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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  Almost exactly what I wanted - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By the ba - August 28 - 2:00 am

  I like my 2001 Ranger, but heres what Im getting in 2004: limited slip (very hard to make a quick turn into traffic in the rain without it), 4-doors (maybe Im too old to be squeezing between the seat and body to get to stuff in the back), 4.0 liter (I want to go faster than 85 mph), bucket seats (the bench doesnt have enough support at the knee, but the buckets are adjustable), and aftermarket hard tonneau (helps fuel mileage/aerodynamics). Only warranty problem was transmission modulator - replaced and doing fine so far.

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  92 Ranger - 1992 Ford Ranger
  By DAO - August 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought it at 92000 miles, have driven it to 130300 miles and only had to fix a small problem with the fan, an exhaust leak at the muffler, and at 129000 miles the manual shifter is getting stiff. I hope the newer models are as good since I am sure to buy my 4th Ranger.

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  FX4 Level II - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Russ M - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Just bought the truck about a week ago and love it, nice power, mine came with the 4.10 gear ratio so gas mileage isnt the best, but does it take off when the gas is pressed!!!!! This is the first vehicle I have bought new and with the 0.0% for 72 months who can pass that up?

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  My Second Ranger - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By bigdkmgcee - August 27 - 2:00 am

  This is my second ranger. The first 1998 Ranger XLT took a pretty good side/front impact at about 50 mph from a C Tahoe and the airbags deployed and everything was fine.(My poor ranger was totaled). I did not plan on buying another ranger, but I went to my local ford dealership and the first one I saw was a Ranger Edge 3 litre(BRIGHTE RED w/5 speed auto).I Love It.

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  Excellent little pickup - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By tdpackrs36 - August 26 - 2:00 am

  my truck has been very reliable since the first day i bought it. the only maintenance ive had to do is oil changes and a brake shoe change at 50000 miles. you cant ask for a whole lot more in a truck. surround sound system, all the toys like fog lights, cruise, etc. the only problem is that its not incredible with gas, but i cant complain since it is expected from a truck. otherwise i love it and hope to run her tell shes dead.

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  Love my truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Boatfrk - August 25 - 2:00 am

  The truck is s smooth as glass, I like the enterior a lot better after I took out the Mickey Mouse jump seats. seats are 60/40 I probably should have gotten the buckets.Gas milage is not as advertised!

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  1st day and love it! - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By ranger_newbie - August 24 - 2:00 am

  I havent owned this truck for 24 hours yet and I already know Ill form a strong bond with it. The 2.5L 4-cyl isnt the worlds strongest engine, but with the 5-sp manual it has plenty of around town pep. Good ergonomics, amazing legroom for my 66" body and a decent radio. Tight but forgiving ride on sport suspension. Its pretty much a base model, but the XLT wheels and the slightly higher ride height make it look good. I hope I can report back here with more good news once I have more time with it.

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  I love it - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By biggin - August 23 - 2:00 am

  I love my ranger mine is a xlt with the 4.0 and 2WD but edmunds did not put a place for my ranger so i am putting it here. Ive put 20,000 miles on mine so far and I have not had a single problem with it. I like fuel economy with the 3.55 rear end but it takes away from the towing and acceleration. I recently took it to Panama City and I got 26 mpg out of it. I comute about 25 miles to work everyday and i average about 20 mpg. I also recomend using z-max it gave me an extra 3 mpg.

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  great truck for the price - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By bsbillybob - August 23 - 2:00 am

  i have not had the truck long now but so far i love it. it has a lot more power than the chevy s-10 it also rides alot better. i looked for about a month befor finding the deal i was looking for an i test drove alot an i thank the ranger overall is the best deal. p.s. im a chevy guy driveing a ford,something wrong there. chevy needs to step it up a bet. have fun!

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  A fun Ride - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By ring - August 22 - 2:00 am

  This truck is practical as a work vehicle and fun to drive. It has sufficient power for almost all needs.The stereo system is great as is the air conditoner. I suggest the auto trans, it is smooth. If the additonal price is no object, I would suggest the extended cab for more ease. All in all, I love my truck.