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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  awesome reliable truck - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By woods - August 2 - 2:00 am

  I am sad that I had to get rid of it. The only problem, too little. I loved it!

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  OK - But No Brass Ring - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Johnny5 - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Exterior: looks cool, but not practical. Cant haul ATV or sheet of plywood. Next time Im going for standard bed. Interior all gray ... very bland ... no frills. Functional but not sporty. Performance: 5-speed automatic acceleration OK in 1,2,3. Forget about it in 4th, and a dog in 5th. This is worst part: AT always shifting. Ford cant figure out what gear it wants to be in. They should offer a solid 4 speed auto and be done with it. Engine: No beans on the highway even when taking it out of overdrive. (5th) And the penalty is engine buzz due to higher RPM and gas mileage tanks. Getting 17 mpg highway / city & up to 19 mpg down hill with a wind.

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  99 XLT Ranger 4x4 - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By demoncleaner - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Good and some bad. Got the 4.0 V6 in a manual. Good engine, make the most of it with manual, and pull 20 mpg on highway which is only 2 mpg less than my old 2wd 4 cyl. Going on 60K, good engine no probs with drivetrain. Lots of little things have been a pain. Park brake got stuck in middle of summer, had to have it towed. Door ajar light always on, Now ABS light on. Off road package outstand, limmited slip is much better off-road, rarely have to use 4wd. good in snow, put weight in back though.

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  Disapointed - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By henry_thoreau25 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  All the platic parts break. Engine compartment is very noisy -- fan belt, air conditioner, power stearing. Passenger seat reclining mechanism broke. Shifter knob came off, never to stay on again. Sometimes the window washer works, sometimes it wont. Door sensors have false readings often.

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  FORD, Fix Or Repair Daily - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By theaxeman - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Nothing special,not worth the high price.the drivers window was repaired and now works. but the mirror hasnt worked properly since day 1. The cd player quit about a month ago. brakes "grabby" when it rains. the rear sliding window has been leaking since the first time it was opened. Its a lease and Im really glad to be giving it back. Ill even (reluctantly) pay the 400.00 for the 1/4" dent on the bumper. this was my 3rd new ford but each one was a little worse than the one before. The dealer service is NOT terrible its just not really great.Although Im not wealthy I CAN afford to NOT BUY ANOTHER FORD.

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  Unhappy - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Icarusavid - July 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck in Oct 2002 as I needed the extended cab. I also have a Chevy S10 reg. cab and realized it was not roomy enough for traveling. Quite frankly I wanted another Chevy but there were none to be found. I liked the looks of the Ranger Edge and how it sits up higher, but soon found out it was not all I thought it would be. The 3.0 V6 engine just doesnt seem peppy enough especially on the highway. The engine is noisy and the steering isnt as responsive as Im used to.

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  Ranger Rocks, Tranny Sucks! - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Younguns - July 23 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle is great, however, the transmission stinks! I have had the truck in for transmission repairs 4 times now, and the vehicle only has 44,000 miles on it.

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  getting hp out of the 3.0 - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By DangerRanger184 - July 22 - 2:00 am

  i have had the truck for about a year now, and i must say, stock the truck is peppy but after a few modification the truck has potential. i have a 93 Ford ranger splash with the 3.0 v6, i just put 1300 into it, new clutch, slave cylinder,timing chain, water pump,fan clutch, and rear transmission seals. Great truck though, its Ford Tough

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  Not very high quaility - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Mark Crosier - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Truck needs a lower 1st gear.At about 100,000 miles,everything started breaking,power windows,door locks,overheating problems etc.I have been a mechanic for 20 years and have done way more maintance than the average consumer.Also from day one the plastic interior started falling apart.

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  Good little truck - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By cbunner - July 16 - 2:00 am

  I like the truck and plan to drive it until it wont go anymore. One thing to watch for is the flair side bed opening at the tail gate is < 4 ft so it will not fit drywall or plywood. That is why I got the styleside, not as pretty, but more functional. 4.0 V6 gives a good amount of power for the mountains. When it is time to buy again, if Ford as the 4-door cab, I will look strongly at the Ranger again.