1998-2007 Ford Ranger Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Ford Ranger. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Ford Ranger.

1998-2007 Ford Ranger Review

Best-selling of the compact pickups, the Ford Ranger was reworked for 1998, again similar to Mazda's B-Series. The next-generation Ranger got a larger regular cab, a revamped 4-wheel-drive system, and a bigger (2.5-liter) standard engine. Adding three inches to the regular cab allowed an extra inch of rearward seat travel, variable backrest adjustment, and more storage space behind the seat. In a coup for its class, two optional rear doors were added to extended-cab models. Hinged at the back, those doors did not open independently of the front doors. Dual airbags were depowered to deploy with less force, and a dashboard cutoff switch could disable the passenger-side bar. XL and uplevel XLT Rangers went on sale, with 2- or 4-wheel drive and a regular cab or extended cab (SuperCab). SuperCab models also had a pair of fold-down rear jump seats. In addition, a special Splash edition featured bright bodyside graphics, color-keyed grille, and other dress-up items. Rangers with 4-wheel drive now wore a different grille. Regular-cab trucks could have a 6- or 7-foot cargo box, while the Super Cab came only with the shorter (6-foot) bed. Bulged-fender flareside short-bed bodies were optional with either cab type. A 4-cylinder engine was standard in 2-wheel-drive Rangers, with a 3.0-liter V6 optional. That V6 was standard in 4x4 models, and a 4.0-liter V6 might be installed in any Ranger. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard. Either the 4-cylinder or the 3.0-liter V6 could have an optional 4-speed automatic, and the 4.0-liter V6 was available with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Though equipped with shift-on-the-fly capability, the 4WD system still was not intended for use on dry pavement. However, it was no longer necessary to stop and back up to unlock the front hubs after switching from 4WD to 2WD.

Year to Year Changes

1999 Ford Ranger: The flashy Splash pickup faded away this year. A color-keyed grille and other Splash dress-up items now became part of the Sport Appearance package.

2000 Ford Ranger: A new two-wheel-drive Ranger joined the lineup, wearing the look of a 4x4. The new XL Trailhead option gave 2WD regular-cab short-bed models the raised suspension, 16-inch wheels, and exterior trim used by 4WD Rangers. The 4-door cab style now was available in base trim levels, not just as an XLT. SuperCab 4-door XLT Rangers retained their pair of fold-down rear jump seats, but the XL deleted them.

2001 Ford Ranger: New 2WD and 4WD Edge models joined the Ranger lineup for 2001. The Edge had body-colored bumpers, 4WD ride height, and available fender flares. 2WD models relinquished rear-wheel-only antilock brakes for the same 4-wheel ABS as offered on 4x4s this year. Also new was an ohc 4.0-liter engine in place of the 4.0-liter ohv V6. The 4-cylinder was replaced midyear by a new design, and XLT 4x4s got a new Premium Off-Road Package.

2002 Ford Ranger: New for '02 was the XLT FX4 off-road model with 4WD, heavy-duty suspension, 31-inch tires, heftier skid plate, and tow hooks. Also new was an available MP3/CD audio system. Introduced midyear were Tremor SuperCabs with a high-powered cassette/CD system.

2003 Ford Ranger: Base and 3.0-liter V6 gain 8 horsepower this year. XLT FX4 off-road model gains a Level II version with heavy-duty shock absorbers, Torsen limited-slip axle, and special wheels and tires. All models get thicker glass and added insulation.

2004 Ford Ranger: Revisions for '04 included a new grille, mildly revised interior styling, availability of a CD player that reads MP-3-formatted discs, and newly optional leather upholstery.

2005 Ford Ranger: Ford's compact pickup enters 2005 little-changed.

2006 Ford Ranger: A mild facelift for the '06 Ranger involves modest revisions to bumpers, grille, fenders, and lights.

2007 Ford Ranger: Ranger carries over unchanged.

1998-2007 Ford Ranger Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration (4.0-liter V6)	Acceleration (4-cylinder)

Ride	Interior room (regular cab)

Handling	Rear-seat comfort

Optional ABS (XLT, Splash)

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Four-cylinder Rangers struggle to gain speed, especially with an automatic transmission. We recommend the 4.0-liter V6, which uses only slightly more fuel than the 3.0 V6 and costs only slightly more. Although the 4.0-liter is a bit coarse and noisy, it offers plenty of low-speed torque and should perform most tasks with ease. That engine also works well with Ford's 5-speed automatic transmission and furnishes prompt passing power. None of these engines is quiet, though the sixes are slightly smoother than the four. Gas mileage is passable, too. We averaged 15.6 mpg in a long-term test of a 4WD SuperCab with the 4.0 and automatic. Like its Mazda B-Series cousin, Ranger rides and handles admirably for a truck. Yes, it jiggles more on rough roads than most cars. Still, the suspension absorbs most bumps without jarring the occupants, and provides stable cornering with moderate body lean. Slightly roomier than before, with more behind-the-seat storage space, Ranger's regular-cab interior is still not spacious. The longer regular cab allows the seatback to be tilted farther back than before, but taller drivers may find the SuperCab a necessity for comfort. Some shorter drivers may declare the bottoms of the bucket seats to be too long, catching them behind the knees. The 4-door SuperCab option is a big plus, but those rear-hinged back doors are narrow and cannot be opened unless the front door has been opened first. Even with a bench seat, three adults would be a tight squeeze up front. Entry/exit borders on awkward in the higher-riding 4x4s and 2WD Edge models. SuperCabs have a pair of child-sized rear seats that flip down from the sidewalls, but that area is more useful for cargo than people. Controls are positioned within easy reach, in a carlike interior, though the climate panel is recessed too much for quick adjustment. Radio controls are easier to use than in the past. Solid in build, Rangers use better quality interior materials than might be expected in a compact pickup.

Value for the Money
Yes, Ranger lacks the V8 of a Dodge Dakota and the smooth V6 offered by Chevy. Nevertheless, the Ranger is refined, well-built, and priced sensibly. No wonder Ranger has been the top-selling compact truck. Because Mazda's B-Series does not sell as well, however, prices might be a bit lower without the Ford badge.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Ford Ranger Edge 3.0 reg. cab 2WD, auto	Rating

Performance	3

Fuel Economy	5

Ride Quality	2

Steering/Handling/Braking	3

Quietness	3

Controls/Materials	7

Interior Room	3

Room/Comfort (rear)	0

Cargo Capacity	1

Value within Class	5

Total:	32

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.

1998-2007 Ford Ranger Reliability

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.

Accessory belt: Squealing serpentine drive belt due to faulty water pump pulley on 4.6L V6 engine. (2001)

Air conditioner: The air-conditioner hose may rub against the radiator hose and one, or both, develop leaks. (1998)

Audio system: The in-tank fuel pump causes a whining or buzzing noise to come through the radio speakers. (1998-99)

Battery: The battery tray may have burrs that cut into the battery causing it to leak and eventually fail. (1998)

Engine misfire: The truck may feel like it is thumping or jerking under acceleration due to a problem with the driveshaft requiring replacement. (1998-99)

Engine misfire: Hesitation or surging when accelerating is caused by a faulty mass airflow sensor. (1998-99)

Heater core: Installing a restrictor in the heater inlet hose may repair heater cores leaks. (1998-2002)

Timing belt: The timing chain on 4.0-liter V6 may make noise in hard acceleration. A repair kit is available. (1999-2000)

Transmission problems: Transmission flare when shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear is due to shift solenoid malfunction. (1998-2001)

Vehicle noise: A hammering noise occurs due to steam forming in the cooling system requiring a coolant-bypass retrofit kit. (1998-00)

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	$450

Alternator	$250

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$580

Brakes	$420

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing	$415

Exhaust System	$245

Radiator	$430

Shocks and/or Struts	$445

Timing Chain or Belt	$95

Universal Joints	$145

NHTSA Recall History

1998 Ranger 4-wheel drive w/off-road option: Tire and rim identification information is incorrect.

1998 Ranger w/4.0-liter engine: Flexible section of chassis-mounted fuel line on some trucks could contact exhaust manifold; might potentially result in damage to fuel line or, in some cases, cause a fuel leak.

1998-02 Ranger w/speed control system: The speed control deactivation switch may, under certain conditions, leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn. This could result in an underhood fire. Dealers will install a fused wiring harness.

1998-99 Ranger: Cruise-control cable can interfere with servo pulley and not allow throttle to return to idle.

1999 Ranger w/3.0-liter engine: O-ring seal in fuel-injection pulse damper to fuel-rail joint could be damaged, allowing fuel leakage.

2000 Ranger w/2.5-liter engine: Engine-coolant circulation through heater circuit is prevented by plugged return tube at water pump.

2000-01 Ranger: Hood striker could fracture causing the hood to fly open while the vehicle is being driven.

2001 Ranger: Driver's and/or front-passenger's outboard seatbelt buckle may not fully latch. In the event of a crash, the restraint system may not provide adequate occupant protection.

2002 Ranger w/manual transmission and FX4 Package: The rear-axle differential case could fracture, possibly resulting in wheel lock-up.

2004 Ranger: Center rail section flange on frame may not have been formed properly; in side-impact crash, frame rail could puncture the fuel tank, resulting in leakage.

2006 Ranger: Windshield wiper motor may not be greased enough, causing loss of wiper function. Dealer will inspect and grease the motor, if necessary.

1998-2007 Ford Ranger Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1998
Ranger 2WD	$3,000-3,800	$2,300-2,900	$700-900
Ranger 4WD	$4,200-4,900	$3,400-4,000	$1,400-1,700
SuperCab 2WD	$4,000-4,800	$3,300-3,900	$1,300-1,500
SuperCab 4WD	$5,300-6,200	$4,600-5,300	$2,200-2,500

1999
Ranger 2WD	$3,400-4,500	$2,700-3,600	$900-1,200
Ranger 4WD	$4,700-5,600	$3,900-4,700	$1,800-2,100
SuperCab 2WD	$4,600-5,300	$3,900-4,500	$1,700-2,000
SuperCab 4WD	$6,000-6,900	$5,200-6,000	$2,500-2,900

2000
Ranger 2WD	$3,800-4,900	$3,100-4,000	$1,200-1,500
Ranger 4WD	$5,500-6,600	$4,700-5,700	$2,300-2,700
SuperCab 2WD	$5,300-6,500	$4,600-5,600	$2,200-2,700
SuperCab 4WD	$7,000-8,500	$6,200-7,600	$3,300-4,000

2001
Ranger 2WD	$4,400-5,700	$3,700-4,700	$1,500-2,000
Ranger 4WD	$6,500-7,800	$5,700-6,900	$2,900-3,500
SuperCab 2WD	$6,200-7,500	$5,400-6,500	$2,700-3,200
SuperCab 4WD	$8,300-9,800	$7,500-8,800	$4,300-5,100

2002
Ranger 2WD	$5,100-7,000	$4,300-6,000	$2,000-2,800
Ranger 4WD	$7,500-9,500	$6,800-8,600	$3,800-4,800
SuperCab 2WD	$7,300-9,300	$6,600-8,400	$3,600-4,600
SuperCab 4WD	$9,400-11,400	$8,500-10,300	$4,900-5,900

2003
Ranger 2WD	$6,000-8,000	$5,200-7,000	$2,500-3,400
Ranger 4WD	$8,600-10,500	$7,700-9,500	$4,500-5,500
SuperCab 2WD	$8,300-10,200	$7,500-9,200	$4,300-5,300
SuperCab 4WD	$10,500-12,500	$9,500-11,300	$5,600-6,600

2004
Ranger 2WD	$7,000-9,000	$6,200-8,000	$3,300-4,200
Ranger 4WD	$9,200-11,400	$8,300-10,300	$4,800-5,900
SuperCab 2WD	$9,000-11,200	$8,100-10,100	$4,700-5,800
SuperCab 4WD	$11,500-13,500	$10,400-12,200	$6,300-7,400

2005
Ranger 2WD	$8,100-10,300	$7,300-9,300	$4,100-5,300
Ranger 4WD	$10,400-12,500	$9,400-11,300	$5,500-6,600
SuperCab 2WD	$10,500-12,500	$9,500-11,300	$5,600-6,600
SuperCab 4WD	$12,800-14,800	$11,600-13,500	$7,300-8,400

2006
Ranger 2WD	$9,300-11,500	$8,400-10,400	$4,800-6,000
Ranger 4WD	$11,500-14,000	$10,400-12,600	$6,300-7,700
SuperCab 2WD	$12,000-14,200	$10,800-12,800	$6,700-8,000
SuperCab 4WD	$14,000-16,300	$12,700-14,800	$8,500-9,900

2007
Ranger 2WD	$10,500-12,500	$9,500-11,300	$5,600-6,600
Ranger 4WD	$13,000-15,200	$11,800-13,800	$7,500-8,800
SuperCab 2WD	$13,000-15,000	$11,800-13,700	$7,500-8,700
SuperCab 4WD	$15,200-17,500	$13,800-15,900	$9,600-11,000

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.

1998-2007 Ford Ranger Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	ext. cab	reg. cab long bed	reg. cab short bed

Wheelbase, in.	125.7	117.5	111.6

Overall Length, in.	202.9	200.7	187.5

Overall Width, in.	69.4	69.4	69.4

Overall Height, in.	68.2	68.2	68.2

Curb Weight, lbs.	3280	3100	3060

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	--	--	--

Standard Payload, lbs.	1260	1260	1260

Fuel Capacity, gals.	20.0	20.0	17.0

Seating Capacity	5	3	3

Front Head Room, in.	39.2	39.2	39.2

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.2	42.2	42.2

Rear Head Room, in.	--	--	--

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	--	--	--

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

A Ranger might have any of three engines: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, 3.0-liter V6, or 4.0-liter V6. The 4-cylinder was not available with 2-wheel drive. A 5-speed manual gearbox was standard. Two automatic transmissions were available: a 4-speed unit for 4-cylinder and 3.0-liter V6 models, and a 5-speed automatic for Rangers with the larger (4.0-liter) V6 engine. The dohc I4 and ohc V6 engines were introduced in 2001. Base and 3.0-liter V6 engine gained 8 horsepower for 2003.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

ohc I4	2.5 / 152	117-119	146-149	5-speed manual: 22/27 4-speed automatic: 20/25	5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: --

ohv V6	3.0 / 182	145-154	178-190	5-speed manual: 17/23 4-speed automatic: 17/22	5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 18.2

ohv V6	4.0 / 245	158-160	223-225	5-speed manual: 16/21 5-speed automatic: 17/21	5-speed manual: -- 5-speed automatic: 16.4

dohc I4	2.3 / 138	135-143	153-154	5-speed manual: 24/28 5-speed automatic: 21/25	5-speed manual: -- 5-speed automatic: --

ohc V6	4.0 / 245	207	238	5-speed manual: 18/22 5-speed automatic: 17/22	5-speed manual: -- 5-speed automatic: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	1999 Ranger	1999 Ranger

Front Impact, Driver	--	--

Front Impact, Passenger	--	--

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%. Side-impact 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%.

Built In: USA

Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive

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Also in the 1998-2007 Ford Ranger Review:

Ford Ranger

Ford Ranger Road Test

Ford Ranger Reliability

Ford Ranger Prices

Ford Ranger Specs & Safety

Ford Ranger Photos

Ford Ranger Full Review