1988 Ford Ranger

US · Pickup · Small Pickup Trucks

The 1988 Ford Ranger is listed in the US market as a pickup with gasoline power. Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.

Engine: Varies by configuration: 2.0L 4-cylinder, 2.3L 4-cylinder (FFS), 2.9L 6-cylinder (FFS)
Transmission: Varies by configuration: Manual, Automatic
Drivetrain: Varies by configuration: RWD, AWD
Fuel: Gasoline
Economy: 17 mpg (13.8 L/100 km) to 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km) combined

Generic outline for this body type. An illustration, not a photograph.

Specifications at a Glance

Key Figures

Units:

Engine / Powertrain

2.0L 4-cylinder, 2.3L 4-cylinder (FFS), 2.9L 6-cylinder (FFS)

Combined Economy

17 mpg (13.8 L/100 km) to 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km) combined

Drivetrain

RWD, AWD

Transmission

Manual, Automatic

Market: US·Switch units to convert the figures shown.

Compare 1988 Ford Ranger ↗

Engine

Engine
Specification	Value	Source
Engine	Varies by configuration: 2.0L 4-cylinder, 2.3L 4-cylinder (FFS), 2.9L 6-cylinder (FFS)
Displacement	2.0 L to 2.9 L
Cylinders	4 to 6
Fuel type	Gasoline	EPA fueleconomy.gov

Transmission and drivetrain

Transmission and drivetrain
Specification	Value	Source
Transmission	Varies by configuration: Manual, Automatic
Gears	4 to 5
Drivetrain	Varies by configuration: RWD, AWD

Fuel economy and range

Fuel economy and range
Specification	Value	Source
Combined	17 mpg (13.8 L/100 km) to 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km)	EPA fueleconomy.gov
City	15 mpg (15.7 L/100 km) to 21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km)
Highway	20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km) to 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km)

Our sources do not publish these for this vehicle: Aspiration, Power, Torque, Electric range, Battery capacity. We leave them out instead of estimating.

Trims and configurations

8 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. Last checked November 7, 2026.

98E010000: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:ROTOR
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.
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.
Reported April 8, 1998. View on NHTSA
87V141000: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
TRUCKS WERE BUILT WITH INCORRECT REAR BRAKE ASSEMBLIES. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: A TENDENCY FOR REAR BRAKE LOCKUP WOULD EXIST PARTICULARLY DURING HEAVY BRAKE APPLICAION WITH A LIGHTLY LOADED TRUCK. ALSO, INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE WOULD BE REQUIRED IF THE BRAKE MODULATION (PUMPING THE BRAKES) IS USED TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE DURING A HARD BRAKE STOP.
Remedy: REPLACE REAR BRAKE ASSEMBLIES.
Reported September 4, 1987. View on NHTSA

Data sources

EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved October 21, 2026 · US Government public data
NHTSA vPIC · retrieved October 21, 2026 · US Government public data

Source checked: October 21, 2026

Data verified: October 22, 2026

Specifications can vary by market, trim, configuration and production date. Confirm with the manufacturer before buying parts or making safety decisions. Report an error.

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Frequently asked questions

What engine does the 1988 Ford Ranger have?

Varies by configuration: 2.0L 4-cylinder, 2.3L 4-cylinder ((FFS)), 2.9L 6-cylinder ((FFS)). Engines can differ by trim, so check the trim list below.

What is the fuel economy of the 1988 Ford Ranger?

Combined fuel economy is 17 mpg (13.8 L/100 km) to 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.

Is the 1988 Ford Ranger front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?

Drivetrain: Varies by configuration: RWD, AWD.

Are there recalls for the 1988 Ford Ranger?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year (last checked November 7, 2026). Details are in the Recalls section.