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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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:

• 

  My first truck - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By kevin111 - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I have about 144000 mi. and its still running strong, it had a few electrical problems, like the wipers would go on whenever it wanted and the oil press. would sometime read high, abs sensors, and the switch for the right door. other than that everything else is orginal, exept for maintance stuff. I love this truck, i treat with care (looks brand new), but i am very hard on it, and it just keep on taking the abuse, even though it is a little four banger (kind of slow).

• 

  Dont buy this truck - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Ford POS - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Purchased in 99 with 22k miles. While it has never broken down once, the smaller problems are really annoying. Interior lights will not go out. Truck will hardly run on 87 octane so we use 93 always. Has the small 4 banger which has 8 spark plugs, only 4 of which I can get to without removing the intake manifold. Rear suspension design is so poor that a moderate size bump will throw the truck into the other lane. Everyone I know with this truck has these same problems. Now at 104K miles, it needs new front wheel bearings. CD player quit at 35k. I dont understand why Edmunds has this truck in its "Top Ten" list.

• 

  I bought a 5 year headache!!! - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Sabastian - October 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought my truck in 2001,I had it a week and noticed some problems, my seats kept popping of the track so they had to replace the tracks,then I noticed a noise under the truck so I took it back and they told me nothing was wrong.Well the truck needed new upper and lower ball joints,and bushings.1 month later I had the truck back in to replace the brake springs in the rear,and both rear shocks.2 months later I had the truck back in to replace the upper and lower control arm. Now I am having problems with my power windows. I had this truck in the shop 12 times in 4 months.

• 

  New 2003 - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By rangerman - October 17 - 2:00 am

  This is my 2nd Ranger. I traded in a 1994 with 170,000 miles on it and it was still running strong. I like the 2003 overall. It rides a little rough on bumpy pavement as trucks do. I really like the rear doors. The gas mileage is 22mpg with a 3.55 Limited Slip Differential. Ive had it for three weeks and 2700 miles and so far so good.

• 

  92 Ford Ranger XLT - 1992 Ford Ranger
  By TedM - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Had 162K before manual trans failed due to rubber boot that slowly leaked trans oil. Must check your trans oil periodically. Otherwise, the 3L engine is powerful and very reliable. Only did regular maintenance on it. Only install OEM fuel pump and not aftermarket. Try to cut thru bed or take off bed to access pump.

• 

  Love it! - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By Ranger Lover - October 13 - 2:00 am

  I owned this truck for almost 5 years and was still driving it at 170K miles when it was totaled in an accident. I rolled this truck at 60mph and walked away with just one scratch. When they say built Ford tough, they mean it! I just bought a 2000 Ranger to replace this one.

• 

  BEST DEAL 4 THE$$$$ - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By peter 914-736-1300 - October 13 - 2:00 am

  A great basic truck with so much more. I needed a truck for light hauling, after looking at the compition it was a no brainer. The xlt ranger with 4 wheel abs (ebd), cd player, ac, center consol with 3 cupholders, mats, chrome wheels, and much much more, cost around 10900. The 5 speed is responsive and the 15 inch tires look great. If you need a truck see me at curry ford I buy and drive what I sell.

• 

  Problems with Ranger - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By amwinston - October 11 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Ranger for almost 2 years and am very disappointed. The initial purchase seemed like a good on, but the quality of the vehicle is no good. I have had the truck in numerous times to have various things fixed under warranty. Some things to be fixed more than once. The service was great to have the vehicle fixed, but this does not make up for all the time it had to be repaired.

• 

  My first truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By paradoxdsf - October 11 - 2:00 am

  Im not really a truck person, but I needed a 4-wheel drive vehicle to get me in and out of my driveway (etc.) during the winter months, and the Ranger was the most affordable thing I could find.

• 

  I love my Ranger! - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By Katie G. - October 9 - 2:00 am

  Its very dependable,and gets great gas milage. Very easy to drive. The super cab is great for bringing the kids along. Great truck for camping, and just everyday driving. I love my Ranger!