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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  I love my truck - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By Bob Dinkel - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Fantastic vehicle for single person or couple with no children. It is fun to drive, functional and reliable. Before we had children there is no vehicle I would have traded it for.

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  Going Strong - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Steve B - July 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck new in 1993. I have had another vehicle most of the past 10 years, so the mileage isnt too high (80K). Other than the leaks others have written about, no major problems or unplanned expenses. Exterior has held up well. Interior fabrics, carpet, and trim have held up very well. It is relegated to being a hauler & airport parker (to keep my "good" car safe at home), but Im planning to keep it another 10 years.

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  Ford - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By dsheets - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I have had great luck with my Ford Ranger. While it is not new. I have had 3 rangers This is the best one. I have wanted a ranger with a V6 before. My others have all had I4s. This vehicle is great. The one thing that I wish is that it would tow more than the 2200lbs that it is rated for. It seems a little low for such a powerful little truck.

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  Built Ford Tough - 1992 Ford Ranger
  By milbyz - July 7 - 2:00 am

  This little truck has been one tough cookie. I have abused this vehicle in everyway possible yet it continues to run like a new one. A/C still works like new. Gas mileage poor. Body looking a little rough. All in all I love this truck and it will be hard to part with it when it finally goes to the ford graveyard.

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  2003 Edge - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By 151 - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Great truck so far, but I have had it less than a week. Unknown gas millage, but it appears to be in the low 20s. Great power for a little 3.0, 5speed. The ride is great, and the looks sold me. Not a bad bargain considering the sticker was $17,700 and I paid $10,700 out the door with tax and title. Try to beat that deal when looking at the competition.

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  Ford Ranger 4x4 - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By FordTruckman - July 5 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 1994 Ranger 4x4 new and intended to keep it 4 or 5 years. Its been almost 9 years now and it is still a great running truck with no major problems. It has some minor suspension noises when traveling very slowing over speedbumps or rough terrain but they dont impact the performance.

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  bjwegde - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By brian waller - June 28 - 2:00 am

  my edge has been great. i have had no problems, with any thing on it. i even upgraded the sound system with more powerful speakers and installed a bazooka amplifier bass tube and sounds great.

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  Excellent Reliablility - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By grims80 - June 24 - 2:00 am

  This truck runs great. No major problems considering it was a flood vehicle. Going on 100,000 and just doing the routine maitanence. High Quality, recommended.

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  2000 Ranger - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By stevem - June 24 - 2:00 am

  Truck has performed pretty well overall- -the interior and exterior have held up well. It could be a little more responsive while merging--even with the V6 pickup is a bit sluggish.

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  awesome truck - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By maytag - June 20 - 2:00 am

  great truck, could not ask for anything better. Im considering keeping it around instead of trading it in.