| The 1998 Ford Ranger is one of the best selling | | | | features for XLTs include CD/Cassette players, AC, |
| compact pickup trucks in history. Beyond that, the | | | | and either 4 or 2 wheel drive. |
| entire line of Rangers from their inception in 1984 has | | | | Fx4 models are highly respected off road vehicles. |
| been the number one compact truck ever. Ford has | | | | They are made with better suspension parts and a |
| proven that it knows how to make small trucks and | | | | raised body for better clearance in off road |
| SUVs, and hasn't felt the need to entirely overhaul | | | | situations. The off road package comes with a nice |
| the Ranger through decades of manufacture. Models | | | | interior with a plethora of interior options, better cloth |
| made for the '98 model year have been revamped in | | | | fabrics, and different body colors and paint designs. |
| a few ways including an increased extended cab, a | | | | Sport models have been engineered for better street |
| new 4 wheel drive system, and larger room for | | | | performance and handle more similar to a sedan than |
| passengers in the rear. | | | | a truck. |
| Overall the body style remains the same as when it | | | | The 1998 Ford Ranger comes with a standard 2.5 |
| redesigned in the early 1990's. There are minimal | | | | liter 4 cylinder engine. Other engines available include a |
| curves in the front, while the rear of the truck | | | | 3.0 liter V6 and a 4.0 liter V6. There are either 5 |
| remains rather square in shape. Most models are | | | | speed manual transmissions or 4 speed automatics |
| available with either a 6 or 7 foot cargo bed with an | | | | equipped on these pickups. The larger V6 comes |
| optional liner. For a compact truck Ford has been able | | | | standard on both the Fx4 and Sport models. Ford |
| to make their 1998 Ford Ranger's cargo bed rather | | | | also upgraded the four wheel drive system so that |
| deep, allowing for owners to haul decent sized loads. | | | | the hub caps automatically lock for drivers, allowing |
| The regular cab has been extended as well with an | | | | them to stay in their trucks while switching between |
| outside increase in length of 3 inches, and an interior | | | | 2 and 4 wheel drive. |
| increase in the rear of 1 inch with the rest being | | | | The largest competitors for the Ranger is the Chevy |
| afforded to the driver and front passenger. | | | | S-10 and Toyota Tacoma. Each has their own |
| Trim packages offered for '98 are the XL, XLT, Fx4, | | | | highlights and are relatively similar in the MPG |
| and Sport. For a basic medium duty work truck the | | | | category. As far as price is concerned the Ranger is |
| XL model is a fair competitor, but only offers owners | | | | the lowest in the class and is possibly one of the |
| minimal features. The basic model comes with either | | | | reasons why it is the most popular. Consumers |
| a regular or extended cab. Interior features of an XL | | | | looking for a well rounded vehicle that is known for |
| include practically no power accessories, possibly AC, | | | | reliability should consider a 1998 Ford Ranger. The |
| and an AM/FM stereo system. XLT trim levels are | | | | trucks offer owners a low maintenance vehicle that |
| the middle of the road package offering power | | | | will allow them to save a lot at the fuel pump |
| accessories like windows and locks. Other optional | | | | compared with a full sized pickup. |