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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  great vehicle - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By al mazzarelli - December 13 - 10:00 am

  this is the best truck i ever owned. 2nd ford ranger i have had.

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  Great Reliable Little Truck - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By goldencrazy - December 5 - 10:00 am

  I bought this truck for two reasons: looks and usefulness. I really like unloading a few bags of horse feed or several bales of hay without having to climb up into the truck to get the items out. This truck handles well, looks great and is a ball to drive. My other truck is for real - a F-350 dually turbo diesel - but this little guy is too handy to dismiss!

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  Great truck !!! Electrical quirks!!?? - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By tom kleinfeld - December 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought the truck new in the fall of 1998. I have 150000 thousand miles on it. It has been a good truck. I have had to replace the alternator THREE times and last month had to do the front struts. Not bad for all the miles. The front seat could be a little more comfortable for a bigger guy 6 2". But you cant beat the price and gas milage.

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  nice truck - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By goodmanner3 - November 30 - 2:00 am

  this is a very well built 4cyl engine, holding up to 150,000 miles so far and im gonna drive it til it dies!

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  I dont know - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Peterpan - November 29 - 2:00 am

  I think that this model of thee Ford Ranger is a very good and smooth driving minipickup truck.

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  Basic Ford Ranger - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Shawn1985 - November 28 - 2:00 am

  Decent Vehicle, but have problem with vibrating in the wheels/steering wheel.

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  First Extended Cab Ive Owned - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Jim Frederick - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I needed more interior space so purchased the Ranger extended cab. The 3.0 L V6 has plenty of power. Auto transmission shifts smoothly. Im surprised at 2,400 RPM when cruising @ 65 MPH on the highway. Thought it would be closer to 2,000. Wish seat could fold fwd. enough to access behind seat space without having whole seat slide fwd. Should be a good truck overall. I do miss my F-150.

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  Ranger #2 - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Offroader - November 24 - 2:00 am

  My first 4x4 Ranger was a 98. It did everything I asked and then a little old lady decided she didnt need to stop for a red light and the 98 was history (sure could have used a side air bag that day). Replaced it with a 2001. I haul my ATV in the bed with no problems, just leave the tail gate down. Had a clunking in the rear end and Ford replaced the drive shaft and u- joints.

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  Good commuter, long bed - 1992 Ford Ranger
  By L.A.Pierce - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Truck has generally been good.Passenger window burst while under warranty, oil pan gasket slipped and need to be replaced, rear brakes exploded (spring?), easy fix, door pilar is rusting at base, fuel gauge is not working, original tires lasted a long time. Dont dare to use the spare as permanent tire since carrier cut into side of tire.

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  Love this truck - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By corrupted - November 23 - 2:00 am

  I drove this truck back and forth from MD to NC every weekend for 2 years and never had a problem with it. Ive had it for 5 years, bought it used. The only thing Ive had to recently replace were the tires.