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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  Choose wisely - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By The Avenger - May 3 - 2:00 am

  The engine has been reliable. The exhaust at certain speeds makes a rattling noise. The truck thinks the drivers door is always open. I had to take out the interior bulbs to drive at night. The fan switch only works on high setting. A common Ford problem. The AC compressor always seems to go on and off even if just the vent is on.

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  I love it I hate it. - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Ron Boyko - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned this vehicle for a week now and I love it and I hate it. Ford did a great job as far as the construction of the body but they forgot about the engine. If youre looking for lots of power you wont find it in the 3.0 Liter. If you dont mind shifting a manual transmission every few seconds you wont miss the horespower. Fuel mileage hasnt been that great either.

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  Great Truck - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By russ1a1hesston - April 28 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy my Ranger. It has a V6 4.0L with 4 wheel drive. Its a little weak in acceleration but plenty of power for hauling a load. It pulls a heavy trailer load better than my V8 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

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  would/will buy another - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By dbatw - April 27 - 2:00 am

  Original owner. Daily commute to work vehicle. Have hauled everything from topsoil and bedfull of mulch to furniture and big screen TV. Very dependable. Fun to drive. The 4cyl gets good gas mileage and is no slouch when paired with 5spd manual. Good feel to the tranny/clutch combo. Powerful a/c and heater. It is amazing how popular you are with friends when you are the one with the truck.

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  Love this truck!! - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By - April 24 - 10:00 am

  This is my first truck. I leased it in May 2001 for two years. What a great lease deal! I got every available option. The last two trips I took the 4 liter engine gave me 18 and a whopping 20 mpg!!! I have had very good experience with this vehicle. A slight vibration was resolved by the dealership with different tires. Other than that it has only been in for oil changes.

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  Poor Build Quality / Attractive Wrappper - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By edge4syn - April 20 - 2:00 am

  Poor build quality. About to go in the shop for the fifth time. One sensor after another has gone bad. Rim had a defect and was replaced. Gas mileage is nowhere near stated mileage. Trans has already begun slipping. Good looking, nice driving truck with powerful 4.0 engine. The interior was designed for the active crowd, yet every time the seats get wet or damp they develop stains. The interior door handles are plastic and have begun peeling. I have been a ford guy my entire life, and I would say theres a good chance Ill never buy another Ford.

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  Ranger vaues - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By dakotared - April 18 - 2:00 am

  After having problems in the Ford family of cars. The used Ranger line gets overlooked a lot. If you find one at low miles its a good truck for the price. I have found rangers priced about $ 500 lower than the dakotas or S-10 trucks. Just stay away from the 4 clyinder trucks. The ranger is a fun to drive truck. Even the 2 wheel drive is able to take some heavy off road. duty. To make your Ranger a truck best for the real world , Do a little cheap customising. Just add 15 inch wheels & tires lift blocks on the rear. Now your ready for the muddy country roads or a cormfotable cruise on the interstate. Find yuor roange & have so much fun.

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  2001 4dr 4WD SOHC - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By jls - April 18 - 2:00 am

  So far 26,000 miles, and no mechanical problems except for a emission sensor which was covered under warrenty. Problems: should have a bigger gas tank. M/G could always be better (18 to 19 typically). Plenty of power for hualing my heavy boat.

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  Ranger Edge a Plus to Drive - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By geneokamoto - April 17 - 2:00 am

  the Ranger Edge is a nice truck to drive around in. From color choice, to ride...it has it all.

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  Best in class - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By ESommers - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Best possible compact pickup. Out classes all other small trucks.