17
0
Compact pickup truck; Built in USA
  • ext. cab
  • reg. cab long bed
  • reg. cab short bed
  • longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $1,300 – $3,200*

1993 Ford Ranger XL Sport SuperCab extended cab

1993 Ford Ranger STX 4WD regular cab

1994 Ford Ranger regular cab

1995 Ford Ranger Splash interior

1995 Ford Ranger Splash interior

Pros:
  • Acceleration (V6)
  • Reliability
  • Ride
Cons:
  • Control layout
  • Fuel economy (V6)

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.

Overview

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.

Yearly Updates

1994 Ranger Pickup
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 Ranger Pickup
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 Ranger Pickup
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 Ranger Pickup
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.

Engines

longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive

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.

ohv V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.0/182
Engine HP 140-147
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 162-170
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed manual
4-speed automatic		 19/25
18/24		 17.8
ohv V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 4.0/245n1
Engine HP 160
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 220
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed manual
4-speed automatic
5-speed automatic		 18/23
17/23
16/22		 16.5
14.2
ohc I4
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.3/140
Engine HP 98-112
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 130-135
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed manual
4-speed automatic		 22/27
20/25

1. Rangers with the 4.0-liter V6 switched from a 4-speed to a 5-speed automatic for ’97.

Road Test

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.

Ratings

Model Tested: 1995 Ford Ranger 4.0-liter ext. cab

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 5
50%
Fuel Economy - 3
30%
Ride Quality - 3
30%
Steering/Handling - 3
30%
Quietness - 3
30%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 5
50%
Room/Comfort Front - 6
60%
Room/Comfort Rear - 2
20%
Cargo Room - 2
20%

Other

Value - 8
80%

Total: 40

Specifications

ext. cab
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
125.2 198.2 69.4 64.1
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
– 1550 20.5 5
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
39.3 35.6 42.4 41.2
reg. cab long bed
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
113.9 196.3 69.4 64.0
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
– 1650 17.0 3
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
39.1 NA 42.4 NA
reg. cab short bed
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
107.9 184.3 69.4 64.0
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
– 1650 17.0 3
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
39.1 NA 42.4 NA
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 1997 Ranger reg. cab short bed

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 4
80%
Front Passenger Injury - 4
80%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A
N/A0%
Rear Passenger Injury - N/A
N/A0%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision 77
Injury 89
Theft 43

Trouble Spots

Air conditioner
Description: 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
Description: 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
Description: 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
Description: Installing a restrictor in the heater inlet hose may repair heater core leaks. (1993-97)
Radiator
Description: The radiator may leak in cold weather because of a bad seal between the tank and core. (1995-96)
Vehicle noise
Description: 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
Description: Loose frame rivets should be replaced with bolts (welding is not approved). (1993-96)

Recall History

1993-94 w/manual shift
Description: Parking brake might not hold.
1993-94 sold or registered in specified southern California counties
Description: 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
Description: 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
Description: Flexible hose in front fuel line is susceptible to cracking.
1995-97 vehicles equipped with the Texas Instruments speed control deactivation switch (SCDS)
Description: The SCDS may leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn. A vehicle fire could occur. Ford will notify owners and dealers will install a fused wiring harness for the SCDS. Dealers will also inspect the abs control connector and repair as necessary. Repairs will be completed free of charge.
1996
Description: Certification label shows incorrect rear-tire-inflation pressure.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on July 10, 2014.
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