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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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Pleasant Surprise - 2001 Ford Ranger
By HKB - June 19 - 2:00 amLeased vehicle new in 01, have 14K on it now. No service problems at all. Good dependable truck. Only complaint is highway driving 65-75mph can be a rough ride. Keep both hands on the steering wheel. When hitting rough pavement or taking a slight curve in the highway the truck with drift off and the back with start to fish tail. Highly recommend!
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Edge believer - 2004 Ford Ranger
By Robert123421 - June 19 - 2:00 amI bought the edge and I can tell you I would not have thought Id like a truck as much as I do. I origiannly bought it because I bought a townhouse and Knew Id need a truck to move stuff around. I love it...I use it for any trip to home depot or something if the like. It rides just as good as any small car I have owned and although the fuel economy stinks...its a truck so I expected that. Plus I just feel safder in this truck than in a car. I driv on alot so it a possibility. Its a fun truck and sporty looking. It feels like being in the front part of a ford explorer but you only pay half the price---
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Performance + - 2000 Ford Ranger
By Ranger Fan - June 16 - 2:00 amSecond Ranger, first qwas a 1997, served me well. But the 2000 has more spunk, bigger tires, handles like a bigger truck. Well satisfied with quality, Ride and looks.
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Excellent vehicle - 1990 Ford Ranger
By djdrake - June 15 - 2:00 amThis is an excellent vehicle for the age it has on it. It still runs very well and the comfort level is great.
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Ranger XL ext cab 4x4 - 1998 Ford Ranger
By cp - June 14 - 2:00 amThis is my second Ranger. Good, nimble little trucks but wont haul a whole lot.
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A Ranger named Pokey - 1997 Ford Ranger
By specialtychem - June 8 - 2:00 amI had a bad problem with the heater blend door when I first purchased my Ranger, but I engineered a repair for it that saved me close to $600 over the dealer charge. That is the good thing about the Ranger: it is fairly easy for a competent shade tree mechanic to work on. The basic vehicle is fairly bullet- proof and simple. The gas mileage is only so-so considering the extremely low level of performance. You time this Ranger with a calendar, not a stopwatch! Other than the lack of power, I have really enjoyed my little Ranger. My son will begin to drive soon and it will make an ideal starter vehicle for him.
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Its OK - 1999 Ford Ranger
By Practical - June 8 - 2:00 amI have had my truck for over a year. It does its job good. I have had to replace the starter and the oxygen sensor. I have owned a 96 4cyc ranger before, that one and my current one has the same problem, the driver side door sensor has problems stopping the "door opem" chim when the door is closed and its hot outside. After having 2 Rangers its time for something different. I have 5 TSBs that refer to my current truck. Dont lower trucks, they look exteremly ugly.
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ranger - 2001 Ford Ranger
By sex pot - June 6 - 10:00 amthis ranger is fun but it cut out at 92mph until i got a super chip
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Buy a Chevy - 1997 Ford Ranger
By edt - June 6 - 2:00 amTruck ran great for the first three years, then just about after the warranty ran out the check engine light came on. In the shop multiple times, damn thing just runs rough. Mileage sucks, too. Only about 15 mpg...and thats highway fellas!
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Never been better - 2003 Ford Ranger
By NHRA - May 30 - 2:00 amThis truck is a joy to drive every day. This is my second ranger and I enjoy all the changes. My 2003 Edge regular cab 4x2 came with a 3.0l v6 and a 5 speed manual transmission. This engine can pull! There are plenty of options and packages available that anyone should be able to find what they like. Oh yeah, and edmunds, quit saying the "Ranger needs a V8" because you neglect to say this for the Tacoma, Frontier, S-10 or Sonoma. If you get the 4.0l, or the 3.0l in the regular cab, you will see there is power aplenty in the one compact truck with the best features and value on the market.
