The 1992 Ford Ranger is a compact pickup truck, part of the third generation (1989-1992) of Rangers. It was available in regular cab and extended cab (SuperCab) configurations. Key trims included the base model, XL, and XLT. New, prices ranged from around $8,000 to $14,000 depending on configuration. Its popularity stemmed from its affordability, reliability, and practicality, making it a popular choice for both personal and commercial use. It stood out as a smaller, more fuel-efficient alternative to full-size trucks.
The Good
The 1992 Ford Ranger offered a blend of practicality and appeal. Its compact size made it easy to maneuver and park. Known for relative reliability, it was affordable to maintain. Fuel efficiency was decent for its class. Its simple, functional design and rugged image appealed to those seeking a dependable workhorse. The Ranger provided a sense of freedom and utility, resonating with both practical and emotional buyers.
The Bad
Common weaknesses of the 1992 Ford Ranger include potential rust issues, especially in areas with road salt. Suspension components and ball joints are prone to wear. The automatic transmission, if equipped, can be problematic. Engine issues, especially with higher mileage, should also be considered. Check for oil leaks and proper maintenance records.
1992 Ford Ranger: Quick Overview
- Engine Options:
- 2.3L Inline-4: This was the base engine, known for its fuel efficiency.
- 3.0L V6: Offered more power and torque, suitable for towing and hauling.
- 4.0L V6: The most powerful option, providing the best performance.
- Horsepower:
- 2.3L I4: Approximately 100 horsepower.
- 3.0L V6: Approximately 145 horsepower.
- 4.0L V6: Approximately 160 horsepower.
- Fuel Economy (Estimated):
- 2.3L I4: 22 mpg city / 27 mpg highway.
- 3.0L V6: 17 mpg city / 22 mpg highway.
- 4.0L V6: 15 mpg city / 20 mpg highway.
- 0-60 Times:
- Varies significantly based on engine and transmission. Expect the 2.3L to be the slowest (12-14 seconds), while the 4.0L could achieve 0-60 in around 9-10 seconds.
- Towing Capacity:
- Ranges from 2,000 to 6,000 lbs depending on engine, configuration, and options (like the tow package). The 4.0L V6 models generally offered the highest towing capacity.
- Trim-Level Features:
- Base: Vinyl seats, basic instrumentation, manual windows and locks, AM radio.
- XL: Cloth seats, upgraded interior trim, sometimes included air conditioning and a better stereo.
- XLT: The top trim, featuring premium cloth seats, carpeting, upgraded sound system, chrome exterior trim, and often included power windows and locks. Some XLT models had optional features like cruise control and alloy wheels.
1992 Ford Ranger Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 1992 |
| Make | Ford |
| Model | Ranger |
| Trim | - |
| Style | Regular Cab 2WD |
| Type | Pickup Truck |
| Category | Small Pickup Truck |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | United States |
| Manufacturing City | ST. PAUL |
Dimensions
| Doors | 2-Door |
| Curb Weight | - |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | 33001 pounds |
| Overall Height | 68.00 inches |
| Overall Length | 188.50 inches |
| Overall Width | 66.80 inches |
| Wheelbase Length | 113.90 inches |
| Standard Seating | 3 |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | 2.3-L L-4 SOHC 8V |
| Engine Size | 2.3L |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual |
| Transmission Type | Manual |
| Transmission Speeds | 5-Speed |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | 2-Wheel ABS |
| Steering Type | Recirculating |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | $13,556 |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
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What Problems Does the 1992 Ford Ranger Have?
The 1992 Ford Ranger, like many vehicles of its age, has several frequently reported problems and long-term reliability concerns. Rust is a significant issue, especially in areas where road salt is used. Frame rust can be severe and compromise the vehicle's structural integrity. Suspension components, such as ball joints and tie rod ends, are prone to wear and require periodic replacement. The automatic transmissions (A4LD) used in some models were known for reliability issues, including slipping and failure, especially with high mileage or lack of maintenance. Engine issues, such as oil leaks (valve cover gaskets, rear main seal) and overheating, are also common as the vehicles age.
Recalls for the 1992 Ranger were issued for problems such as faulty speed control cables that could lead to unintended acceleration, and issues with the fuel system that could result in leaks and fire hazards. Checking the NHTSA website for specific recalls affecting a particular VIN is crucial. Long-term reliability concerns revolve around the availability of replacement parts and the overall condition of the vehicle given its age. Proper maintenance, including regular fluid changes and addressing minor issues promptly, is critical to extending the lifespan of a 1992 Ford Ranger.
Recalls for the 1992 Ranger were issued for problems such as faulty speed control cables that could lead to unintended acceleration, and issues with the fuel system that could result in leaks and fire hazards. Checking the NHTSA website for specific recalls affecting a particular VIN is crucial. Long-term reliability concerns revolve around the availability of replacement parts and the overall condition of the vehicle given its age. Proper maintenance, including regular fluid changes and addressing minor issues promptly, is critical to extending the lifespan of a 1992 Ford Ranger.
How long will the 1992 Ford Ranger last?
With diligent maintenance, a 1992 Ford Ranger can easily exceed 200,000 miles. Many owners have reported reaching 250,000 miles or more with proper care. However, neglect can significantly shorten its lifespan. Key factors affecting longevity include regular oil changes, transmission servicing, and addressing rust promptly. Weaknesses over time include worn suspension components, deterioration of rubber parts (hoses, belts), and potential engine issues related to age and wear. Properly maintained, the Ranger is durable. Poorly maintained, expect costly repairs.
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
The 1992 Ford Ranger was relatively basic in terms of built-in tech, entertainment, and driver-assistance features, reflecting the technology available at the time. Standard entertainment typically consisted of an AM/FM radio. Higher trims might have included a cassette player. There were no advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like lane departure warning or automatic emergency braking. Safety features were also limited. Standard features included seatbelts and basic braking systems. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) were an optional feature on some models. Power steering was a common, but not universal, feature.
Optional features that enhanced comfort and convenience included air conditioning, power windows and locks, cruise control, and upgraded sound systems. The SuperCab models offered additional interior space. Crash-test ratings for the 1992 Ford Ranger were not comprehensive by today's standards. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) did conduct offset crash tests during that era, and the Ranger's performance was considered marginal compared to modern vehicles. NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) also provided ratings, but these should be interpreted cautiously considering the advancements in vehicle safety technology since 1992. Overall, the 1992 Ranger prioritized basic functionality over advanced technology and safety features.
Optional features that enhanced comfort and convenience included air conditioning, power windows and locks, cruise control, and upgraded sound systems. The SuperCab models offered additional interior space. Crash-test ratings for the 1992 Ford Ranger were not comprehensive by today's standards. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) did conduct offset crash tests during that era, and the Ranger's performance was considered marginal compared to modern vehicles. NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) also provided ratings, but these should be interpreted cautiously considering the advancements in vehicle safety technology since 1992. Overall, the 1992 Ranger prioritized basic functionality over advanced technology and safety features.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Bright Red
Black
Oxford White
Deep Shadow Blue Metallic
Light Mocha Frost Metallic
Silver Metallic
Cabernet Red Metallic
Interior Colors
Medium Graphite
Opal Grey
1992 Ford Ranger Prices and Market Value
When new, the 1992 Ford Ranger's prices ranged from approximately $8,000 for a base model to around $14,000 for a fully-equipped XLT SuperCab. Today, used market prices vary significantly based on condition, mileage, and location. Expect to find them anywhere from $1,500 to $6,000 or more for exceptionally well-maintained examples. Depreciation has been substantial, but well-preserved Rangers retain some value due to their simplicity and classic appeal. Factors affecting resale value include rust-free condition, low mileage, documented maintenance, and desirable options like the 4.0L V6 engine and four-wheel drive.
1992 Ford Ranger Cost of Ownership
The 1992 Ford Ranger is generally economical to own. Insurance costs are typically low due to the vehicle's age and basic design. Fuel economy is decent, especially with the 2.3L engine. Maintenance and repair costs can be reasonable if you're willing to perform some work yourself. Parts are generally affordable and readily available. However, neglecting maintenance can lead to more costly repairs down the line. Rust prevention is key to minimizing long-term expenses. Overall, it's a relatively inexpensive vehicle to keep on the road, provided it's well-maintained.
1992 Ford Ranger Fuel Efficiency
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Fuel Capacity
16.30 gallons
City Mileage
18 miles/gallon
Highway Mileage
24 miles/gallon
1992 Ford Ranger Safety Rating
NHTSA
IIHS
1992 Ford Ranger Recalls & Defects
Tires:tread/Belt
Recall date
2001-05-22
Recall no.
01x001000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
This IS NOT A Safety Recall IN Accordance With THE Safety Act. However, IT IS Deemed A Safety Improvement Campaign BY THE Agency. Equipment Description: Ford IS Replacing All Firestone Wilderness AT 15, 16, and 17 Inch Tires Mounted ON Ford Trucks and Suvs. Ford Reports Tread Separation CAN Occur DUE TO A Combination OF THE Sensitivity OF THE Tire Design TO Stress, Aging, and Manufacturing Differences Between Plants. Ford IS Replacing These Tires TO Prevent Possible Premature Tire Failure. Vehicle Description: THE Vehicles Listed Below MAY Have Been Originally Equipped With Firestone Wilderness AT Tires or MAY Have HAD Wilderness AT Tires Installed During THE Firestone Recall Launched IN August 2000. Certain 1991 Throught 2002 Ford Explorer Certain 2001 Throught 2002 Explorer Sport, and Sport Trac Certain 1997 Through 2002 Mercury Mountaineer Certain 1991 Through 2001 Ranger Certain 1999 Through 2001 Expedition Certain 1991 Through 1994, and 1997 Model Year F-Series Certain 1991 Through 1994 Bronco Note: Both Original Equipment and Replacement Tires ARE Affected.
Consequence
Should THE Tread Separate AT Highway Speeds, A Vehicle Crash Could Occur, Possibly Resulting IN Personal Injury or Death.
Remedy
THE Replacement/Reimbursement Program FOR This Campaign Expired ON March 31, 2002. However, Customers CAN Contact Ford AT 1-877-917-3673 or GO On-line TO Www.ford.com FOR Possible Assistance.
Notes
Tires:tread/Belt
Recall date
2000-08-21
Recall no.
00t005000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
Tire Description: Firestone Wilderness AT, Size P235/75r15, Produced AT THE Decatur, Illinois Tire Plant and All Firestone Radial ATX and Radial ATX II Tires, Size P235/75r15. Operation OF These Tires AT Low Inflation Pressures, High Speed, and IN HOT Weather, CAN Contribute TO Separation OF THE Tire Tread.
Consequence
IF THE Tread Separates From THE Tire, THE Driver CAN Lose Control OF THE Vehicle, Possibly Resulting IN A Crash Causing Injury or Death.
Remedy
THE Replacement/Reimbursement Program FOR This Campaign Expired ON August 29, 2001. However, Customers Should Contact Firestone Customer Service AT 1-800-465-1904 FOR Possible Assistance.
Notes
Service Brakes, Air:disc:rotor
Recall date
1998-04-08
Recall no.
98e010000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
Equipment Description: Aftermarket Brake Rotors FOR USE ON Certain Ford and Mazda Trucks. Cracked Castings Caused Cracks TO Appear ON THE Outer Diameter OF THE Rotor HAT or Around THE Stud Hole.
Consequence
Loss OF Braking CAN Result.
Remedy
Aimco Will Reimburse Consumers/Installers FOR THE Cost OF Replacement Rotors and Installation. Consumers ARE Requested TO Return TO THE Location Where THE Rotors Were Originally Purchased/Installed FOR Replacement.
Notes
Owner Notification IS Expected TO Begin During April 1998.owners WHO DO NOT Receive THE Free Rotors Within A Reasonable Time Should Contact Aimco AT 815-759-7935.also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Auto Safety Hotline AT 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:hydraulic
Recall date
1996-02-05
Recall no.
96v024001
Source
NHTSA
Summary
THE Studs Which Attach THE Brake Master Cylinder TO THE Power Brake Vacuum Booster Assembly CAN Develop Stress Corrosion Cracking After Being Operated FOR AN Extended Period OF Time IN THE Southern California Location.
Consequence
IF A Crack Occurs, IT Could Result IN ONE or Both Studs Fracturing. THE Master Cylinder Could Then Separate From THE Vacuum Booster, When THE Brakes ARE Applied, Preventing THE Service Brakes From Activating Increasing THE Risk OF A Vehicle Accident.
Remedy
Dealers Will Replace THE Power Brake Vacuum Booster Assembly.
Notes
System: Brakes; Power Assist; Primary; Booster. Vehicle Description: Multi-Purpose Vehicles and Light Duty Trucks Originally Sold or Currently Registered IN THE Southern California Counties OF LOS Angeles, Orange, SAN Bernadino, SAN Diego, Riverside, Ventura, Santa Barbara, SAN Luis Obispo, Imperial, and Kern.note: Owners WHO Take Their Vehicles TO AN Authorized Dealer ON AN Agreed Upon Service Date and DO NOT Receive THE Free Remedy Within A Reasonable Time, Should Contact Ford AT 1-800-392-3673. Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Auto Safety Hotline AT 1-800-424-9393.
Structure:body:door
Recall date
1992-01-14
Recall no.
92v006000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
Water CAN Enter THE Door Latch Release Cable. IF THE Vehicle IS Operated IN Below Freezing Temperatures, THE Water IN THE Door Latch Release Cable CAN Freeze and Cause THE Latch Mechanism TO Malfunction.
Consequence
THE Malfunction OF THE Door Latch Release CAN Result Inthree Different Problems: 1) THE Door Will NOT BE Able TO BE Relatched, 2) Theinside Door Handle CAN Become Inoperative, and 3) THE Door Could Appear TO Belatched When IT IS Not, Allowing THE Door TO Open Unexpectedly IF IT IS Jarred,and Increasing THE Risk OF Injury TO THE Adjacent Seat Occupant.
Remedy
Revised Door Release Cables and Water Shields Will BE Installed.
Notes
System: Structure; Door Latch.vehicle Description: Multi-Purpose Vehicles, Light Trucks and Medium Trucks.
Exterior Lighting
Recall date
2006-03-23
Recall no.
06e026000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
Certain Pro-A Motors Corner Lamps, Turn Signals, and Headlights Sold AS Replacement Lamps FOR USE ON Certain Passenger Vehicles Listed Above. Some Combination Lamps That ARE NOT Equipped With Amber Side Reflectors Fail TO Conform TO Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard NO. 108, Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.
Consequence
Without THE Amber Reflectors, THE Vehicle Will BE Poorly Illuminated, Possibly Resulting IN A Vehicle Crash Without Warning.
Remedy
Pro-A Motors Will Notify Owners and Offer TO Repurchase THE Lamps. THE Recall Began ON April 3, 2006. Owners MAY Contact Pro-A Motors AT 323-838-2988.
Notes
This Recall Only Pertains TO Pro-A Motors Aftermarket Lamps and HAS NO Relation TO ANY Original Equipment Installed ON THE Listed Passenger Vehicles.for More Information ON THE Lamp Model Numbers, Click ON Document Search and View Document Titled "lamp Model Numbers."customers MAY Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty: 1-800-424-9153); or GO TO Http://Www.safercar.gov.
1992 Ford Ranger Warranty
Basic
Original warranty
0 months / No data
Estimated remaining
Expired
Powertrain
Original warranty
0 months / No data
Estimated remaining
Expired
Rust
Original warranty
0 months / No data
Estimated remaining
Expired
1992 Ford Ranger Insurance
Insurance for a 1992 Ford Ranger is moderately priced, reflecting its status as a Pickup Truck with strong safety ratings and
reasonable repair costs.
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 1992 Ford Ranger Compare to Other Pickup Truck?
The 1992 Ford Ranger competed with the Chevrolet S-10, GMC Sonoma, Toyota Pickup (Hilux), and Nissan Hardbody. In terms of performance, the Ranger's 4.0L V6 was competitive, offering similar power to the V6 options in the S-10 and Sonoma. The Toyota and Nissan were known for their reliability, often surpassing the Ranger in long-term durability, though their engines might have been less powerful. Features were relatively similar across the class, with basic amenities being standard. Price-wise, the Ranger was generally competitive, offering a good value proposition.
In terms of reliability, the Toyota Pickup (Hilux) is often considered a better alternative, renowned for its longevity and robust construction. The Nissan Hardbody also offered excellent reliability. However, these Japanese trucks might command a higher price on the used market. The Chevrolet S-10 and GMC Sonoma are similar alternatives to the Ranger, offering comparable performance and features at a potentially lower price point, but may also suffer from similar reliability concerns. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual priorities; the Ranger offers a good balance of affordability and capability, but those prioritizing absolute reliability might consider a Toyota or Nissan.
In terms of reliability, the Toyota Pickup (Hilux) is often considered a better alternative, renowned for its longevity and robust construction. The Nissan Hardbody also offered excellent reliability. However, these Japanese trucks might command a higher price on the used market. The Chevrolet S-10 and GMC Sonoma are similar alternatives to the Ranger, offering comparable performance and features at a potentially lower price point, but may also suffer from similar reliability concerns. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual priorities; the Ranger offers a good balance of affordability and capability, but those prioritizing absolute reliability might consider a Toyota or Nissan.
Final Verdict: Is the 1992 Ford Ranger a Good Pickup Truck?
The 1992 Ford Ranger is ideal for someone seeking an affordable and simple pickup truck for light-duty tasks. It's a good choice for DIY enthusiasts, those needing a basic work truck, or individuals wanting a classic, easy-to-maintain vehicle. Whether it's worth buying depends heavily on the condition. A well-maintained, rust-free example with a 4.0L V6 and 4x4 can be a worthwhile purchase. Avoid trucks with excessive rust or signs of neglect. Given their age, you'll only be buying used. Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic to assess its overall condition and potential repair needs. If you find a solid example, it can be a reliable and economical vehicle for years to come.
Jovan
Jovan specializes in interpreting vehicle records and making sense of VIN data. With over 10 years of experience in the automotive data industry, his work ensures that every report is clear, accurate, and useful for car buyers.