1996 Ford Ranger XLT 4x4 Supercab review from North America

Two months after buying it, the truck developed a low idle and began stalling at red lights. Dealer took a week (and 2 unnecessarily changed intake gaskets) to figure out the EGR assembly had rusted out. C$1100 to fix. They also made a large scrape on the door, but fixed it for free after angry complaints.

Multifunction switch needed replacing as it was hard to get the wiper spray to work... needed in Canadian winter...C$90.

Parking brake release handle snapped off one -30C morning. Caused a problem when I left the truck in a no parking zone in front of a deli with the engine on and parking brake set, the bylaw officer came by and told my girlfriend to move it, she and several passers-by could not figure out how to release the 1 inch metal stick that is now the parking brake release. $75 ticket.

Wiper spray tube falls out of the fluid holder so it leaks everywhere. Also comes apart at a connector. Not a big deal, I just put it all back together, but might replace soon to save hassles.

Squeaks from front and rear ends... i think it just needs grease.

Random clunks and pops when in 4x4 but I don't think anything is wrong. It still works fine.

This truck is in excellent condition as the previous owners used it as a second truck on a bush lot and to drive to the nearby town (Pembroke) so it had very few KMs for a '96.

Annual rustproofing has kept the body mint. Paint is almost like new except for scratches I added on some tight trails.

Interior is excellent except for the console armrest has wear marks where the passenger's and my elbows rest. Am planning on fixing this with a fabric cover for it. Seats have covers and are mint.

This truck handles well on and off road. The ground clearance on 4x4 Rangers is better than most small pickups, only the Tacoma comes close.

The jump seats are neat and I like them. Some people complain about sitting there, others love it. Plus you can stash several items back there.

I am especially impressed with the A/C which blows ice cold after no more than 10 seconds on the hottest day. Also the heater blows hot pretty much immediately on the coldest days. I am told Canadian built Rangers have souped-up heaters. And the defogging action on the windshield is speedy as I've ever seen.

Factory speakers are good quality. There is a newer CD player in it though.

I don't like how you can't keep the drivers door open with the key on without ringing the chime. I like to do this to play CDs. Got to crank the volume to drown out the chime.

Gas mileage seems to be lower than I was expecting though even for the 4 Litre engine. About 400 kms to the 72L tank which I think works out to about 13 MPG city. Any comments on how to improve?

I have added taillight covers, ventvisors and a bug guard. Later maybe a suspension lift and bigger tires. I expect to drive this truck for at least 10 more years. It is awesome!