Not much has gone wrong with this truck at all.
When I first got it, I had to replace.
1. Intake manifold lower gasket (which is a total pain, in case you ever have to do it... requires pulling off pretty much the entire top half of the engine)
2. Radius arm bushings (another fun job).
3. Transmission shift rail plugs (Mazda manufacturer's design flaw)
And I've had it for two years with no other problems.
I take meticulous care of my vehicles, and I can truly appreciate a well - designed car or truck. The Ranger for this year, with the 4.0 and the 5spd manual tranny is about as solid a truck as you'll ever find.
I first did a complete tune up on it, including wires, plugs, filters, and 02 sensor.
I've not done much else to it, really. It has held up extremely well.
The 4.0 can outrun about 75% of the cars and trucks on the road. Wince it's two - wheel drive, there's not much weight to push around, and this truck is almost too fast for its own good.
The transmission is geared well, except for reverse, which is geared insanely low, and makes it hard to do any precise movements in tight spots.
It gives me about 20-25 MPG on the highway cruising at 65-75 MPH. About 17-20 MPG in town.
The truck has barely any rust for its age, except for the radiator support and the wheel well lips underneath the trim moldings.
Overall, I wrote this review to brag about how well Ford did with this truck. I have had hardly any problems with it, it has more than enough power and has decent fuel economy for a truck.
It has a beautiful body style, comfortable interior, a great factory sound system, and the oil filter is in a real easy spot to change!
This truck rules. If you can find one of this year with this engine and tranny, keep it. They're worth every penny.
I have had my Ranger STX 4x4 for years, mine is a 91 and I absolutley love it.
The outside paint scheme on mine is red with silverish/white "STX" on each door and "4x4" on the back with the main design traveling front to back on each side.
I don't know if it's standard, but I have the black nerf bars and rear bumper along with the black brush guard on the front also a black roll cage with 5 huge fog lights in the bed as well as fog lights in the front brush guard.
I love the 5 speed tranny (which can cook when you want it to) as I've seen few cars that could match this truck for take off and acceleration.
I think the 4.0 engine is a little too much, but once you get used to taking off in it, you'll love it.
My Ranger didn't have the factory sound system when I got it, but I've heard that it is good, I know Ford usually does put good sound systems in their vehicles.
I'm still waiting for it to show any signs of rust (other than a self inflicted tail gate dent).
If I had to rate this truck on a scale of 1-10, I would give it a 9.5. The.5 left out is only due to how crammed under the hood the 4.0 is, but it's worth your time because you won't get rid of this truck once you get one!