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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  Ranger Rough - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By sherwould - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Purchased my 1994, fully loaded Ranger new. It now has 132,000 miles 9 years later. It has truly been an outstanding little truck. I have never had a problem with it. It still has the get- up-and-go it had when new (4.0 L engine). I am now a believer in the "Built Ford Tough" slogan. If your thinking of buying a used truck, this is a great choice!

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  3rd ranger - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By 3rd ranger - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Towing package allows for an impressive amount on a trailer, No 4x8 material will fit in stepside bed and it is easy to break the fiberglass pieces back there. the 4 liter engine is a push rod design that feels weak when compared to others but does the job. I have almost always gotten 17 mi to the gallon when empty. The electric four wheel drive has been nothing but trouble as has the electric heater/air controls. Aside from this, the truck has never left me set. Rear of truck is very light. Find truck very comfortable to drive. As the past two rangers I think these are a good compromise truck rides nice.

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  Ford Ranger - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By btopgunp945 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Strong 4.0 performance roomie interior good riding and lots of features

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  Dont bother with the 2004 Ranger - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Mark Steven - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Since 92, I have owned 3 ranger 4x4s. A 92,98 and 2004. I wish I had my 98 back. I had 2drs and bought a 4 dr, thinking my 5 yr old daughter would like it better, WRONG! Its noisy, on the highway and the engine makes more noise than the 98 4.0/v6. I see short cuts, like mud flaps, no skirting in wheel wells, high back buckets that are comfortable but lots of blind spots. I rate the 04 at a 2 because I think Ford was more interested in the F-150 and caturing the market with that model, thus leaving the best selling small p/u out of the picture for 2004.

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  Sweet Truck - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Stemmer98 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I am very pleased with my new truck. It handles well in the snow as well as off road driving. The one thing that you should be aware of is the fuel economy in the winter months. I am currently averaging about 10 miles per gallon, which was not expected when I purchased the truck. The summer months and warmer times makes the economy average around 16-17 miles per gallon. Overall the truck is a great buy and I am very pleased..... The truck must be reliable....there is some reason that you cant go a mile down the road and not see one of them.

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  love my truck - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By shortiedu - March 19 - 2:00 am

  fun to drive, tons of power

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  ok, but sluggish - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By jenshjelm - March 17 - 2:00 am

  i like to drive my truck, but it is a lil sluggish with its underpowered v6 and 4x4 that doesnt help since there is no axle lock(posi lock) of any kind. also gas mileage isnt what i expected when i bought it.

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  Great Truck - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By findlj - March 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck 4 years old with 27K on it. It has been very reliable and im extremely satisfied with it.

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  Nice small truck - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By Happy Truck Owner - March 14 - 2:00 am

  This has been a very reliable truck with low maintenance costs. Ive had the truck for almost 9 years and my largest expense was finally buying new tires!

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  WORST TRUCK EVER - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Mrp - March 13 - 2:00 am

  This is the worst truck Ive ever owned. Bought a used 1996 XL in 1998. I have had many problems ever since. Many electrical problems. I have been stranded roadside twice. Do not buy one