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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  Fun to drive - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By jasbike - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Great little gocart of a truck. This combination of the 4.0 motor, the 5sp manual, reg cab and two wheel drive make it light and quick. Therefore the quickest combo you can get. It is a shame they stopped making this set up, but I am glad that I own one. Chrome Yellow

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  My 4th Ranger - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Nor - December 28 - 2:00 am

  Had 4 Rangers all extended cab and 4 wheel drive. They just run and run. Only repairs are tires, brakes, and sometimes batteries. Ran all of them over 100,000 miles. The first was a 2.9 engine. All others had the 4.0. My only negative is I wish the gas mileage was a little better. (14.5 city and 19 highway)

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  My Ranger FX4 - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By lruff - December 25 - 2:00 am

  My Ranger is comfortable and fun to drive. I get 20 miles to the gal. of gas on the hiway and around 16 to 17 in town.

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  2000 Ranger 4x4 Ext Cab - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By ABC3RO - December 23 - 2:00 am

  I communte about 25000 miles a year. On weekends this vehicle is used for hunting and towing quads & a popup trailor. As a commuter I get about 17mpg at 70 mph. I was expecting better. I had a 1999 F-150 4.6lt that got the same or better mpg. I have had some problems with the clutch while towing. This passed weekend it slipped on a mild incline with my quads in tow.

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  bought it used - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By shurur - December 21 - 2:00 am

  had some initial problems with brakes GEM and door latches..bought with 83K miles. 1. needed new drums as the originals had already been turned...fixed. 2. problems with door latches (lube) and GEM module (dome light)..fixed. basically everything the consumer reports metions...brakes and electrical If you want HP, dont consider the 3L OHV engine...buy the 4L SOHC engine up front. 4X4 is barely adequate with the 3L...(my opinion of course)..and no amount of chipping will put a shine on this turd...but 3L is ok if get-up-and- go is not an issue for you. 3L is a dependable engine though..believe me, it is dependable.

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  brians 1999 Ranger XLT - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By bri719 - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Good engine(2.5L) for gas usage and reliable with 5-speed. Console handy. Like interior and exterior. Tires nothing special, but able to get 60k out of them. ABS a + but got serviced one time (warranty). Suspension, front shocks not holding up for more than 40k. Manual trans. could be better shifting a little stiffer and the clutchs ability to grab lags a bit. Front seats a pain to adj. back into pos. Driver seat springs worn and needs to be replaced after 70k miles, fabric held up well. New models better front susp. Truck a solid overall value. I had a few ext. warranty repairs, small stuff. I suggest the later models esp., 4L engine and 4-door a +

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  moody lone ranger - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By CPMOFLO - December 20 - 2:00 am

  My 1999 Ranger has been a reliable work horse. It has never let me down, unlike the 3 different Ford dealers that have worked on it. It took them 3 years to fix a problem with the CPU that was causing power loss and terrible pinging in the motor while accelerating. Other than that aggravating problem I would recommend this truck to anyone who has a job to do and needs a truck that can do it.

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  CALIF 2003 Ford Ranger Base XL 5 spd - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By sfnative1955 - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle has been a decent set of wheels. Pros - feels solid, full instrumentation (would like numbers on the gauges though), $9800 price after rebates T&L and 30 mpg (60-65 mph). Cons - vinyl seats that are not contoured, middle seat belt cant be hidden when not used, slow acceleration requiring freq downshifts, antenna gets in the way of the wiper when cleaning the windshield and the bed height (depth) is too shallow. Overall, you get a decent truck for light duty use which I had intended. Does have enough power to haul more than a half ton slowly (close to one ton).

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  worst vehicle i have ever owned - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By unsatified ranger - December 16 - 2:00 am

  This is the most mechanically unreliable vehicle I have ever owned. I will not purchase another Ford. Quality is not job one. I truly believe that if I truly used this vehicle as a truck, it would be in the repair shop monthly.

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  outstanding small truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By rogahunt - December 16 - 2:00 am

  I am very pleased with all aspects of this vehicle. Nice looking and strong. Gas mileage could be better.