1990-1992 Ford Ranger: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1992 Ford Ranger and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Reliability
- Acceleration (V6)
Cons
- Fuel economy (V6)
- Handling
Vehicle Highlights
Launched for 1983, Ranger became the best-selling compact pickup in America. For 1989, Rangers were restyled to resemble the bigger F-Series, and rear antilock brakes were installed on all models. SuperCab models had a 6-foot cargo box and 125-inch wheelbase. Regular-cab Rangers rode a 107.9-inch wheelbase with a 6-foot cargo box, or 113.9-inch with a 7-footer. A 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine was standard in regular-cab Rangers and 2-wheel-drive SuperCabs, with a 2.9-liter V6 optional. Also available for all models: a 144-horsepower, 4.0-liter V6. Rangers might have 5-speed manual shift or 4-speed overdrive automatic; 2- or 4-wheel drive. On-demand 4WD was a part-time system, operated either by pushbutton (Touch Drive) or via a floor lever.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Ford Ranger 4.0-liter ext. cab Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 2 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 35 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1992 Ford Ranger. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1992 Ford Ranger.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Ford Ranger:
A new regular-cab Sport model debuted for 1991, and a 3.0-liter V6 replaced the 2.9-liter as optional engine in 2-wheel-drive models.
1992 Ford Ranger:
Head restraints were added to outboard positions on vinyl bench seats. Rangers with power steering added a front stabilizer bar.
Our road test for the 1990-1992 Ford Ranger includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1992 Ford Ranger and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1992 Ford Ranger is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Even the small V6 is impressive, but the star performer is the 4.0-liter. Tossing out abundant torque, the 4.0 makes Ranger genuinely fun to drive. It's also a more practical hauler than the 2.9-liter V6, though the 2.9 and 3.0 are fine for light-duty work. The 4.0 liter engine does get rather growly when worked hard. Even a 4-cylinder Ranger is acceptable if you're using it mainly as a second car, though we strongly advise the 5-speed manual transmission with that smaller engine. Fuel economy could be a lot better. A 4.0-liter/automatic model averaged a mediocre 18.2 mpg. A regular-cab STX 4x4 with the 2.9 V6 and automatic did better: 19.5 mpg. Bench and bucket seats are both comfortable. But, a SuperCab's back seats are best suited for children. Instruments are functional, controls well-placed, though optional power window/door lock controls are too low and far forward on door panels. Cabin storage in regular-cab models is sparse, and only the XLT and STX have door map pockets. Wind noise and tire rumble (especially with the knobby 4x4 rubber) are apparent, but not obtrusive for a pickup. The ride is fairly comfortable, and road behavior typical of small trucks. Steering is a bit vague, the body leans readily in corners, and tires offer only moderate grip.
Value for the Money
With a Ranger, we're talking quality and refinement in a pleasant vehicle that's easy to live with. We'd put it first on our early '90s shopping list, but also take a close look at Ranger's closest competitors: the Chevrolet S10 and similar GMC Sonoma.
With a Ranger, we're talking quality and refinement in a pleasant vehicle that's easy to live with. We'd put it first on our early '90s shopping list, but also take a close look at Ranger's closest competitors: the Chevrolet S10 and similar GMC Sonoma.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Ford Ranger 4.0-liter ext. cab Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 2 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 35 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Ford Ranger includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Ford Ranger .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Cold-starting problems:
Water gets into the EGR valve vacuum regulator on the 2.3-liter engine, which usually turns on the Check Engine light. If the water freezes in cold weather, the engine stumbles when started. (1991-92)
Coolant leak:
Cracked heads on 2.9-liter engines allow coolant into the oil. If not caught in time, severe engine damage could occur. (1990-92)
Engine knock:
A knocking noise from the lower left side of the 2.3-liter engine is caused by pressure problems in the oil system. To repair it, Ford has a revised oil pump and a gallery plug with a pressure dampening rod. (1992)
Oil leak:
The only way to fix the leak at the oil pan is to replace the gasket with the one designed for the 1993 model 2.3-liter engine. (1990-92)
Vehicle noise:
Loose frame rivets should be replaced with bolts (welding is not approved). (1990-92)
Vehicle noise:
A chattering noise that can be felt coming from the rear during tight turns after highway driving is caused by a lack of friction modifier or over-shimming of the clutch packs in the Traction-Lok differential. (1990-92)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $425 |
| Alternator | $420 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $760 |
| Brakes | $215 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $420 |
| Exhaust System | $270 |
| Radiator | $295 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $285 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $130 |
| Universal Joints | $105 |
Our price chart for this generation Ford Ranger details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1992 | |||
| Ranger 2WD | $1,200-1,700 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| Ranger 4WD | $1,500-2,100 | $1,000-1,400 | $200-300 |
| 1991 | |||
| Ranger 2WD | $1,100-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| Ranger 4WD | $1,300-1,900 | $800-1,200 | $200 |
| 1990 | |||
| Ranger 2WD | $1,000-1,400 | $600-800 | $100 |
| Ranger 4WD | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Ford Ranger include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | ext. cab | reg. cab long bed | reg. cab short bed |
| Wheelbase, in. | 125.0 | 113.9 | 107.9 |
| Overall Length, in. | 193.7 | 188.5 | 176.5 |
| Overall Width, in. | 66.8 | 66.8 | 66.8 |
| Overall Height, in. | 64.3 | 63.6 | 63.8 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3128 | 2857 | 2820 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | -- | -- | -- |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | 1300 | 1600 | 1600 |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 19.6 | 16.3 | 16.3 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 3 | 3 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.4 | 39.2 | 39.2 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.9 | 42.4 | 42.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | -- | -- | -- |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | -- | -- | -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Base engine was a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder, developing 100 horsepower. Step-up choices included a 140-horsepower 2.9-liter V6 and, for 1991, a 3.0-liter V6 that made 145 horsepower. The 2.9-liter initially was standard in SuperCab 4x4s and the STX, while the 3.0-liter became standard in the 2WD XLT SuperCab Ranger. Both were optional for other Ranger models, too. Top choice was the 4.0-liter V6, first offered only with 4-speed automatic but, since 1991, also with 5-speed manual shift. Standard on 4x4s was Ford's Touch Drive system, including automatic-locking front hubs and a switch-operated electric transfer case. Touch Drive allows automatic engagement of 4-wheel drive and full shift-on-the-fly, but is not intended for use on dry pavement. Other 4x4 Rangers have on-demand, part-time 4WD with a floor-mounted transfer-case lever and manual hubs, which must be locked by hand before 4WD can be engaged.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv V6 | 3.0 / 182 | 145 | 165 | 5-speed manual: 20/25 4-speed automatic: 18/24 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V6 | 4.0 / 245 | 145-160 | 220-225 | 5-speed manual: 18/23 4-speed automatic: 17/21 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 18.2 |
| ohc I4 | 2.3 / 140 | 100 | 133 | 5-speed manual: 23/28 4-speed automatic: 20/23 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V6 | 2.9 / 177 | 140 | 170 | 5-speed manual: 18/23 4-speed automatic: 17/21 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 19.5 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Ford Ranger include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1992 Ranger |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 3 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1990-1992 Ford Ranger directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1990 with 4.0-liter V6:
Throttle may remain open after release of gas pedal.
1990-91 with A4LD automatic:
Vehicle may appear to be in "Park" position when gear is not engaged.
1991-92 sold or currently registered in specified southern California counties:
Studs that attach master cylinder to power brake booster assembly can develop stress corrosion cracking after extended period; if one or both studs fractures, master cylinder could separate from booster when brakes are applied, preventing brakes from activating.
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