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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  EXCELLENT - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By mnzagumny - September 7 - 2:00 am

  I love the power of a 4.0L . It gets up and goes!!

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  2000 Ford Ranger 4Door Extended Cab 4x4 - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By warriorman - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Would recommed this truck for thoses divers who do not want a big bulky truck this truck rides likes a compact car does!

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  Solid Compact Pickup - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By the duct-tape kid - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Was shopping for daily driver to replace 79 F150.Test drove Edge on whim and fell in love.Semi dual exhaust sounds great.The truck rides higher than base R,but felt more like a truck than base R.Stiff suspension. Makes XLT look wimpy.Basic pickup interior-vinyl floor/seats, crank windows, no power nothin. CD player helps.Only regret is it aint a long bed. Needed a dependable work truck, and smaller helps in downtown traffic. 3.0L motor isnt too punchy-doesnt get great gas mileage either. Motor weak on incline and auto tranny downshifts to compensate.

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  keeps on rolling - 1991 Ford Ranger
  By La. Coonass - September 5 - 2:00 am

  213,000 miles with no major and very few minor problems, except a/c not working at present. Starts easily, runs great pulling my boat and hauling all my crap. Ive had such good luck with it that I just bought another Ranger. I hate to sell this one. Its running so good that 300,000 seems like it would be no problem. (4 cyl. by the way).

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  Wensday Job - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By j30r - September 5 - 2:00 am

  I have throughly tried to beat the tires off this truck. It wont quit. The only things I have had to replace were oil,oil filters, sparkplugs, thermostat. Which as anyone knows are parts that wear out normally. I remimber when drove it by my fiends house, his dad, remarked after what i have put that truck through it must havew been a wensday job.

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  2003 Ranger - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Rich Mac - September 3 - 2:00 am

  This is the first Ford I have ever owned and Im impressed. I drive about 120 miles daily and I dont have a bad thing to say about my truck.

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  Bang For the Buck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Christopher Dunham - September 3 - 2:00 am

  This is the third Ranger I have had and they just keep getting better. Good performance,comfortable and fun styling. I have NOT had one problem with any of the Rangers to date. They are solid and reliable. I have compared them to other trucks, for ex: Toyata Tacoma and the quality in craftmanship and the solidness of the vehicle is superior to that of the Tacoma which was really tinny sounding. To date I have not come across a truck in its class that can truly give you more bang for the buck.

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  ford ranger - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By nathan byrd - September 2 - 2:00 am

  in the time that I have had my ford ranger it has been a relly fun truck to drive. The reliability is relly good on it and it gets good milige to.

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  Reliable Truck. - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By DJS2003 - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I traded my 2001 Ranger in for my 2002 because I was going to be doing alot of driving and wanted an Auto Transmission. There are a few things that bug me about this truck it has the 3.0 V-6 if you step on the gas the engine rattles like crazy it sounds like it is going to throw a piston. The ride is horrible over any roads other than smooth highways. Has anyone else heard the racket from this engine in there truck? I can say however I havent had any problems with the reliability though.

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  2000 Ranger XLT Excab - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By libsdad - August 29 - 2:00 am

  No major faults, has been very reliable