1995 Ford Ranger “The Purple People Eater”

The 1993 model year brought the second-generation Ford Ranger, an aerodynamic restyle of the compact pickup on a carryover chassis. The 1993 Ford Ranger smoothed the body and front end while keeping the basic frame, axles, and engine family of the first generation. The engine lineup narrowed to three: the 2.3 overhead-cam four-cylinder as the base engine, the 3.0 Vulcan V6, and the 4.0 OHV Cologne V6 as the top engine. The four-wheel-drive 1993-1997 Ranger kept the Twin-Traction-Beam independent front suspension, now using a Dana 35 and 28 hybrid front axle. A five-speed manual was standard and a four-speed automatic optional, with a five-speed automatic added for the 4.0 V6 late in the generation. The second generation introduced the Splash, a sport trim with a flareside bed, lowered ride height, and distinctive bodywork. A driver-side airbag became available during the generation as Ford updated the interior for the 1995 model year. The second-generation Ranger ran through 1997 before the heavily reworked third-generation Ranger arrived for 1998 with a new front suspension.