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Safety and Reliability Ratings > 1998 > Ford > RANGER

1998 FORD RANGER
Pickup
4 wheel drive


CARFAX has collected the industry's leading used car safety and reliability ratings into one, convenient report. With this report, you'll know the safety and reliability of your next used car. All information presented in this report is specific to the 1998 FORD RANGER. Please view the CARFAX Vehicle History Report for the detailed history of a specific used FORD.

 

CARFAX Safety Section One  Safety:

This information will help you select a vehicle model that meets your expectations for safety and security.

CARFAX Safety Section Two  Reliability:

Use this information to check how reliable a vehicle model is before you buy.


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NHTSA Crash Test Results National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration
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Frontal Crash: Rating:   NHTSA Five Star Legend
Driver Rating 4 of 5  
Passenger Rating 4 of 5  
Side Crash: Rating:  
Front Seat Not Tested  
Rear Seat Not Tested  
Rollover Resistance: Rating:  
Rollover Resistance Not Tested  

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides 3 different ratings - full-width frontal crash test , side impact crash test , and rollover resistance . The frontal crash test indicates how well the safety features and restraints will protect an occupant in a head-on collision. The side-impact test conveys the chance of a severe chest injury, while the rollover resistance rating estimates the risk of rolling over in a single vehicle crash. Go to NHTSA to learn more about these results.


IIHS Crash Test Results Highway Loss Data Institute
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IIHS Crash Test Results for the 1998 FORD RANGER are not available in CARFAX Safety & Reliability Ratings.




Low-Speed Damage Repair Highway Loss Data Institute
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Front Crash Description: Front Crash Cost:
Front into flat barrier $ 200
Front into angle barrier $ 1567
Rear Crash Description: Rear Crash Cost:
Rear into flat barrier $ 399
Rear into pole $ 1368
Average Damage Per Test $ 884

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts four 5 mph crash tests to assess bumper performance. These results convey how well this 1998 FORD RANGER bumpers will protect the car body from damage in low-speed collisions. The low-speed damage repair costs for this 1998 FORD RANGER were obtained from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute. Learn more about these results.


Injury, Collision, & Theft Indicators Highway Loss Data Institute
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The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) does not provide injury, collision or theft information for this 1998 FORD RANGER .

Index: Score: Rating:
Injury Index No data from HLDI No data from HLDI
Collision Index No data from HLDI No data from HLDI
Theft Index No data from HLDI No data from HLDI


These scores are stated in relative terms, with 100 being the average for all cars in each category. Scores greater than 100 represent higher risk in each category. For example, an injury indicator score of 122 means that a passenger in this model is 22% more likely to be injured in an accident. Injury, collision, and theft indicators are provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute.



Safety Recalls
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NHTSA Safety Recalls:
Important: The following recalls were issued for the 1998 FORD RANGER by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA). To find out if a specific 1998 FORD RANGER still has open recalls that require repair, CARFAX recommends contacting an authorized dealership for more information.

Recall date: 06-04-2001
Units potentially affected: 13,000,000
NHTSA campaign number: 01X001000
Defective part or component: TIRES:TREAD
Description: This is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. 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. 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 through 2002 Ford Explorers, certain 2001 through 2002 Explorer Sports and Sport Tracs, certain 1997 through 2002 Mercury Mountaineers, certain 1991 through 2001 Rangers, certain 1999 through 2001 Expeditions, certain 1991 through 1994, and 1997 model year F-series, certain 1991 through 1994 Broncos. Note: both original equipment and replacement tires are affected. Should the tread separate at highway speeds, a vehicle crash could occur, possibly resulting in personal injury or death. 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.
Recall date: Not reported
Units potentially affected: 11,500
NHTSA campaign number: 98V021000
Defective part or component: EQUIPMENT:CERTIFICATION LABEL
Description: Vehicle Description: Light duty four-wheel drive pickup trucks equipped with Off-Road Option. The tire and rim identification information is incorrect on these vehicles. This does not comply with the requirements of FMVSS No. 120, ""Tire Selection and Rims for Motor Vehicles other than Passenger Cars."" The 16"" tires could not be inflated on the specified 15x7.0J rim. Owners will be sent a Safety Certificaiton Label partial overlay which will contain the correct rim size, and instructions for affixing this label to the vehicle. If an owner so desires, their Ford dealer can install the label for them.
Recall date: Not reported
Units potentially affected: 26
NHTSA campaign number: 98V079000
Defective part or component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BATTERY:CABLE
Description: Vehicle Description: Light duty electric pickup trucks equipped with the optional traction battery heater system. This battery heater could have a loose crimp connection where the power wires are attached to one of the heater elements. The loose connection could arc igniting surrounding materials. Dealers will disable the battery pack heaters.


This 1998 FORD RANGER safety recall information was provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Data Loss Institute and is derived from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration list of safety recalls. Please call the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236) to report safety defects or to obtain information on cars, trucks, child seats, and highway or traffic safety. CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by the National Highway Traffic and Saftey Administration, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



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J.D. Power Ratings
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Ownership: Rating:
Initial Ratings (up to 1 year)  
Overall Quality No data from source
  Mechanical Quality Rating 2 of 5
  Feature and Accessory Quality Rating 4 of 5
  Body and Interior Quality Rating 3 of 5
Overall Appeal No data from source
  Performance Rating 2 of 5
  Comfort Rating 3 of 5
  Feature and Instrument Panel No data from source
  Style Rating 3 of 5
Midterm Ratings (1-3 Years)  
  Mechanical Reliability No data from source
  Feature and Accessory Reliability No data from source
  Body and Interior Reliability No data from source
Long Term Ratings (3-5 Years)  
Overall Dependability No data from source
  Mechanical Dependability No data from source
  Feature and Accessory Dependability No data from source
  Body and Interior Dependability No data from source

J.D. Power and Associates uses selected highlights from the firm's quality and customer satisfaction syndicated studies to create the Power Ratings at the model-level. These ratings and awards are based on model rankings within each vehicle segment, whereas Power Circle Ratings compare all models across segments.

All information provided by J.D. Power and Associates is proprietary information owned by J.D. Power and Associates and is protected by U.S. and international copyright law and conventions. Reproduction of this information, in whole or in part, by any means is prohibited without the express written consent of J.D. Power and Associates, other than printing copies of the JDPA content by site visitors for their personal use. J.D. Power and Associates® is a registered trademark of J.D. Power and Associates.



Identifix Reliability Ratings
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Category: Comments: Rating:
Engine No data from source
Transmission & Driveline No data from source
Steering & Suspension No data from source
Brakes No data from source
Heating & Air Conditioning No data from source
Starting & Charging No data from source
Accessories No data from source
Identifix Legend


This 1998 FORD RANGER reliability information was provided by Identifix. Identifix is the nation's largest technical support service for the aftermarket auto repair industry. CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by Identifix, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Original Manufacturer Warranty
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Coverage: Years/Mileage:
Basic 3 years or 36,000 miles  
Drivetrain 3 years or 36,000 miles  
Emissions 2 years or 24,000 miles  
Corrosion 5 years with Unlimited mileage  
Transferable Transferable: no cost, unlimited owners covered.  
Roadside Assistance Roadside assistance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles.  
Safety Belt & Inflatable Restraint Safety belt and inflatable restraint system are covered for 5 years or 50,000 miles.  
Specific Components 8 years or 80,000 miles  
Notes: Manufacturer covers emissions components under basic warranty. Emissions coverage may vary by state. Refer to owners manual for specific details. Transferable: no cost, unlimited owners covered. Roadside assistance is covered during basic warranty. Safety belt and inflatable restraint systems are covered for 5 years or 50,000 miles. Alignment and wheel balance covered for 1 year 12,000 miles Ranger EV battery is pro-rated after 12 months or 1,000 miles.  

This 1998 FORD RANGER warranty information has been provided by J&L Warranty Pros.


New Car Test Drive Review
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Category: Review:
Summary:

Great handling on and off road.
By Mitch McCullough, Editor-in-Chief, NewCarTestDrive.com

The new Ranger may be the best compact pickup truck on the market. Its driving qualities leave the other trucks in the dust, yet it offers plenty of power and hauling capacity to get the work done. Handling is superb for a pickup and the optional five-speed automatic offers impressive response, making this truck a good companion for everyday driving.

Mazda is selling mechanically identical models, the B-2500, B-3000 and B-4000, each named for engine displacement. The styling is completely different, however, giving each a distinctive appearance. While the Ford looks tough, the Mazda looks sporty. They are both good-looking trucks and a debate rages as to which is more attractive. Mazda B-Series trucks offer a compelling alternative to the Toyota Tacoma, with the Mazda delivering more truck per dollar.

Overview:

Ford has completely redesigned its Ranger. It's the most popular compact pickup on the market today and this new one is arguably the best. The 1998 Ford Ranger offers responsive handling on the highway, impressive suspension performance off road and a comfortable ride everywhere.

The Ranger has always been a capable truck in the dirt, but the new one is even better, a benefit of a redesigned chassis based on the Ford Explorer. We drove a Ranger 4x4 in the Hungry Valley off-road park northwest of Los Angeles. Rough, sandy roads failed to upset this truck even when it was driven quickly through rutted corners. But what was really surprising was its impressive handling and steering response on paved mountain roads. After spending a few hours in the new Ranger, we were lulled into thinking we'd climbed into a sports sedan.

A more rigid chassis, a new front suspension, a redesigned interior, improved engines, new styling and, on 4x4 models, a clever new four-wheel-drive system are elements that add up to a great truck.

Read the complete 1998 Ford Ranger review

© 2002 NewCarTestDrive.com

CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by NewCarTestDrive.com, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Awards
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View awardees recognized by Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds.com, Polk Automotive, and J.D. Power and Associates.



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