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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  best truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By g-dog - August 15 - 2:00 am

  I had many compact trucks, but the ranger beats them all. the quality of ride and the durability is by far the best i had. Off-road and on the road the ranger handles excellent. I would recommend a ranger to anyone looking for a midsize truck.

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  Ten years later, still going strong - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Kiwanda - August 14 - 2:00 am

  Bought new in spring 93 and its only at 96K nowstill looks/runs about as good as new. Beyond regular maintenance weve done no repairs other than replace a cracked clutch slave and deal with the poorly-designed parking brake. All the heat shields have been removed after they started to fall off (or rattle) over the years. Note: this V6 burned about 1 qt oil every 1,500 miles since it was new-- Ford claimed this was "within spec" and its never really changed. Re-torquing the intake manifold bolts seemed to help for a while, but it certainly didnt stop the oil use.

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  Ranger Edge - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Ford Racing - August 13 - 10:00 am

  Awesome little truck! It hasnt let me down since 1985 when I got my first one, and now I have my new one.

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  Edge - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By laddy - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Owned 2002 Edge 4door before this one. This time I purchased the extended cab without the 4 doors. Huge mistake! I highly recommend the 4 door when purchasing the extended cab.

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  FormerMotorolanfromHarvard - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Devo - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Got the 4 door XLT, 2WD, 4.0 L engine. Very quick off the line, good gas mileage on highway, have gotten up to 24 mpg, city not so great, 15 mpg. Love extended cab but could use more room or true 4 doors. No major problems, routine oil/filter changes and tire rotations. Only grip is that low gas lite comes on and there are still 4+ gallons of gas in tank, dealer said its normal.

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  my ford has never let me down - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By fords rule - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I take my truck 4 wheeling and have actually made it into rougher terrain than trucks with lift kits and bigger tires.It wheels awesome.I also pull a camping trailer with it into the mountains and I have to say that the only thing that I would change is next time I purchase one,I will get the 4.0 liter.My 3.0 liter is excellent for wheeling but it would be nice to have a little more power pulling my trailer up hills going down the highway.I still would give this truck a two thumbs up.

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  Dependable and Rugged - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By FIlbert - August 7 - 2:00 am

  Have owned my truck for 6 years now have had only a few minor electrical problems (display on digital clock is a little funny, interior lights delay a couple of seconds before going off upon door closing). A/C continues to work well. At 68,000 miles, still have the original brake pads and shoes. Sound system is also very impressive for a truck, as is the interior design. The truck still rides like a car - no wierd rattling noises or squeeks are present.

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  Off-Road Ranger Rules - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By John - August 7 - 2:00 am

  My Ranger is white w/gery interior. I bought this truck in Carlsbad, CA and have taken it to Vegas, Whistler, back to Carlsbad and now to Seattle. I love everything about it...from the rugged looks to the spacious interior (I am 6 3 and have plenty of room). I wanted a Toyota, but I will never doubt again.

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  1997 Ford Ranger Pickup -4 cyl. - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By SBF88 - August 5 - 2:00 am

  This has been a very reliable vehicle which is fun to drive and well built. The Ranger is well designed and usually relatively easy to work on. Changing spark plugs and the PCV valve on the 4 cylinder engine tends to be difficult.The clutch is responsive and durable. The standard transmission is easy to shift and predictable.Body and hardware quality are good, as is the layout of the instrument cluster. The only repairs I have had to do (both warranteed) were repair muffler heatshield (broken welds) and replace catalytic converter (corrosion). In general, I am happy with the vehicle and have had trouble-free driving since I bought it new.

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  Good Truck - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By RobsReview - August 3 - 2:00 am

  I have had the truck for a year and like it a lot, I have a 2,000 lb. Ski boat that I can tow easily and I have the small V6 (3.0 liter). It is very dependable and will buy another when they have a true four door and V8 option which is supposed to debut in 2006.