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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  Best truck Ive ever owned, $ for $ - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By abouttime - January 25 - 2:00 am

  It seems lots of folks are looking for a good used truck, for 2nd. vehicle or as primary driver. This Ford Ranger is everything you could ever hope for. Reliable, get in and go, always. 21mpg around town, bed is big enough for most jobs, x cab is great for couple with luggage, etc. 4 cyl/5 speed is strong enough to get a ticket by end of 2nd. gear if you stay in it, floats at 65-70 in 5th.with no effort. Will tow bike trailer with Harley, no problem. Mine has over 100k miles and nothing gone bad except a tail light bulb so far. I cant imagine a better value for the $.

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  Scrap yard material - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By DOsborn - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the vehicle about a year and a half ago and have had nothing but problems with it. I have had ABS brake issues, fuel sensor problems, transmission problems,oil pressure sensing problems, rust problems, and more stuff that would take too long to mention. The reliability of this auto is terrible and its plague with numerous technical service bullitens and recalls. You would think that a vehicle whos design has remained unchanged for the last 10 years would have all of the bugs worked out of it. If you are looking for a good truck, dont look to Ford.

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  Best deal on small truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By redrodz1 - January 25 - 2:00 am

  Started out wanting a toyota P/u and bought a ford.I test drove all small trucks and the ford for price,fuel economy,style and quality was my choice.Previously owned a nissan and toyota small truck.The ford truck has caught up and surpassed the imports in my mind. Insurance rates and dealer service rates were cheaper too.I like my ford pickup and would recommend it highly.

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  I will buy another one!!! - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By schpaver - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I got this little p.u. new for basic transportation to get me through college. It has been a GREAT truck! Have had to do normal maint. on this nothing more. It just keeps going. I can well afford to buy a new truck now, but see no need with this Ranger still going strong. But when the time comes, I will buy another Ranger!

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  fits my needs - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By mark136 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  interior lights have a mind of thier own. totally unreliable. door ajar light is always on. the buzzer reminding me of it intermittantly sounds off. after a year of ownership new brakes and calipurs.I have also experienced vapor lock a few times. . otherwise great and fun and reliable. Id get another.purchased may 2002 with 46k on the clock.

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  I LOVE this truck! - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By 49ersfan - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This truck can tow a 21ft boat without any problems. It is excellent in the snow without additional weight in the bed. Its a great ride and Im always looking for an excuse to be out in it.

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  i will never buy another Ford ranger - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By John Buettner - January 18 - 2:00 am

  My 1995 ranger was a great truck, never had a problem with it and drove it for 8 years. Bought a new 2003 and have had nothing but problems, its been in the shop over 7 times this year and two of the times it needed to be towed in, i drive for my job and cant afford to have this many problems with this truck, iam in the process of trading it in on a new Toyota pick-up this weekend, thanks John/seamars1@aol.com

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  Another Great Ford - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Ford Happy - January 18 - 2:00 am

  My third Ranger and probably the best one yet. Simply the best small truck on the market and American owned. Handles great in snow and off-road. Improved sound system and engine.

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  best small truck-that ive ever owned - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By jbc - January 17 - 2:00 am

  no problems so far,,four wheel drive controls..are easy to use....lots of power...runs great,,,ride is not bad...but it is bumpie on rough roads..poor gas mileage so far using 87 octane...

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  okey dokey...except man. trans, AC - 1992 Ford Ranger
  By boobi - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I wanted a economical, low maintence rear wheel drive trk. majot maint at 165K, new frt end, all (radiator ect) new cooling system, 4 ac systems have died(Seems poor desgin, get extd warr for ac)lacks pwr for long hwy drives, mechanic and i did not realize that pulling out the(for clutch replacmnt) stick shift made it seem like transmission was dead, despite putting it back in. We were about to get a new trans before a better mechanic reinserted it the right way. gd brks,gd elect sys,ok paint, fluid leaks are prblm. Spare tire just rots on holder. little noisy,