Overview & Reviews

They say that in the event of Armageddon, the only thing to survive will be cockroaches. Well, there's a good chance you'd see some old Ford Rangers cruising around, too. This compact pickup truck soldiered on with relatively few revisions for nearly three decades. Of course, there were styling and interior overhauls over the decades, but the platform and most mechanicals underneath it all were practically Jurassic. Even those styling and interior updates dated back to the 1990s.

Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age. And given its wide choice of trim styles and lower pricing than comparable Japanese rivals, a well-maintained late-model Ford Ranger could be a good choice for a used pickup, provided you don't need a lot of passenger capacity or horsepower. But if you're looking for a relatively new used compact or midsize pickup, the Ford Ranger pales in comparison to other trucks with their more powerful engines, roomier crew-cab body styles and greater overall refinement.

Used Ford Ranger Models
The most recent generation of the Ford Ranger was produced from 2001 through 2011 and typically came in four different flavors: XL, XLT, Sport, and the off-road-oriented FX4. Depending on the year, there were also the monochromatic Edge, sporty STX and sound system-centered Tremor. Only standard and extended cab body styles were offered, as there was still no crew cab version.

Engine selection consisted of a 2.3-liter four-cylinder, a 3.0-liter V6 (until 2009) and a 4.0-liter V6. Output of the smaller engines varied slightly depending on year, with the 2.3 making 135-143 horsepower and the 3.0 making 148-154 hp. The 4.0 made 207 hp. Transmission choices included a five-speed manual and a five-speed automatic for all engines, though initially the 4.0-liter V6 came only with the automatic.

Although nimble on- and off-road due to its true compact size, even this latest version of the Ranger was seriously dated in terms of features and available body styles. While its midsize rivals offered roomy crew-cab (four-door) models, more modern features and much more powerful V6 engines, the Ranger made do with standard and extended-cab configurations only, and relatively low-tech power plants.

The second generation of the Ranger ran from 1993 through 2000. Styling was less blocky than the first-gen truck and the cabin was likewise updated with less angular forms. Standard and extended cab body styles were offered, but they were joined by a stylish, flareside bed version dubbed the Splash. Under the hood was the expected choice of a four- or six-cylinder engine. Notable changes throughout this generation are the availability of four-wheel antilock brakes in 1995, a five-speed automatic transmission (versus four-speed) for V6 models in '97 and freshened styling for '98.

Introduced for 1983, the Ford Ranger started life as a standard-cab, four-cylinder compact pickup truck with a choice of two bed lengths. The mid-'80s saw the introduction of the extended-cab body style known as the "SuperCab," which offered jump seats that were best left to kids. The Ranger continued through the early '90s with minor upgrades to the powertrains and small cosmetic changes.

User Reviews:

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  red toy on rampage - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By red toy - March 13 - 2:00 am

  This truck does everything I need it to do. I have hauled other trucks (lol) and boats, camping gear, never has a problem. The bed is a little smaller than my last truck, but fits almost everything. I like the pep, and drive it pretty hard. The color is great, and I like being so high above the other cars. I have had trouble with the tires and oil pressure sensor though.

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  GZ - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By GZ - March 10 - 2:00 am

  Very good small truck - and a really cool look. Sooo many people tell me how much they like my truck. Looks like a 4 W drive, fun to own

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  Great Tuck - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By winkhink - March 9 - 2:00 am

  It is at 65,000 and I have had it since the begining. Had minor proplems, speed sensor which kept ABS light on in dash but that was covered under warantee. DFPE sensor also turned that light on but that was at 45,000. Wipers come on every once in a while out of the blue but nothing excessive, once a month. Made many trips from SC to NY and travels very good. Drive in heavy traffic during the week and even a stick is easy to drive. Still have original brakes and 2 tires. Great Truck but have to agree the seats in the back dont amount for much when you put someone in the front seat.

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  ford truck - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By p burke - March 8 - 2:00 am

  transmission problems vehicle in the shop 10 times in on and half years. power windows serviced 4 times and are still do not operate properly.

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  pure satisfaction - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By cubkodiak3 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  quick sproty and works.

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  Its been a great truck - 1992 Ford Ranger
  By Coby - March 6 - 2:00 am

  I have had only two mechanical problems with it in 10 years. AC compressor and front locking hubs. The 2.9 liter 6 has always had enough power, and I do not understand why anyone needs the 4 liter engine. I get 22 mpg on the highway. (Automatic transmission). I have loaded this truck down on several occasions with no problem. Towing 2000 lbs you dont even know its back there. I consistantly drive 5 hours at a time in it and my 62" frame gets a bit stiff, but no permanent damage. Other than change the fluids, I havent done a thing to the engine in 95000 miles.

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  Will Buy Another - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Will Buy Another - March 6 - 2:00 am

  Have had truck for 10 months & 11,000 miles. Has been 100% trouble free. Be sure to get the 4.0 Liter V6. The extra cost is worth the grin-factor. Considered the Tacoma, but for the same equipment it would have cost about $5K more. The extra cost was not worth the possibly better reliability. Plus with the Ranger I bought a 75K mile extended warranty so whats to worry about. Im way ahead on $$

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  stuck everywhere - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By peter G. - March 4 - 2:00 am

  This "truck" come stock with a +2" lift and 16" wheels with big tires,but no matter where I go Its stuck! Little snow on the road? forget it. Pull off the road? huh! problems include, door pin sensor, the dome light hasnt shut off in 3 years even after sevice,Serive engine light comes on every other fill up,Ball joint ,brakes,tires quit running one day last year in the rain took two weeks to fix,rear "anti" locks,lock up if the roads are wet,emergency brake locks if truck sits for more than a day,drive shaft and u joints replaced at 30k tranny slips at begining of every gear,front stabilizer and bushings replaced at 26k

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  drove till wheels fell off - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By red ranger - February 29 - 2:00 am

  Got this truck from my dad, learned how to drive manual on it, and loved all 5 years I spent in the cockpit. When I wasnt in the woods hunting, I was cruising between AL and FLA, only problem I ever had was an EGR valve. Unfortunately, it was totalled in 10- 03, but the well-built quality probably saved my life, and the body was still strong even after having been through hell, woods, and 118,000 miles. I would reccommend this great truck to anyone, especially with the V6 I had. Every problem I had would usually just fix itself after a week or so. I plan to one day buy another.

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  Need more ponies - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By ranger 1 - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased a 2004 Ford ranger XLT 2.3 16v with a 5 speed manual. The truck drives fine but the only thing lacking again is horse power. The vehicle has 143 horse power but feels as though it has 115 horse power.