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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  Good truck for the $$$ - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By cookees - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Bought this truck new in 2000. Put on an aftermarket cruise control.(works great). Have the 3.0 liter V-6 with automatic transmission. Outfitted with chrome wheels and a tonneau cover, I actually get some very favorable comments on its appearance. I tow a small ski boat and it seems up to the job. All and all Im pleased with this truck.

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  not bad, but still needs work - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By youllneverguess - January 12 - 2:00 am

  I got this on a lease and generally, everything seems ok. The V6 power is great compared to 4-bangers I had in the past. The cargo doors are very useful, although the drivers side doors didnt line up correctly and the cargo door rubbed against the chassis. That pesky door ajar light comes on now and again, even when the doors are soundly shut. The 4WD works well and the shift dial is great for on-the-fly shifting. Ford needs to pay more attention to body assembly. I might buy another one--or maybe not.

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  More than expected - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By kayman - January 11 - 10:00 am

  For sub $12K for a base XLT w/2.3 manual ride comfort handling, and performance is better than expected for an economy small truck. Seat comfort is poor with no lumbar, engine very buzzy. Cant imagine paying $20K+ for the high end models.

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  Great Truck - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By scool191 - January 9 - 2:00 am

  I loved this truck. I had it for 6 years and never had a problem with it. The water pump went out and that was it. I only changed the oil. It ran perfect.

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  Wheres my 4x4 - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By wraith424 - January 8 - 2:00 am

  For the past 3 months I have had to take my truck into the dealer to fix the 4-wheel drive. So far it has shorted out 5 times, stupid electronic shift on the fly and none of the mechanics at the dealer can find the short. Not only that but my cruise control also shorted out. I have less problems with my 96 ranger then I do with this one.

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  I love my Ranger! - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Bud02Ranger - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I rolled my 02 XLT 4x4 4.0L after only owning it a year. This truck save me from incurring any harm whatsoever. And, the strong structure of the cab held itself so that I was able to repair the truck. Since then, Ive customized the truck with a lift, 35" tires, custom paint, etc. I love this truck! Shes a keeper!!!!

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  2001 Ford ranger - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Rx7Buff - January 1 - 2:00 am

  Brakes have been done three times (pads & rotars the last time). I was told to expect this again. Drive shaft replaced. Vehicle "pings" and I was told to use higher test gas which did not work. Gone through three sets of tires. I do not drive off road and only use vehicle for transportation with no towing or plowing. Average about 13-15 MPG. Use only Mobil One oil and filters. Change oil every 3000 miles. Dealer not very helpful to diagnos and fix problems. All they recomend is that I buy the extended warranty. I like the truck but it will cost significantly for gas and repairs over the life of the truck.

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  Second Ranger - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By phylypso - January 1 - 2:00 am

  The Edge is a very precise handling truck, due in large measure to its suspension I suppose. Dont move the steering wheel unless you want the truck to change direction. In trade for that precision handling, you sacrifice ride comfort. It is a rough ride, and the seat quality leaves a lot to be desired, but then again, this is a sport truck. At 20000 the idler pulley went, and the windshield is typical Ranger in that anything harder than treesap will chip, crack or break the glass. The fog lights are not simply a coolness thing. They work well. Easy in and out, except the jumpseats, and easy to clean interior.

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  ford tough - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By charleswilliam - December 31 - 2:00 am

  bought in jan. 1993 with the exception of oil changes, belts & hoses, i have only replaced the clutch and module. been a very reliable and enjoyable vehicle to drive. I bought a new 2001 f- 150 fwd but i still enjoy driving my ranger better.

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  FUN HANDY LITTLE TRUCK - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Roy Wagelein - December 30 - 2:00 am

  BOUGHT MY TRUCK NEW IN 2000. LAST FOUR DOOR IN ARIZONA AND I WAS NOT TO PLEASED WITH THE COLOR THEN. RED. PAINT JOB IS GREAT AS ARE ALL EXTERIOR FITS. MOTOR COULD USE SOME MORE JUICE, BUT JUST FINE FOR DRIVING UP TO PRESCOTT OR PAYSON AND FLAGSTAFF. TOWING IS A LITTLE SLOW GOING UP STEEP GRADES. SO IT TAKES 5 MINUTES LONGER TO GET WHERE YOUR GOING. NOT ONE PROBLEM YET. IT IS MAINTAINED EVERY THREE MONTHS. THATS REALLY ALL I CAN SAY NEGATIVELY ABOUT THE TRUCK. POWER AND MILEAGE. I COULD HAVE GOTTEN THE 4.0 LITER, IF THERE WAS ONE IN FLEET SALES.