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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  Great Truck!!! - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Adam C - May 29 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great truck! Honestly, I havent taken care of it like I should have & it needs a little tranny work but it still runs great! Its got 192,000 miles with the original tranny, front & rear ends, & brake calipers. It has great brakes & the manual transmission makes it a blast to drive. Ive been in newer ones and prefer my 93. Its just comfortable & fun to drive.

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  Awesome truck for the buck! - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By ecuaman801 - May 28 - 2:00 am

  It takes a lickin and keeps on tickin, to coin a phrase. I bought this and have had no problems whatsoever with it. With regular maintenance, it could run forever. Ive heard of these running clear on and past 300,000 miles!

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  Found On Road Dead - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By GACop - May 26 - 2:00 am

  I have always been a ford man, but this truck really stinks. Bought it slightly used at the dealership. Have had the transmission worked on a total of 3 times since i got it. Had the alternator replaced. The harness for the headlights burned out. The lights in the dash quit working. EGR valve replace way too early, Twice.

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  2001 Ford Ranger XLT Supercab -4.0 - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Cory - May 25 - 8:30 am

  I am very pleased with my the Ranger. Ford did a great job with the design of the truck in regards to the interior and exterior. I would give the truck a B+ to A- if grades were allowed. If you are looking for a dependable small truck, I would definately recommend the 2001 Ford Ranger.

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  Ranger 2wd 3.0 5M - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Review - May 23 - 2:00 am

  Bought this truck new - 5 years and 60,000 miles later I have nothing to complain about. Mechanically it has been completely reliable. I am getting 21-23 mpg, which I think is very good for a V6 pickup. Interior materials and exterior paint are holding up very well. Everything still feels tight, no rattles, etc. Feels like it going to be a solid truck for a long time.

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  what a basic truck should be... - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By daniel963 - May 21 - 7:36 pm

  Trucks are getting too FANCY!!! Nobody really has a true basic model at a reasonable price... except this Ford Ranger!!! Even the S-10 is climbing up in price.

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  My best Ranger!! - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By The Old Man - May 20 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Ranger having owned a 89 XLT 4X4. More features and runs better. Fire Engine red, VERY sharp truck. I put 225,000miles on the 89 hope to do the same on the 01. id buy anothe in heartbeat if I needed one.

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  You cant beat a good Ford truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Hitman & Speedy - May 18 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Ranger, and nothing beats a good Ford truck. The 3.0 V6 is no powerhouse, but it has ample power to get the job done. I had a custom flowmaster dual exhaust installed on her and she sounds AWESOME. Comfort level and room beats the Toyota and Chevy by a huge margin. Sure both of them trucks are nice, but no where near the level of a Ford. I average 18 MPG and have had NO PROBLEMS to date...7,100 miles in four months of ownership!

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  BUY THE S-10!!!!! - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By rangerhater - May 17 - 2:00 am

  i got this truck last year as a first vehicle. what a dissapointment. I bought the truck w/ 120000 km on it. 17000km later i hate it more than ever. The suspension on the left side is shot. the steering is loose and bulky. the engine...oh hell it wont run smooth until im 10 minutes into a drive. there is no fun factor other than the reardrive on a gravel road. this truck is way underpowered.hit a bump while accellerationg and it feels like the rear end is gonna blow up or drop out. If you need a small truck, get the S-10 w/ the 4.3L. I test drove a 94 SS and it could blow the doors off of any truck out there. i wish i hadnt taken the cheaper route

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  A Big Let Down - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By a big let down - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Major problems!!!! I am the original owner of this truck. I have had numerous recalls!(Tires, Switches, etc...) Massive electrical problems. 4x4 problems. Numerous dealers could not figure what the problems were. Finally they said just replace the transfer case,(at my cost of course), and it was still never right. ABS problems. Again, dealers said it was corrected, and as soon as I leave the dealership, more ABS problems. This was the cause of my Wreck. Bottom line is BUYER BEWARE!!!! Ford Quality care in plain english SUX! Techs are uneducated in their product. They can never figure out what is wrong with it. I will NEVER own another ford again.