After having returned to the U.S. market as a mid-size pickup for the 2019 model year, the Ford Ranger has since gone on to receive a total redesign, and is quite a bit larger than the old, compact model that many of us remember – or owned in the past. Thus, earlier Ford Ranger models have become somewhat collectible as of late, though for the most part, we’ve seen newer examples from the late 1990s or 2000s make frequent appearances on collector car auction sites – not older models like this 1991 Ford Ranger XLT.
Regardless, those that prefer the older, boxier styling of this generation now have a pretty nice Ford Ranger to bid on at Bring a Trailer, as this one has just 65k miles showing on the odometer. The regular cab model is also well-equipped with XLT trim and four-wheel drive, and it’s finished in Cabernet Red with the type of graphics that were pretty popular during this era. The tailgate has been replaced by a net as well, and the compact Ranger rolls on a set of 15-inch five-spoke alloy wheels.
Inside the cabin, one will find matching Scarlet Red cloth seating, albeit not too many amenities – in fact, this Ranger only has air conditioning and a radio to offer, though it does have power steering, at least. It’s powered by Ford’s naturally-aspirated 2.9L V6, which is mated to a five-speed manual transmission, all of which looks to be in solid shape.
Given how few Ford Ranger pickups from this generation we’ve seen at auction over the past couple of years, it’ll be interesting to see what this one sells for. In fact, the last time we came across a boxy Ranger up for auction, it was May 2023, in the form of a heavily-modified 1984 model that had been transformed into a mini monster truck of sorts.
We’ll have more cool auction finds to share soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford Ranger news and continuous Ford news coverage.
Comments
When our sons were in high school, they bought a used 1991 Ranger XLT like this one. But, it had a 4 cyl engine, the type with 8 spark plugs. No AC.
Also had a 5 speed manual trans. Came with a visor, which did not help for top speed. About 75 mph was max. But it was a great first vehicle for them, especially for pulling a trailer with the lawn mowing service equipment around town.
I had the same setup on a ‘90 Ranger. I know at one time there was a 2.5, but I believe mine was the 2.3, also 2 plugs per cylinder. Rated at 29 mpg highway, which I would get with all highway driving.
The ultimate Ranger for ’91 and up is a 4.0L/4WD. Depending on your preferences, you could get a manual transfer case or push button 4wd, manual or automatic with overdrive, which could be combined with either 4wd system.
The 4.0L was a big step up from the 2.9L, both in terms of power/torque, and in reliability.
Give me a ’92 Ranger XLT 4.0L/manual 4wd/manual transmission, extended cab, with grey interior and grey lower body paint. Deep dish alloys, please.
I’d take it over a new Raptor.
I’ll vote for a 94 3.0 5 speed 4x manual hubs. Mine went 297k before I sold it on, probably over 400k now. Two clutches were the only non-maintenance, and I guess over 150k on a clutch isn’t bad driving sand trails.