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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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 Review - Transmission Problems - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Kloman - February 4 - 2:00 am

  Great truck, but have major transmissions problems at 50000 miles. If this were a Chrysler I could understand it. I have had Fords all my life. Unless Ford extends their warranty on the powertrain, Ill be buying a Toyota next time.

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  Thinigs to keep in mind. - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Donna Grimes - February 4 - 2:00 am

  Rides rough, but it`s a truck. Most problems covered by extended warranty. Transmission wouldn`t shift properly, anti-knock box had to be replaced and gear shift lever was to move into gears and turn signal was replaced. All this before 40,000 miles.No power windows or locks, SPORT model has 3.0 liter engine, with air conditioning on between 200 and 250 miles on a tank of gas.

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  Good Truck, But Loves GAS! - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By SPOLkLd - February 2 - 2:00 am

  Well built truck, but it loves the gas a little too much. Never bested 20 mpg in the year I owned it and usually averaged 16 to 18, and that ws w/o a load in the rear. Choppy ride didnt help matters much and dont push one into a corner too fast or youll be swaying all over. Avoid the French auto tranny. It stinks.

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  I like my Edge - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Dougie Fresh - February 2 - 2:00 am

  When I purchased this vehicle, I compared it to the Chevy S-10 and Dodge Dakota, and based on price, features, perfromance and over all appearance, the Edge package had everything I wanted in a truck. On the interior, everything is easy to reach and well marked. The carpetless interior also makes clean up very easy when the weather outside is messy. The four doors makes it very easy to get stuff in and out of extended cab. Ive driven it cross country through the mountains, and its as comfortable as any car Ive owned. The 4.0 has a lot of get up and go!

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  Good compact truck - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By shannon - January 31 - 10:00 am

  The truck handles great on corners, has lots of power, good gas milage compared to competing trucks. Interior is well built, dash board is very axcessabile. Fun to drive

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  Solid truck, American Glitches Remain - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Hands - January 30 - 2:00 am

  This truck is still new to me, but I have a strong sense of it already. Its solid, comfortable and powerful, but the build quality is American all the way. I have already had it in the shop for a mis-aligned door and a malfunctioning wiper switch. I have owned a number of imports (Japanese and Korean) and have never had to return them to the dealer the first week. It seems I have had to return every american vehicle I have owned for some type of repair/adjustment. Speaks poorly of American workmanship, Im sorry to say.

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  Bang for the buck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Jeff H - January 29 - 6:23 pm

  Good crash test scores and and a good Consumer Report rating was the incentive to buy. Only problem has been "check fuel cap" light that came on and needed a new sensor. Ford has aggressive pricing and makes this truck a good deal. A comparable Toyota would be 50% more.

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  rangers driver seat - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By army1 - January 29 - 2:00 am

  if you have anykind of lower back problem do not buy this truck the drivers seat is built with a hump in the middle of the seat and there is no way to get comfortable on long drives,short trips is bad enough

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  Third Ranger - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Softie - January 26 - 2:00 am

  Three with no problems.Got 75000 out of the brake pads on #2 Ford has been building this truck for so long that it is bulletproof. Still not bad to look at and very reliable

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  pretty filly - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By agumby1 - January 26 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive. Has looks. Its everything the Pissan Nissan Frontier wasnt. Doesnt tilt over onto bump-stops when going thru corners. Been having fun with it so far. Toreador red looks great. Been told its like Candy-apple red. Get the gascap on TIGHT.