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.

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.

Air conditioner: Water may drip onto the floor when the air conditioner is operated because the evaporator strip seals were not properly positioned at the factory. (1995-96)

Brakes: Brakes may be grabby after being parked in damp weather due to moisture absorbed by linings. Revised rear shoes are offered. (1993-97)

Hard starting: If the engine does not want to start or cranks for a long time then stalls, the idle air control valve may be sticking. (1995-96)

Heater core: Installing a restrictor in the heater inlet hose may repair heater cores leaks. (1993-97)

Radiator: The radiator may leak in cold weather because of a bad seal between the tank and core. (1995-96)

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. (1993-96)

Vehicle noise: Loose frame rivets should be replaced with bolts (welding is not approved). (1993-96)

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.

1993-94 sold or 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.

1993-94 w/2.3-liter engine, registered in AK, ME, MI (upper peninsula), MN, MT, ND, NH, NY, VT, or WI: During extreme cold in northern winters, ice can form in throttle body, causing throttle plate to remain in highway cruising position after accelerator is released or speed control is deactivated.

1993-94 w/V6 engine: Flexible hose in front fuel line is susceptible to cracking.

1993-94 w/manual shift: Parking brake might not hold.

1996: Certification label shows incorrect rear-tire-inflation pressure.

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.

Ford dropped the former 2.9-liter V6 engine, but otherwise the powertrains were largely carried over. Base engine was a 100-horsepower, 2.3-liter 4-cylinder. A 145-horsepower, 3.0-liter V6 went into STX models and all 4WD Super Cabs (optional for Splash). Any model could have the 4.0-liter V6 instead, delivering 160 horsepower. Rangers might have 5-speed manual shift or a 4-speed automatic transmission. Electronic shift controls went into a new automatic for 1995, which also gained an interlock that prevented shifting out of "park" until the brake was applied. Touch Drive on-demand 4WD, standard on 4x4s, is not for use on dry pavement. It has automatic-locking front hubs and allows shifting on the fly between 2WD and 4WD High, by pressing a dashboard button. Some Rangers have a floor-mounted transfer-case lever and manual-locking hubs, which was a credit option. Horsepowers dropped in 1994 for the 2.3- and 3.0-liter engines, to 98 and 140, respectively. A year later they rose again, to 112 and 145. For '97, the 4.0-liter V6 was provided with a 5-speed OD automatic in place of the previous 4-speed OD unit in an effort to give the Ranger better low-speed acceleration.