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1990-92 Ford Ranger: Highlights
Launched for 1983, Ranger became the best-selling compact pickup in America. For 1989, Rangers were restyled to resemble the bigger F-Series, and rear antilock brakes were installed on all models. SuperCab models had a 6-foot cargo box and 125-inch wheelbase. Regular-cab Rangers rode a 107.9-inch wheelbase with a 6-foot cargo box, or 113.9-inch with a 7-footer. A 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine was standard in regular-cab Rangers and 2-wheel-drive SuperCabs, with a 2.9-liter V6 optional. Also available for all models: a 144-horsepower, 4.0-liter V6. Rangers might have 5-speed manual shift or 4-speed overdrive automatic; 2- or 4-wheel drive. On-demand 4WD was a part-time system, operated either by push button (Touch Drive) or via a floor lever.
Year-to-Year Changes
1991 Ford Ranger: A new regular-cab Sport model debuted for 1991, and a 3.0-liter V6 replaced the 2.9-liter as optional engine in 2-wheel-drive models.
1992 Ford Ranger: Head restraints were added to outboard positions on vinyl bench seats. Rangers with power steering added a front stabilizer bar.
1990-92 Ford Ranger: Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Powertrain Options and AvailabilityCode:Specification X-cab Long Short bed bed Wheelbase, in. 125.0 113.9 107.9 Overall Length, in. 193.7 188.5 176.5 Overall Width, in. 66.8 66.8 66.8 Overall Height, in. 64.3 63.6 63.8 Curb Weight, lbs. 3128 2857 2820 Standard Payload, lbs. 1300 1600 1600 Fuel Capacity, gals. 19.6 16.3 16.3 Seating Capacity 5 3 3 Front Head Room, in. 39.4 39.2 39.2 Max. Front Leg Room, in. 43.9 42.4 42.4
Base engine was a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder, developing 100 horsepower. Step-up choices included a 140-horsepower 2.9-liter V6 and, for 1991, a 3.0-liter V6 that made 145 horsepower. The 2.9-liter initially was standard in SuperCab 4x4s and the STX, while the 3.0-liter became standard in the 2WD XLT SuperCab Ranger. Both were optional for other Ranger models, too. Top choice was the 4.0-liter V6, first offered only with 4-speed automatic but, since 1991, also with 5-speed manual shift. Standard on 4x4s was Ford's Touch Drive system, including automatic-locking front hubs and a switch-operated electric transfer case. Touch Drive allows automatic engagement of 4-wheel drive and full shift-on-the-fly, but is not intended for use on dry pavement. Other 4x4 Rangers have on-demand, part-time 4WD with a floor-mounted transfer-case lever and manual hubs, which must be locked by hand before 4WD can be engaged.
1993-97 Ford Ranger: HighlightsCode:Engines Size HP Torque Transmission:EPA city/hwy liters/cu.in. ohc I4 2.3 / 140 100 133 5-speed std.: 23/28 4-speed auto: 20/23 ohv V6 2.9 / 177 140 170 5-speed std.: 18/23 4-speed auto: 17/21 ohv V6 3.0 / 182 145 165 5-speed std.: 20/25 4-speed auto: 18/24 ohv V6 4.0 / 245 145-160 220-225 5-speed std.: 18/23 4-speed auto: 17/21
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 stop lamps 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.
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.
1993-97 Ford Ranger: Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Powertrain Options and AvailabilityCode:Specification X-cab Long Short bed 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 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
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. Horse powers 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.
1998-2005 Ford Ranger: HighlightsCode:Engines Size HP Torque Transmission:EPA city/hwy liters/cu.in. ohc I4 2.3 / 140 98-112 130-135 5-speed std.: 22/27 4-speed auto: 20/25 ohv V6 3.0 / 182 140-147 162-170 5-speed std.: 19/25 4-speed auto: 18/24 ohv V6 4.0 / 245 160 220 5-speed std.: 18/23 4-speed auto: 17/23 5-speed auto: 16/22
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.
1998-2005 Ford Ranger: Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Powertrain Options and AvailabilityCode:Specification X-cab Long Short bed 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 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
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.
Code:Engines Size HP Torque Transmission:EPA city/hwy liters/cu.in. ohc I4 2.5 / 152 117-119 146-149 5-speed std.: 22/27 4-speed auto: 20/25 ohv V6 3.0 / 182 145-154 178-190 5-speed std.: 17/23 4-speed auto: 17/22 ohv V6 4.0 / 245 158-160 223-225 5-speed std.: 16/21 5-speed auto: 17/21 dohc I4 2.3 / 138 135-143 153-154 5-speed std.: 24/28 5-speed auto: 21/25 ohc V6 4.0 / 245 207 238 5-speed std.: 18/22 5-speed auto: 17/22
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