subject: The 99 Ford Ranger [print this page] Consumers looking for a reliable mid-size pickup with years of quality production should consider a 1999 Ford Ranger. First produced in the early 1980's the Ranger quickly became one of the most popular trucks ever produced. By '99 the truck had been overhauled a few different times, but Ford was able to keep it rather similar to the original because of the quality engineering that created it. The Ranger is offered in a multitude of trim packages ranging from the basic, to very developed interiors and power trains. Consumers truly have a lot to choose from when considering what Ranger they want to purchase.
Being that these trucks were made to very high standards, ownership is very pleasant along with easy on the wallet. Besides basic maintenance owners will find that not much really needs to be done to keep these little beasts on the road. The trim packages offered for the 1999 Ford Ranger include the XL, XLT, Sport, and Fx4. The absolute basic model is the XL which comes with very few "extra" features. More than likely an XL will not be equipped with power accessories or AC, but it will still have the quality engineering under the hood that makes these mid-size trucks so reliable. Stepping up the ladder of civility there is the XLT level package. These trucks come with most power accessories like windows and locks, with the possibility of remote keyless entry as an optional feature. Other amenities in an XLT include AC and a more developed CD/stereo system.
Going further up in style are the Sport and Off-road trim packages. Sport models have specially tuned suspensions that make them ideal for highway driving. Their power trains have also been geared to garner the best fuel efficiency and performance possible. Possibly the most favorite model of Ranger is the Fx4 package which is one of the most ideal off-roading trucks ever produced. Their nimble size, combined with raised bodies and specially tuned 4 wheel drive systems make them virtually un-stoppable off of pavement. Best of all is that both Sport and Fx4 packages come with a great list of additional features to make the overall driving experience as pleasant as possible.
Rear wheel drive is standard on all models, with 4 wheel drive being optional on XLT models and standard on Fx4 equipped packages. Both short and long beds are available for most trucks as well. Ford offers both regular and extended cabs, with the later being roomier than ever.
Engines available for the 1999 Ford Ranger are the 2.3 liter four cylinder engine and 4.0 liter V6. The smaller four cylinder engine comes with either a 5 speed manual transmission or a 4 speed automatic. The larger V6 engine is only offered with the automatic transmission. Even the 2.3 liter engine is more than adequate for propelling the Ranger up to highway speeds efficiently and quickly, though the V6 engine offers the optimal performance. Fuel economy from these engines range from 16 mpg city to 27 mpg highway. The smaller 2.3 liter engine gets a lot better fuel economy than the V6 staying mostly in the low to high 20 mpg range.
Consumers that need a mid-size truck and want reliability at an affordable price should seriously consider the 1999 Ford Ranger. It is hard to find another truck in the same price range that offers such exceptional reliability.
