1993-1997 Ford Ranger: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1993-1997 Ford Ranger and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Ride
- Acceleration (V6)
- Reliability
Cons
- Fuel economy (V6)
- Control layout
Vehicle Highlights
Ford restyled its compact pickups for 1993. Wheelbases and cargo-bed sizes and engines were unchanged for the reworked Rangers, but overall body lengths grew by 4.5 inches and rear tracks were 1.4 inches wider. Center high-mount stoplamps were added. All models could be ordered with either 2- or 4-wheel drive. For the first time, 4WD Rangers got a unique grille and front valance panel, fender flares, and standard 15-inch tires. Rear antilock brakes again were standard, operating only in 2-wheel drive. A 3-place bench seat was standard and bucket seats were optional. SuperCabs could have an optional pair of fold-down rear jump seats. Engines were the same as before: a 2.3-liter four, and 3.0- and 4.0-liter V6s. Five-speed manual transmissions were standard and 4-speed automatics optional.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Ford Ranger 4.0-liter ext. cab Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 8 | |
| Total Score: | 40 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1993-1997 Ford Ranger. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1993-1997 Ford Ranger.
Year to Year Changes
1994 Ford Ranger:
For 1994, an extended-cab (SuperCab) Splash joined the regular-cab lineup. Starting this year, Mazda dealers began to sell a variant of the Ranger as the B-Series.
1995 Ford Ranger:
Rangers gained a fresh interior complete with a driver-side airbag, plus a new grille and 4-wheel antilock brakes for both 2- and 4-wheel-drive models. The base 4-cylinder engine jumped from 98 to 112 horsepower, and extended-cab models could be fitted with a power driver's seat.
1996 Ford Ranger:
An optional passenger-side airbag was added for '96, complete with a key-operated disabling switch--a "first" in the industry. XL and XLT models could now be ordered with the flare-fender cargo bed.
1997 Ford Ranger:
A new 5-speed automatic transmission, derived from last year's 4-speed unit was added as a new option for Rangers equipped with the 4.0-liter V6.
Our road test for the 1993-1997 Ford Ranger includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1993-1997 Ford Ranger and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1993-1997 Ford Ranger is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Acceleration is about the same as in the prior generation. Though adequate with a 5-speed, the 4-cylinder engine labors under a heavy load and generally feels lethargic with automatic. Ranger's 4.0-liter V6 uses only slightly more fuel than the 3.0-liter, and delivers good low-speed punch; but the 4.0 is somewhat coarse and noisy. A 4.0 should perform most tasks with relative ease, and it works well with the automatic to furnish prompt passing power. We averaged 16.5 mpg in a 4WD Splash SuperCab with the 4.0-liter V6. Rangers ride nicely and handle well (for a truck, that is). The suspension absorbs most big bumps without jarring, and the truck is stable in turns. Steering feedback and response are top-notch, and the Ranger has a notably solid feel overall. Gauges are unobstructed, and the climate controls and radio are grouped efficiently. However, some buttons on optional stereos are too small, and climate controls demand quite a reach around the steering wheel. A regular-cab interior lacks space behind the seat. Also, the steering wheel protrudes too far, leaving no surplus of space for larger drivers.
Value for the Money
Ford sought a more carlike look and feel for its Ranger--and succeeded. Some rugged truck characteristics may have been gone, but we view the changes as improvements. Ranger remained one of the best in its class, but we recommend that you shop all three domestic brands--including the Dodge Dakota and Chevrolet S-Series--before deciding.
Ford sought a more carlike look and feel for its Ranger--and succeeded. Some rugged truck characteristics may have been gone, but we view the changes as improvements. Ranger remained one of the best in its class, but we recommend that you shop all three domestic brands--including the Dodge Dakota and Chevrolet S-Series--before deciding.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Ford Ranger 4.0-liter ext. cab Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 8 | |
| Total Score: | 40 |
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.
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 core 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)
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 | $280 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $745 |
| Brakes | $300 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $390 |
| Exhaust System | $215 |
| Radiator | $340 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $285 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $395 |
| Universal Joints | $90 |
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 |
|
|
|||
| 1997 | |||
| Ranger | $2,300-4,000 | $1,700-2,900 | $400-800 |
| Ranger SuperCab | $3,100-4,900 | $2,400-3,800 | $700-1,200 |
| 1996 | |||
| Ranger | $2,000-3,500 | $1,400-2,500 | $300-600 |
| Ranger SuperCab | $2,500-4,000 | $1,800-2,900 | $500-800 |
| 1995 | |||
| Ranger | $1,800-3,000 | $1,200-2,000 | $300-500 |
| Ranger SuperCab | $2,200-3,500 | $1,600-2,500 | $400-700 |
| 1994 | |||
| Ranger | $1,600-2,500 | $1,100-1,700 | $200-400 |
| Ranger SuperCab | $2,000-2,800 | $1,400-2,000 | $300-500 |
| 1993 | |||
| Ranger | $1,400-2,200 | $900-1,400 | $200-300 |
| Ranger SuperCab | $1,800-2,600 | $1,200-1,800 | $300-400 |
|
|
|||
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. | 125.2 | 113.9 | 107.9 |
| Overall Length, in. | 198.2 | 196.3 | 184.3 |
| Overall Width, in. | 69.4 | 69.4 | 69.4 |
| Overall Height, in. | 64.1 | 64.0 | 64.0 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3300 | 3010 | 2970 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | -- | -- | -- |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | 1550 | 1650 | 1650 |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 20.5 | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 3 | 3 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.3 | 39.1 | 39.1 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.4 | 42.4 | 42.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 35.6 | -- | -- |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 41.2 | -- | -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||
Powertrain Options and Availability
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. Horsepower 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.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv V6 | 3.0 / 182 | 140-147 | 162-170 | 5-speed manual: 19/25 4-speed automatic: 18/24 |
5-speed manual: 17.8 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V6 | 4.0 / 245 | 160 | 220 | 5-speed manual: 18/23 4-speed automatic: 17/23 5-speed automatic: 16/22 |
5-speed manual: 16.5 4-speed automatic: 14.2 5-speed automatic: -- |
| ohc I4 | 2.3 / 140 | 98-112 | 130-135 | 5-speed manual: 22/27 4-speed automatic: 20/25 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
1. Rangers with the 4.0-liter V6 switched from a 4-speed to a 5-speed automatic for '97. Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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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 | 1997 Ranger |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
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 1993-1997 Ford Ranger directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
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.
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