1999 Ford Ranger XLT review from North America
"Reliable, dependable, under-rated domestic"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Dome light has never worked, door ajar light always on.
Power steering leak at ~120k.
Radiator leak at ~145k.
Auto tranny rebuilt at 155k.
Oil pressure sensor starting to go bad.
General comments?
This has been an excellent truck. It was owned and maintained by my girlfriend since 80k. She just does the basic maintenance (oil every 5k, etc) and this damn thing just seems to keep on going. It still runs like a top, even with 160k it feels tight. I have never owned a vehicle with such a strong engine.
My dad had an '86 Toyota pickup with ~180k that still ran great but it leaked oil like CRAZY... this little ranger doesn't leak a drop of oil. It also has good power for a 4 cyl. Acceleration is crisp even with a dirt bike in the back, or a load headed toward the dump.
We have used this truck to do everything: Thousand mile trips, hauling cement, loading the dirt bikes up for a ride, moving, etc, etc... takes it all in stride! Never let us down!
The BAD:
There are 8 spark plugs and they are a pain to change! Took three hours and a lot of beer. Not easy like the Chevy (10 min job).
Oil pressure sensor is going out. I don't care it, it's just the gauge.
Power steering leak was a pesky bugger. Finally took it to the mechanic and it was just a hose (go figure).
The only MAIN problem we've had with the truck is that the tranny went out a few months ago and cost over $1000 to repair. This is probably due to my girlfriends neglect to do anything other than oil changes. But if I were in the market for a Ranger I would try to find a 5 speed.
I have always been a Chevy guy, but this truck has definitely changed my mind. Ford really engineered the hell out of this tight little truck.
Overall, can't beat the 2.5l or 2.3l Rangers. The 2.5l has good power and gets 20/25 mpg. The components all seem to be lasting very well too!
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1999 |
| Year of manufacture | 1999 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.5L Automatic |
| Performance marks | 5 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 4 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 80000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 160000 miles |
| Previous car | Chevrolet Blazer |
| Date of Entry | 22nd December, 2008 |