1998-2008 Ford Ranger: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
Reviews & Ratings
Pricing
Explore
Specifications & Safety
Related to Ford Ranger
Related Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1998-2008 Ford Ranger and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration (4.0-liter V6)
- Handling
- Optional ABS (XLT, Splash)
- Ride
Cons
- Acceleration (4-cylinder)
- Rear-seat comfort
- Interior room (regular cab)
Vehicle Highlights
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.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | 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 Score: | 32 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1998-2008 Ford Ranger. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1998-2008 Ford Ranger.
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 entered 2005 little-changed.
2006 Ford Ranger:
A mild facelift for the '06 Ranger involved modest revisions to bumpers, grille, fenders, and lights.
2007 Ford Ranger:
Ranger carried over unchanged.
2008 Ford Ranger:
The 2008 Ford Ranger got slightly revised front styling but was otherwise unchanged from 2007.
Our road test for the 1998-2008 Ford Ranger includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1998-2008 Ford Ranger and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1998-2008 Ford Ranger is right for you.
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.
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.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | 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 Score: | 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.
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.
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:
Hesitation or surging when accelerating is caused by a faulty mass airflow sensor. (1998-99)
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)
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 |
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 |
|
|
|||
| 2008 | |||
| Ranger 2WD | $10,500-12,200 | $9,500-11,000 | $5,600-6,500 |
| 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 | $15,200-18,000 | $13,800-16,400 | $9,600-11,300 |
| 2007 | |||
| Ranger 2WD | $9,200-11,000 | $8,300-9,900 | $4,800-5,700 |
| Ranger 4WD | $11,700-13,500 | $10,500-12,200 | $6,400-7,400 |
| SuperCab 2WD | $11,500-13,300 | $10,400-12,000 | $6,300-7,300 |
| SuperCab 4WD | $14,000-16,200 | $12,700-14,700 | $8,500-9,900 |
| 2006 | |||
| Ranger 2WD | $8,000-9,800 | $7,200-8,800 | $4,100-5,000 |
| Ranger 4WD | $10,500-12,000 | $9,500-10,800 | $5,600-6,400 |
| SuperCab 2WD | $10,200-12,000 | $9,200-10,800 | $5,300-6,200 |
| SuperCab 4WD | $12,700-14,700 | $11,400-13,200 | $7,400-8,500 |
| 2005 | |||
| Ranger 2WD | $6,800-8,500 | $6,100-7,600 | $3,200-4,000 |
| Ranger 4WD | $9,000-10,800 | $8,100-9,700 | $4,700-5,600 |
| SuperCab 2WD | $8,700-10,500 | $7,800-9,500 | $4,500-5,500 |
| SuperCab 4WD | $11,200-13,000 | $10,100-11,700 | $6,000-7,000 |
| 2004 | |||
| Ranger 2WD | $6,000-7,700 | $5,200-6,700 | $2,500-3,200 |
| Ranger 4WD | $8,200-9,800 | $7,400-8,800 | $4,200-5,000 |
| SuperCab 2WD | $7,900-9,700 | $7,100-8,700 | $4,000-4,900 |
| SuperCab 4WD | $10,300-12,000 | $9,300-10,800 | $5,500-6,400 |
| 2003 | |||
| Ranger 2WD | $5,200-6,700 | $4,400-5,700 | $2,100-2,700 |
| Ranger 4WD | $7,500-9,000 | $6,800-8,100 | $3,800-4,500 |
| SuperCab 2WD | $7,200-8,800 | $6,400-7,800 | $3,500-4,300 |
| SuperCab 4WD | $9,300-11,000 | $8,400-9,900 | $4,800-5,700 |
| 2002 | |||
| Ranger 2WD | $4,500-6,000 | $3,700-5,000 | $1,600-2,200 |
| Ranger 4WD | $6,500-7,800 | $5,700-6,900 | $2,900-3,500 |
| SuperCab 2WD | $6,100-7,500 | $5,300-6,500 | $2,600-3,200 |
| SuperCab 4WD | $8,200-10,000 | $7,400-9,000 | $4,200-5,100 |
| 2001 | |||
| Ranger 2WD | $3,900-5,200 | $3,200-4,300 | $1,200-1,600 |
| Ranger 4WD | $5,600-6,600 | $4,800-5,700 | $2,300-2,700 |
| SuperCab 2WD | $5,200-6,500 | $4,400-5,500 | $2,100-2,600 |
| SuperCab 4WD | $7,000-8,500 | $6,200-7,600 | $3,300-4,000 |
| 2000 | |||
| Ranger 2WD | $3,500-4,300 | $2,800-3,400 | $900-1,200 |
| Ranger 4WD | $4,700-5,600 | $3,900-4,700 | $1,800-2,100 |
| SuperCab 2WD | $4,400-5,300 | $3,700-4,400 | $1,500-1,900 |
| SuperCab 4WD | $5,900-7,200 | $5,100-6,300 | $2,500-3,000 |
| 1999 | |||
| Ranger 2WD | $3,100-3,800 | $2,400-3,000 | $700-900 |
| Ranger 4WD | $4,200-5,000 | $3,400-4,100 | $1,400-1,700 |
| SuperCab 2WD | $3,900-4,800 | $3,200-3,900 | $1,200-1,500 |
| SuperCab 4WD | $5,100-6,200 | $4,300-5,300 | $2,000-2,500 |
| 1998 | |||
| Ranger 2WD | $2,800-3,500 | $2,100-2,600 | $600-800 |
| Ranger 4WD | $3,900-4,600 | $3,200-3,800 | $1,200-1,400 |
| SuperCab 2WD | $3,600-4,400 | $2,900-3,500 | $1,000-1,200 |
| SuperCab 4WD | $4,700-5,800 | $3,900-4,900 | $1,800-2,200 |
|
|
|||
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. | 125.7 | 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. 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 | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| 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: -- |
| 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 |
|
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 | 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%. 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 1998-2008 Ford Ranger directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
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.
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
