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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  5 speed manual - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Cruisin - February 9 - 2:00 am

  Nice little truck, fun to drive but not as good of gas milage as was expected, Runs 18-20 mpg highway. Too small of fuel tank, just get cruisin and have to stop for fuel. Driving range of only about 250 miles. Engine surges between 1200 and 2400 RPM. At 19000 miles had to have Clutch replaced, $823.00 out of my pocket as it is a wearable part and not warrantied. My last Ford! Promise..

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  Better idea? - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Daddio - February 7 - 2:00 am

  I have primarily riven Ford products for the last 34-plus years (25 total vehicles). I am increasingly disappointed in the crap Ford provides. I rebuilt the ac twice before 40k miles. The 5-speed auto tranny slips in low gear, the intermittent wipers work when they want to and it wont stay in 4 wheel drive mode. This vehicle is 5 years old and has less than 50k miles, has never been abused and I am a self- admitted maintenance nut. On top of all of this, throw in those wonderful self- destructive Firestone Wilderness AT tires (for which I never received the promised reimbursment from Ford) and you know why I currently drive a Nissan!

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  RANGER REVIEW - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By JOSH - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive had it for a while. I wanna get rid of stick and get a fullsize truck so I can lower it and put huge rims on it. This truck ran good and was really fun to drive

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  GIVE RANGER THE EDGE - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Mr. T - January 29 - 10:00 am

  My 2001 Ranger Edge 4x4 extended cab is the first brand new vehicle Ive ever bought. The Edge styling along with the 4x4 stance gives it a lean, aggressive look, combined with the jet-black paint, although hard to keep clean, just cant be beat! The 4.0 V-6 has super pick-up and acceleration, and the 5-speed auto shifts smoothly. Off- roading is also a blast!

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  Never Again - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By rm17rm - January 29 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle itself is not bad. Its Ford that I would do business with again. They replaced the Firestone tires with Goodyear tires. They were defective, the dealer disputed it and refused to replace them. I threw them out, and paid to replace them. When I contacted Ford directly, I was informed I had purchased the best selling truck. In other words, tough luck. In addition, 4.0L engine, California emission = pitiful gas mileage, under 18 around town.

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  Ranger stands on Reliability - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By Mdtguy - January 28 - 2:00 am

  Ive now owned my Ranger for 4 years and through Minnesota Winters of -10 to -15 below zero at nights it always starts and runs very well. It has always been a very reliable truck. It has a nicely designed dash when speaking of controls for air,heat and they work well too.The real only negative is I have had off and on issues with my check engine light turning on and I have it checked and they cant make sense of it. I have had 3 different shops look into this issue and get nowhere.

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  Love My Ranger - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By Pahl Moore - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I have had my 1995 Ranger for 5 years. I had to replace the alternator at about 70,000 miles, but have had no other problems. Its been a very good little truck and I would buy it again if I had the chance. I have owned a 1973 Chevy Luv, 1987 Nissan, a 1883 and 1988 Mazda B-2200, a 1991 Toyota, and this Ranger and I would rate it superior to all of them.

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  Happy w/ my Ford experience. - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By Happy Ford Owner - January 24 - 2:00 am

  My first American-made truck purchase. Reliable truck. No major problems. Mechanically good. No rust. Good value for price paid. Has met all expectations.

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  Old truck - 1990 Ford Ranger
  By Keiko - January 23 - 2:00 am

  This truck was my late fathers work truck. It works well and runs great but a 2.3L engine in a truck is a little small however it has been really reliable with 274,000 miles on it. Even in Chicago with our cold winters and sometimes hot summers it always starts.

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  Great truck - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By joehb - January 23 - 2:00 am

  Best auto I have EVER owned.