1998 Ford Ranger Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

by the zzdcar Experts

　　

What’s new

　　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.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 Ford Ranger XLT 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$220/mo  for Ranger XLT

　　Ranger XLT

　　XLT 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) (Most Popular) - N/A MSRPXLT 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPXLT 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPXLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPXLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPXLT 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPXLT 2dr Regular Cab LB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPXLT 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPXLT 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPXLT 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPXL 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPXL 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPXL 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPXL 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPXL 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPXL 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPXL 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPXL 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPXL 2dr Regular Cab LB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPXL 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSplash 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSplash 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSplash 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSplash 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRP

　　vs

　　$218/mo

　　Avg. Compact Truck

　　

Vehicle overview

　　Ford has had the best-selling small trucks in the country for years. We think it's because Rangers are all truck, with few pretensions toward any other identity, but can be loaded with gadgets like a luxury auto. Fun to drive, sharp looking and well built, they deliver a solid compact-pickup experience. Even though we're not crazy about the new styling, we're certain that they will continue to be a big hit.

　　

1998 Ranger Highlights

Type: Regular CabExtended CabRegular Cab

　　Trim: XLXLTSplashXL

　　

Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	21 MPG
Cost to Drive	$179/month
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive