1988 Ford Ranger S review from North America

While under warranty the first year, the step bumper license plate light housing started rusting.

There was a fuel leak at the fuel pump that required three separate trips to the dealer to resolve.

There was and still is a water leak on the passenger side most times when it rains. Problem was never resolved.

The dash cover was warped and discolored, and return visits were necessary because screws were missing.

Trim was damaged while attempting to repair other problems requiring additional trips back to the dealer.

During the third year of ownership, carburetor was found to be defective. Cost to repair: $800.00.

Certain body panels were painted so poorly that the primer has bled through, or there was very little paint applied, leaving spots of paint and mostly primer coat.

This was the first new vehicle that I had ever bought. The poor quality control overall was very disappointing.

However, I still own this truck twenty years later and have learned to expect less when buying new cars.

This is the base model and had no creature comforts when I bought it. I later installed a radio and rear bumper, both experiences were not simple tasks. Several trips back to the dealer had to be made to purchase the necessary parts. What a pain!!

The 2.0 liter motor is very underpowered (for a truck) and don't head to the mountains because you might not make it up the hills.

I will say that the construction of the truck is rugged.