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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  Ford Ranger 2001 Edge JRB - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By drgn8slyr - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful vechicle, never has given any trouble to speak of except just normal maintenance, would recommend this to anyone, would buy Ford or ranger again in a heart beat. Has exceeded or met all expetations I had hoped to get from this truck. You take care of it, it takes care of you.

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  193,500 miles running perfect - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By schlager67 - September 19 - 2:00 am

  I had my ranger for six years and it was recently totaled. Up to this point it was running great. I bought it at 104,000 miles and it would still be on the rode with 193,500 miles if it werent for that 93 year old lady that hit me. The 90,000 miles I owned it I replaced the water pump, starter, timing belt and the fan belt. This was a very reliable truck. This was the 2.3L four cylinder!

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  Love my Edge - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Joe Johnson - September 18 - 1:30 am

  Ive enjoyed my Edge as much as any vehicle Ive ever owned. Most of my driving is highway so I am getting 20 to 20 MPG highway and around 19 MPG combination. Although I dis not want to, I recently replaced the original equipment Firestones with the replacement Michelins. The ride is as different as black and white. Much improved, but I do not take it off road.

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  Totally Satisfied - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By JTIME - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought the truck in March 03 with 166.5K in AL and thought that it would be an ok run-about truck. I drove the truck home (Houston, TX) and have not gotten out of it since. Currently has 178K and it does not burn or leak any oil. I really believe I can get 300K out of it without any major problems. The body is tight with no squeaks or rattles and the performance is great (4.0L V6). I get about 23 MPG hwy and 19 city. I own a Toyota Avalon and a Nissan 300ZX so I did not expect to be this pleased with an American auto. I would buy another provided its the 4.0L. I highly recommend this truck to anyone.

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  Love my truck!!! - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By peejay - September 13 - 2:00 am

  I traded in a 1990 Ford Ranger 4x4. This truck seems to be much wider then my previous truck. I have never had an automatic before, so it has been hard getting used to that. If I had it to go over again, I would buy a manual transmission. Other then that, it is a great truck.

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  Great First Truck - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By jfmq123 - September 11 - 10:00 am

  This is my first truck and I could not ask for a better one. I have lowered the truck with ease. I have three 12 inch audiobahn subwoofers in the back with a custom box that fits perfect. It still drives like a stock truck.I also have put a K&N air filter on it(it really does give it more power).I am still under construction on this truck.I plan on body dropping it with air bags. I have recently purchased a set of 20 inch Billet Specialtie Rims for it. I am having a small problem getting them to tuck under the fender wells, but I am going to send it to the Drop Shop in Kentucky(great shop)to get them to cut the fender wells. That is why I rate this truck a 10.

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  Neat little truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By daved - September 10 - 2:00 am

  Good little pick-up truck for the price. New Arizona biege color is awsome. Interior is simple and functional.

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  doing it - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By black truck - September 10 - 2:00 am

  Great little big truck, The body style is very nice makes for a sharp truck. The extra room is very nice.Very easy to drive and the bench seat is what a truck should have. The 3.0 does not have the getty up I like but to come and go its perfect. Milage on the open road was 23 mpg at 60 mph in town not sure. Highth of his truck is nice.

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  Nice Rig! - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By JPeterman - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I was looking at the Toyota Tundra 4x4 when I came across this truck online in Fords inventory close to my house. I found that Toyota was a "little too proud" of what they had to offer (read: too much money). When I first saw this silver beast I knew I was in for a good time. It had all the options I wanted in a vehicle (power windows, power door locks, keyless entry, limited slip diff., etc.) and for good measure it had the very cool split tonneau cover! Very nice drive, even on a long trip from Portland to Salt Lake City.

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  Nice truck needs better quality - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By GPWEBMAN - September 7 - 2:00 am

  I originally was considering the Ranger or the Mustang GT, but after a brief drive in a 4x4 4-liter 5-speed the Mustang was no longer a choice. Good ride, pretty comfortable, decent power from the otherwise rough-sounding 4- liter V6 engine. The rear doors are a nice idea but after a couple of years theyve started rattling over bumps and its quite annoying now.