switch in door. cat converter went out. temperature control knob stopped working, could not turn heat down. check engine light came on. was emissions. transmission went out. $1400.00 to fix. rattles-squeaks--clunks, WHAT A PIECE OF JUNK.

General Comments:

Looks Good.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 3rd April, 2005

1996 Ford Ranger 3.0L from North America

Summary:

Excellent!

Faults:

The oil gasket froze when it was -40 degrees, the dealership I purchased the truck from paid for the replacement even though there was no warranty.

The fog lights have a tendency to burn out quite often and are expensive to replace.

Clutch release bearing was replaced at 115000 km.

General Comments:

Fairly good on gas considering it's a truck.

Very little traction on ice.

All the cargo capacity of a half ton, but with a lot better fuel economy.

It has never let me down and I have put it through some pretty tough miles on back roads.

Highly recommend this truck.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th December, 2004

1996 Ford Ranger XLT 2.3 liter from North America

Summary:

The truck is a reliable, gas saver

Faults:

When I first got the truck, I had to replace the plugs, repair the windshield, and replace headlamps. After a year of driving or 73,000 miles, I had to get a tune-up because it seemed to idle at 1400 RPMs. After the tune up, idle was fine for about another 5,000 miles, and yet again idles high. Also had to replace the headlamps once again.

When you use the A/C the little four cylinder fights for life, thus losing acceleration, also headlights dim. Those are the only problems I have had with the truck.

General Comments:

The over performance of the truck has not been bad. It gets you from point A to point B. Merging onto highways and passing cars can be a problem, because to the slow acceleration of the truck.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th November, 2004

1996 Ford Ranger XLT 2.3L from North America

Summary:

Danger here comes a 96 Ranger!!

Faults:

I had the transmission syncro's replaced under warranty at about 15m miles. Nothing else except normal wear and tear parts, tires, brakes, etc.

General Comments:

A great truck for the money. I am 6'1" and it is a regular cab so it is a little tight on a long trip, but I can't complain when I drive it like I stole it every single day and after 185,000 miles it is still as strong as the first day I bought it. I put a K&N air filter in it along with Bosch platinum 4 plugs and it screams. I would get another one, but with kids on the way I have to find a spot for car seats so here comes a new SUV.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th April, 2004