1998-2008 Ford Ranger: Overview

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.