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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  99 Ranger 3.0 Liter - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Deez - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Not too bad of a truck...I have only had to replace a sensor for the emissions since I bought the truck with 40,000 miles in Aug. 2002. The truck is not that good with gas mileage. Seems like it should also have a little more "get up" when you step on the gas.

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  Built Ford Tough - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By vikegirl - February 25 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Ford Ranger XLT for almost 8 years and I have had very little problems with it besides the routine maintenance and up-keep. This truck is dependable and very rugged. The power is unbelievable in both city and freeway traffic when it counts the most. This is one of the best buys you can make if you are looking for a vehicle to be able to take tough driving conditions and last.

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  I love my Ranger - hate to let it go - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By littlesimo - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned mine for just short of five years now and not a single problem with it. Ive changed the oil every 3K-4K miles and purchased a soft tonneau cover shortly after I bought it in 1999. With that, and the K&N airfilter and just keeping up on normal maintanence, its never steered me wrong. I just recently talked to a 2001 owner who has over 120K on his and he loves his as well...Rangers dont die.

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  junk ranger - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By cobra0909 - February 25 - 2:00 am

  i bought my 2004 ranger xlt 1-2004 within the first week,gravel guards feel off, had to have both passenger side doors removed and adjusted,drivers seat seperated between the back and the bottom exposing my tailbone to the IRON BAR which caused my tailbone to be brused,2 days ago i traded off this junk after reverise started slepping at 1000 miles.

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  Compact Sled - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By DeGme2Baby - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Excellant ridability / feels good handling caracteristics /Out classes the competition by payload & towing capacity / good suport system with respect to updated technical manuals /ease to procure prior designd pieces & parts.

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  My edge - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By niss240x@aol.com - February 22 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun and sexy truck. you cant help but look and compare yours to all the others you see every day, make sure you drive it with an attitude.

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  My Truck - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By AKemp - February 22 - 2:00 am

  I just recently purchased a used 2002 Ford Ranger EDGE supercab 4 Door. The truck has 4x4 and handles perfect in the snow. I would recommend this truck to anyone.

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  Little 4banger needs assistance - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By Prez Max - February 21 - 2:00 am

  I love my truck. I bought it as a powered wheelbarrow for hauling stuff to the dump and from Home Depot. So I bought one w/ very few creature comforts, but the thing is very comfortable to drive and great for long trips. Very comfortable seats for stock ones.

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  centament - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By sallystruthers - February 21 - 2:00 am

  good car awesome to drive fun egine keeps my through the day had since 1994 own now with 150000 mles and no major problems

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  A Total Shock - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Kyle T. - February 21 - 2:00 am

  After coming from a Ford Stockholder Family, which has owned 6 Fords in my lifetime, I sure was surprised with the results from my Ranger. This truck doesnt hold the ground well (slides all over the place), I havent had it for 50K miles and the brakes have been repaired, the radio volume doesnt work correctly anymore, a blub behind the dash has burnt out, 3 sensors had died, The parking brake got stuck, and it occassionally stalls in the rain (yet Ford says it doesnt). Lets just say, Im never buying another Ford, and my parents have sold their/my Ford Stock!