Apparently had rebuilt engine when I bought it 4 years / 60K miles ago.
Starter died after 1 year.
Oxygen sensor at 198000 miles.
Used exactly 1 quart oil for every tank of gas.
Starter solenoid has failed 2x in 4 years. (At least it's easy to push start)
It is geared for 55 mph and strains to keep up at 75 even with 5 speed O/D.
Cracked a head at 210,000 miles. But now after head job it doesn't use oil!
It sounds like I'm complaining, but it's been paid for for 2 years and I did not spend over $200 in repairs in the next 2 years!
This has been a very reliable daily driver for me. Just wish I'd gotten an automatic transmission, but they're hard to find.
My 14 year old daughter says it's freaky she loves the truck so much!
I had a 1990 Ranger XLT ("Lariat") that lasted 15 years, 190,000 miles. The steering was a little soft at the end, and I could have fixed it, but decided that the monthly payments for a car loan would be cheaaper than the monthly payments of maintaining the Ranger. Had the 2.9 liter engine (so much better than the 3.0 that replaced it later on), 5-speed manual transmission. I never thought I'd thank a salesman, but I wanted the STX and he talked me into this one. I never regretted it!
Received this truck as a gift with 190k on it. It uses a little oil and I payed for a tuneup. The 2.9 liter V6 is awesome, it has the performance chip, and I don't shift to 5th until about 65mph.
I've got a 1992 Supercab STX. Great, reliable truck. I agree with most of the comments this poster except the one about cruising power. I agree that these trucks are really geared for 55 mph, but I have no trouble on the highway at 75-80 mph in my truck. It has the indestructible 3.0 liter (slightly bigger, five more horses, but with less torque than a 2.9). My truck has plenty of passing power too; I can get it up to 85 to pass, no problem. I've heard many people say that the 3.0 is underpowered when compared to the 2.9, but I don't believe so.
Update by the original poster:
Oct 2006 and I still have the truck. 240K miles now. My daughter drove it 2 years (she made some minor body shape modifications), then Grandpa gave her a newer one (it's only 10 years old, Ha!).
Had to replace a p/s hose.
The mirrors keep getting loose. The radio light never worked (but a flashlight makes it readable). Seats starting to show their age. May need a clutch job sometime. Needs a master cylinder to get rid of the ABS light. Has some side-to-side play in the rear end.
I've had Ranger Bill more than 8 years and have less than 6500 TOTAL in him. And he still STARTS EVERY TIME!
FORD TOUGH!
I LOVE this truck!
Now my 16 yr old son gets his turn...
I am 16 and I just got my license. my father bought his 1990 ford ranger XLT (2.9 liter, manual) from a friend after he wrecked his other truck. now it has become my truck and there is not ONE THING wrong with it. it has 480,000 miles on it and has got the original clutch. it blew a valve cover gasket, but I fixed that about a year ago. also, the power steering line broke a couple months back. now nothing is wrong with it and it runs like a champ. best truck I have had so far.
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