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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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 ever owned - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By charliega2001 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  This has truly been the best truck I have ever owned. Very few problems

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  mine , not yours - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By winner308 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  i bought this truck for one reason...look at how many are still on the road. enough said !

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  31s - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By shacha - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I got my 02 Ranger about 6 weeks ago. This is my 3rd ranger in 5 years or so. I just turned in a 99 4x4, 3.0 v6 flare side, for this 02, 4.0, 4x4. What a world of difference that engine makes, add that with the 5 speed automatic. After the firestone tires were replaced with those crappy crappy crappy Goodyear Wrangler RTSs, there was no way in H@!! I would buy another vehicle with those tires. The new one has the 31x10.5 BFGs. Very nice. Overall Im very satisfied with the engine, transmission, ride, and quality. The ford dealership leaves MUCH to be desired.

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  Invincible - 1991 Ford Ranger
  By Ranger - October 24 - 2:00 am

  i owned a ranger for 2 years and never regretted a minute of it. there simply isnt a better light truck on the market. on road, the handling and power are amazing. the 2.9l has plenty of torque, and the power is trasferred through the road better than most cars. off road, you can put most big trucks to shame. the 4x4 and low range are almost impossible to get stuck in mud snow or trails. accident safety is unreal. i just totaled it by hitting a crown victoria @ 60 then ran into a ditch and flipped 3 times. I walked away w/o a scratch.

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  1995 Ford Ranger XLT Review - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By Tiggie - October 24 - 2:00 am

  I am the current owner of a 1995 Ford Ranger XLT Extended Cab SB. It has the base 2.3L, and that is the only thing I dont like about it. It has a 5-Speed, which shifts very nicely. It gets very good gas mileage for a truck(like 29-31 Highway). It looks good, and the interior is laid out very nicely. The back jump seats are not well-suited for adults, but work fine for children. Overall, I think it is a very good truck to own, and would recommend it to anyone who doesnt like going to the gas station much, and doesnt mind not being able to accelerate quickly.

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  Getn around - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Bill V. - October 24 - 2:00 am

  Since purchasing my Ranger used, with only 27k miles, I have been very pleased. The basic transportation and ability to haul bulky items is a plus. I am 6ft.5ins., 255lbs and find I have plenty of head and leg room. I find the truck fun to drive my dog loves it!

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  Truck or Toy - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By 2nrz - October 21 - 2:00 am

  The truck is fun evan with 123,000 miles ive had not a single problem. I did a diognostic at ford and it was in the "good" condition rating and thats pretty good for that many miles. the only problem is that the manuals go through cluches fast if you tow

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  99 4wd stepside - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By bucks - October 21 - 2:00 am

  fairly dependable. a few electrical gremlins(ive had electrical problems with all 3 rangers ive owned.) that would drain my battery overnight. also, it has the normal, ford power steering pump whine. gas mileage with the 3 liter engine and 4 speed automatic transmission is about 13 mpg around town and 18-19 on the highway.

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  high and low of Ranger - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By wyoming - October 21 - 2:00 am

  A great riding and fun to drive truck with something to be improved on in the design and dash layout.

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  Great truck for the money - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By jsm131 - October 19 - 2:00 am

  First small pickup I have ever owned. Good performance on the highway and on twisty mountain roads. Have not taken it off-road. Mine is a 5-speed manual. Good shifting, smooth clutch and excellent take-off with the 4.10 rear end. Actually could use a better fifth gear ratio. 5th is a little too close to 4th for long highway driving.