1992 Ford Ranger Custom from North America - Comments

Brake calipers replaced at ~84500, along with pads. Rotors were machined, and the master cylinder broke when the system was re-pressurized.

In 2003 this was about $400, very affordable.

I want to start off by saying this truck handled and performed in my opinion better than either the 2002 Ford or 2003 Toyota I've driven regularly for work.

It was a single bench short-cab and short-bed, but for the 10000 miles I had it it was great. It could always handle passing on the freeways, even with a passenger and a full load in back.

Unfortunately the brake work caused the ABS system to fail at 55 mph two weeks after it was done. The truck was totaled when the brakes locked and would not respond, and I was struck by a Nissan going 60mph.

The entire frame was twisted, the front corner nearly sheared off, and the bed was halfway knocked off the frame. The only part that stayed in nearly perfect condition was the passenger area, which is what mattered to me. The ashtray was the only part of the interior with any problems, and other than a bruise from my seat belt (which may have saved my life, I'm not complaining) I was fine.

My biggest concern when I purchased this was my own safety - but the looks were deceiving. I'm genuinely disappointed that the damage is too bad to repair it, but at least the cab stayed together perfectly.

The gas mileage was the only big problem, but it was a 3.0L truck so 18 miles/gallon (+/- 1) is pretty good.

I wondered why the review had a "frowny face", when it is such a positive review, but I understand that if you indicate that you wouldn't buy another vehicle from the same manufacturer that (for some insane reason) invalidates your review. I, too have had very good service from the Rangers (I'm currently driving my 4th one since '92) and am amazed at how safe they are in crashes. I've seen two really bad wrecks involving the Ranger that left the other vehicles totalled and their drivers badly injured while the Ranger and its driver were hardly hurt at all.