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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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Ford Ranger 4 dr FX 4-wheel drive - 2002 Ford Ranger
By Joe Price - April 16 - 2:00 amA few minor problems during first few months. Front end alignment was not properly set and factory and caused tire wear and road noise. Dealer fixed and put 2 new tires on front.
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BIG BLUE DULL BUT RELIABLE - 1997 Ford Ranger
By TMR - April 14 - 2:00 amMy desire was for high visibility and easy access. Couldnt afford an SUV so bought a basic Ford Ranger. Im 63" and the cab and bench seat give the comfort of a full-size vehicle. Should have gotten speed control for longer drives (legroom is barely adequate for me) but Big Blue is a city truck and llong term comfort and fuel economy isnt a concern. The truck has had one major tune up and regular oil changes. Nothing else. The 97 2WD 4cyl Ranger is reportedly a reliable vehicle and has been so for me. No electrical issues. Its not been driven a lot but regularly and has never failed. Its a solid and dependable basic set of wheels.
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Nice Ride - 2001 Ford Ranger
By pieperwm - April 11 - 2:00 amWe drove thru severe heat of Death Valley in 120 degrees on vacation and didnt break a sweat. Highway miles were very easy. Im a Volvo owner, my only concern is that this lacks my usual side airbags. Saftey rating was good considering the class of vehicle. Gas milage over 10,000 miles is exactly as EPA predicted. Highway I get 18.5 to 19.5 mpg. I have the 4.0L, extended Cab 4x 4, with a shell. I had to replact the Firestone Tires (Michelin) and that was time consuming. I have had no problems mechanically.
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Ford has the best trucks hands down - 1997 Ford Ranger
By AndyTruck1 - April 10 - 2:00 amI now have 190000 miles and have only replaced clutches and normal wear. It has great power, better handleing and has never left me stranded. Anyone who says different is dumb.
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Great truck, will buy another one - 2000 Ford Ranger
By good truck - April 9 - 2:00 amI had no problems with this truck after three years and 52,000 miles. Loved the four doors. My husband accidentally rolled it 1 1/4 times in the snow, (truck was totalled) and he had only a few cuts on his hands and sore muscles. He wants one with a bigger engine, but I saw nothing I would change on this truck, except maybe better gas mileage. It pulled a trailer fine. We are looking for another one just like it!
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Mostly Happy - 2001 Ford Ranger
By redswd - April 9 - 2:00 amHavent had it long but Ive enjoyed my experience so far. Fun to drive, comfortable, all the toys and will step out smartly when the pedal is down. Could use better programming on the 5 spd Auto, it feels as though it is hunting for the right gear sometimes. Dont know about reliability, no problems so far. Time will tell.
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Very Good Small Truck - 2004 Ford Ranger
By Gary Spears - April 7 - 8:14 amIf youre looking for a good small truck you really cant go wrong with this one. Holds its value well. Since there are a billion of them parts are cheap and plentiful. My only recommendation is that if you get the super cab, you want to get the 4.0 liter V6. The 3 liter is a little small for that big of a truck. And the mileage difference is not that great.
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Dependable Truck - 1997 Ford Ranger
By Cherie - April 7 - 2:00 amNo mechanical problems. The only repair since purchase is to replace the heating element.
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Takes a beating well - 1994 Ford Ranger
By OffRoader - April 2 - 2:00 amFive years later I still LOVE it! In the beginning I was a normal driver, then the offroad bug bit me. Great aftermarket support for parts, accesories & upgrades. Most people wouldnt believe what these trucks have been thru in the RRORC off road club Im part of. The 3.73 gears w/rear limited slip is a blast. Dana 35 TTB front & 8.8 rear axles have taken such abuse very well. Ive hauled countless heavy loads easily. Stepside bed too narrow for 4x8 sheets to lay flat. Supercab is a must for tall people & holds plenty of stuff. With great bucket seats, tilt, cruise, a/c, pwr mirrors, pwr locks & windows this truck is the best of both worlds!
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ranger edge - 2001 Ford Ranger
By torso - March 31 - 2:00 ama very good truck to own
