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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  2002 ranger xl 2wd 2.3ltr 5sp manual - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By d johnson - January 23 - 2:00 am

  a really great little truck. I paid just over 12k and got every pennys worth. Put a Leer cap on it (100xlt) and it looks like a 20k SUV.

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  Not too shabby - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By idrwlnood - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Ive put 15,000 miles on it in the past 6 months. This is my first newer vehicle ( I was driving a 79 suburban) While the ranger lacks the bang of a 454 big block, it more than makes up for it in all around performance. The only problem Ive had is a faulty sensor that set off the check engine and ABS lights but, it only cost a few bucks to fix. I reccomend premium fuel (tends to rattle a bit if you dont)Wish I would have had the $ for a 4wd and extended cab model, but thus far I am happy with the purchase

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  Stylish Reliability - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By Trilby - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This truck has not let me down for the 214,425 miles that Ive owned it. Good gas mileage, great ride. No problems to speak of. Would be lucky to own another vehicle as reliable as this has proven to be.

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  Ford Ranger XLT a great truck! - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By MikeZ - January 20 - 2:00 am

  This is the best vehicle Ive ever owned and I bought it 5 years old with 68,000 miles. The ride is great and the performance of the 4.0L V6 is excellent. A very refined vehicle, it feels more like a sports car than a pickup truck.

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  Mixed Bag - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By SH - January 19 - 2:00 am

  I have all the toys and the 4.0L V-6. The truck looks great and the extra doors is a great feature. Dont plan on having people sit in the jump seats on a regular basis. Plenty of power but very bad on gas 18mpg on the hiway is pushing it. The ride quality is poor and handling/braking is just OK. Build quality is just OK and Im glad I bought the extended warranty. Dont buy this truck if you want to do serious off-roading- there are much better choices out there.

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  2000 Ranger XL Sport - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By ctcoogan - January 19 - 2:00 am

  I have had a wonderful experience with my Ford Ranger. In my nearly 3 years of ownership I have only needed a fuel pump replaced, which was covered under the warrenty. This truck gets decent fuel economy too. I would highly recommend this vehicle for anyone who needs a basic truck to do just about any non-commercial task you throw at it.

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  An excellent small truck - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By 97rangerfan - January 18 - 2:00 am

  This has been an exceptionally trouble- free vehicle. I just wish I had opted for an extended cab. The Ranger is fun to drive and maneuvers like a car. The heater can really keep up on the coldest days. The A/C is more than enough to keep one comfortable on hot humid days.

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  Great Trucks - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Kevin - January 16 - 2:00 am

  This is my second ranger. My first was 89 I traded in on my 98 with 198000 miles on it and still running stong as the next owner was able to locate me. This 98 iasi the 4 door model (option on 500 made in98)Super Cab 4x4 with the 3.0 engine XLT loaded. I now have 98800 on it and am ready to trade on a new if numbers are right. These rangers get me where I need to go on and off road, really off sometimes, never stuck as it has the possie.

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  Great Trucks - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By KEVIN - January 16 - 2:00 am

  This is my second ranger. My first was 89 I traded in on my 98 with 198000 miles on it and still running stong as the next owner was able to locate me. This 98 iasi the 4 door model (option on 500 made in98)Super Cab 4x4 with the 3.0 engine XLT loaded. I now have 98800 on it and am ready to trade on a new if numbers are right. These rangers get me where I need to go on and off road, really off sometimes, never stuck as it has the possie.

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  Ol Faithful - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By mjordahl - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I pick the Ranger based on its price, value and its rating in Consumer Reports. It has really been a very dependable truck I would recommend it to anyone.