Overview & Reviews

The 1998 Ford Ranger gets new sheet metal, a new grille and revised headlamps. The wheelbase on regular cab models has been stretched to provide more cabin room and the displacement of the base engine has been increased. A short- and long-arm (SLA) suspension replaces the Twin-I-Beam suspension found on last year's models. A four-door Ranger join the lineup midyear.

• Multiple engine choices. Decent performance. Nice price.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 77.00

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  1998 Ranger XLT - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By andrejp - January 11 - 4:18 pm

  This is my 6th vehicle. I owned a Ranger a few years back and had to sell it because i moved to Hawaii. When i moved back i made a dumb mistake and bought a new Hyundai only to crash it less then a year after i purchased it. Soooo i knew its time to go back to the one true truck that i know will last forever. Rangers are built to last and theyre built TOUGH. I bought this one for $3500 with 133k miles on it and i know itll last me for atleast another 160k miles easy. I will never own another vehicle. You cant go wrong with a Ford.

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  yeah I got one - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By fordward - May 12 - 7:39 pm

  well actually mine is XLT RWD Automatic. I have 162,500 miles on a 1998. Had ball joints put on, 2 thermostats, 3 sepentine belts, distributor synchronizer, 3 sets of plugs and wires, air throttle control valve, , it,s been in two wrecks, replaced 3 windshields, replaced front rotors, rear drums, AC leaks tried to repair, have to recharge Freon every two years, 4 sets or tires, 3 batteries, ReplacedFuel pump(in gas tank), replaced Catalytic Converter,I average about $1000 a year in repairs on the truck. But its still going strong after 15 years. (knock on wood) Paid $18000(new) for it in 1998. But its worth about $30000 to me ha ha.

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  Best Truck Ford Produced! - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By nbrookshire - February 6 - 6:19 pm

  I bought this truck Brand New in 1998 with 3 miles on the truck. I have wrecked the truck 12 times, flipped it twice and it has over 600k miles on it and still runs strong. I have repaired the truck each time it has been wrecked. When Ford says Built TOUGH they mean it. My little ranger is Built Tough. I have an extra engine in my basement if ever needed. I would not trade , sell, or EVEN GIVE away my little ranger. I LOVE my little truck. This little truck gets GREAT gas mileage as well. The only mechanical issue I have had is replacing the Clutch. I go through clutches quickly. But overall Best truck Ford Made!!!

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  12 years old and going strong - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Ian - October 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 98 Ranger XLT used in 2002 with 55,000 miles on it at the time. Eight years late and 100,000 miles later, I have had very few problems. Ive had to replace some belts and tend to general wear and tear issues, but nothing catastrophic. I average about 19.5 miles per gallon with 80% freeway driving. I always tell people Ive had great luck with my ford, but then I knock on wood for good luck. *knock knock*

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  Its a Ford... - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Colin - April 22 - 11:00 pm

  Well this was my second Ranger and this one was a total piece of junk. Replaced an alternator, ball joints, A/C compressor kicks off and on every 20 seconds. Door Ajar light comes on at least every other time i drive it.Freeze plugs have rusted out, leaks oil, 15mpg for a V6?!?!? Really? The stock radio is bad.

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  Problematic - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Ranger - February 10 - 12:27 pm

  After reading the reviews on this site, I realized that my Ranger has had just about every problem in the book. It now has 145,000 miles and a list of parts I replaced in the few years Ive owned it, including fuel pump, spark plugs and coil, cam sensor, 2 alternators, and more that I cant even remember. It takes a quart of oil every 1000 miles, which is tolerable. Never had any clutch problems. Power windows work sometimes, interior light stays on when doors are closed, and "Door Ajar" light will stay on for a while. A/C pump starts randomly and squeaks. Ball joints go bad a lot. Noisiest power steering pump Ive ever heard, even after replacing it with a new one. Power could be better.

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  Its aight - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Andrew - December 23 - 5:58 pm

  I bought my Ranger from my Uncle who kept it in top shape. I have had it a little over a year now and it has 71,000 miles on it. My biggest complaint has to be the traction, this thing spins on spit. Mechanically the only issues that I am having is the idle air control needed to be replaced $90.00, easy do it yourself though. My a/c pump engages all the time, even when the a/c and defrosters arent on. Dont know what that issue is, never bothered me enough to have it checked out.

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  98 Ranger XLT 2.5L 5 spd - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By M.E. Meyers - December 10 - 4:49 pm

  Bought truck new in 1998 for $10k. It has been - by far- the best vehicle I have ever owned. Extremely reliable. Power is adequate with the 5spd manual and fuel economy is never below 23 mpg and can be 28 with care. Light rear end means no traction in wet/snow. But it does great donuts in the snow!! A/C still blows cold after 11 years and my original clutch still feels fine with 180k miles. Considering what I paid, I cannot ask for anything more. Great little truck. Last of the "light weights" Its peers have grown to be bloated and thirsty - hope that does not happen to the next-gen Ranger, but it probably will

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  average - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By D man - September 4 - 11:01 pm

  I bought my 98 ranger in 2000 with 42000 miles now I have 150000 on it. It has worked great even though i put it through h***. Not much to complain about expect the 4x4. For the past 4 years I have had to put new 4 wheel drive hubs in. Not a cheap fix. Wish it had a more reliable 4x4 system. Overall a nice truck

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  11 Years & Still Going Great - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By decajun45 - July 21 - 10:05 pm

  I bought this truck used when it was about 6 months old. I got to say I really like it. While not the most comfortable or most stylish vehicle, the thing works great. I have over 135,000 miles on it and have not had a single problem besides normal wear & tear and 1 leak in the roof started last year (which I still havent fixed - lazy me). The power is decent. I have no problem getting up to 65 mph when I get on the highway. Its not very comfortable to ride in on long trips, but hey its a small pick up, not a Mercedes.