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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  99 Ford Ranger XLT 4x4 - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Tres Vanderburg - October 8 - 2:00 am

  After owning a Chevy Blazer(which broke constantly), and a Jeep Cherokee(that was also a regular problem), this truck has never gave me a whimper in 90,000 miles. I go off-road often. The engine has been modified and I am very hard on the gas. Still, It runs, shifts, and drives like the day it was bought. I never thought any vehicle would last this long taking my driving style, the durability of this truck is absolutley amazing.

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  fun but rough - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Kelhoon - October 8 - 2:00 am

  I love this truck!!!

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  Great Truck! - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By kwebsurfer2000 - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This is a great small truck. It was used when I got it and it is still running strong. It has just enough power to pull a small trailer if needed. It also gets good fuel mileage! I would recommend it for anyone looking for a small truck that gets good gas mileage and runs great!

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  rangers are great - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By joe d - October 6 - 2:00 am

  i love my truck. i bought it with 57000 miles, and it now has 138000 and is going strong. i can do everything in it or with it. i can haul cargo, move, pull a boat, or bring along friends. it is fun to drive and handles great in tight areas.

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  Descent Truck - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By SSsuperchargedEi - October 6 - 2:00 am

  My Ranger has the 2.3 4cyl w/100hp and it is unbearably SLLLLLOOOOOOOW. But, it has been a great truck to drive and has proven good off road capabilities.

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  1995 Ranger - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By hhaviland - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I just wanted to share my experience with my Ranger that I bought new in 1995. Well, 98,000 miles later the only problems I have had with this truck are two dead batteries. I bought it on a budget, but this has been the most reliable vehicle I have owned, by far exceeding any expectations I had. I recently bought a 2003 Passat GLX and the Ranger is still the vehicle I drive to work every day. It has been a real workhorse and a very usefull hauling tool (all over California, Kentucky, Arizona and New Mexico). Great memories and a great little truck.

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  Did I Make the Wrong Choice? - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By CraigS - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Since our son will be the primary driver we got the 3.0 V-6 not the 4.0. The 3.0 runs really rough at idle, took it back to the dealer, they said that is normal. The service manager recommended we go with the 4.0 next time, not what I wanted to hear, since I just bought the truck. So before you buy, make sure the engine has a smooth idle, or you are going to live with it! Other the engine concerns, we like the truck, carries two MX bikes with ease

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  Nothing nice - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Phet - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Check engine light on all the time. I have had it in twice hooked up to computers and they cant figure out why the engine light is on.

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  Ford Ranger EDGE vs. Toyota Tacoma - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Digital_Alex - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I have the Ford Ranger Edge Plus 03 4x4 4 door. I bought the top-of-the line model. I was dead set on buying the top-of-the line Tacoma V6 4x4 extra cab, but when I compared the features/price, I bought the Ford! I saved $4500 vs. the same comparable Tacoma. Some difference between the 2 vehicles. Tacoma Specs: 3.4L V6 190 HP @ 4,800 RPM 220 LB. Ft. @ 3,600 RPM Max tow weight: 5,000 LB. w/ Auto. Ford Specs: 4.0L V6 207 HP @ 5,250 RPM 238 LB. Ft. @ 3000 RPM Max tow weight: 5,580 LB. w/ Auto. My test drive of both vehicles proved that the Ford Ranger Edge Plus outperforms the Toyota Tacoma V6.

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  Get more "Value" in your truck. - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Scott1123 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Awesome Truck so far. the SOHC 4.0 has great power and towing capacity. Got the "Value" package more for appearance than to save money, as I got mine loaded with options. The only thing I see missing is the carpet and black fender flares which gives the truck cleaner lines and a better look IMHO so you get an XLT with chrome with the Edge interior. So far the truck has been reliable smooth and really fun to drive. 4WD with limited slip 4.10 axle and this thing goes just about anywhere. I also got the 5spd auto wich is an amazing match to the SOHC 4.0 the feel of a solid 5spd manual without the work or hassle.