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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  i this truck - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By hzw - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I this truck. it has no power, you have to push down the accelerator as far as it will go just to do 45 up a small hill. its fun todrive and reliable but dodge dakotas are SO much better in every area.

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  look at the facts - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Rick Casorio - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Rust on the inside bottoms of the doors. (common problem) Fuel ecomony averaged 14.9.(common problem) Fuel gauge was always inaccurate. Trans had to be rebuilt at 8000 miles due to a blown gasket inside trans.(common problem) Fog lamps replaced 9 times due to moisture build-up inside lens.(common problem) 3 recalls in 1 year. Driver rear door needed re-adjusted because striker wasnt alined. Squealing from front drive wheels.(common problem) Needless to say after a year and a 1/2 of ownership I just sold the truck. As of date this was my worst experience of ownership of a vehicle I ever owned.

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  ranger - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By dreeves77 - January 12 - 2:00 am

  gas tank too small for the 4.0 liter V6stop all the time for gas ...great power

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  Good Vehicle - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By VANBEN - January 12 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Ranger first a 1991 XLT it was a great truck and loved it, this one I like better it has more style better gas mileage and ride and came with a bed liner overall a nice ride.

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  Fun to drive - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Minimalist - January 11 - 2:00 am

  This is the basic model. The only extra is an AC. It is fun to drive. I love it. Easy handling and good gas milage (almost 27).

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  2002 ranger edge 4.0 5Manual 2wd - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By hoopty24 - January 10 - 2:00 am

  Had a 94 2wd with 4.0 and manual tranny. Bought a 2002 equipped the same way except with the sohc engine. The new edge has great looks and power once you the rpms are above 1500. The fuel economy is a little disappointing compared to the 94, but I only have 2600 miles on it. I like the interior with the rubber flooring and the 4x4 ride height is nice. This ranger has several improvments over the previous generation.

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  96 review - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By FF87GT - January 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck as a lease return from a dealer at 37k miles in 99 it now has 65k miles 3 years later... its has had 2 problems since then the thermostat went out a year after i bought it and just recently the clutch slave cylinder...which came to $500 to have fixed...other than that it has given me no complaints on/off road decent power with the 4.0/5speed, 20ish MPG,reliable!, build quality is awsome! and it will totally cream my freinds 98 tacoma (which is also a V6 and rated at 10 more horsepower)

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  1998 Ford Ranger XLT Supercab stepside - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By secobra - January 9 - 2:00 am

  I am overall pleased with my truck. The 2.5L four cylinder is a dog and lacks sufficient power that you want in a truck, but thats the trade off for a 25MPG truck. The interior is friendly and quiet, although some of the materials are cheap. My only real complaint is that the rear end is far too light and the suspension "jumps" on rough roads and tends to feel that I am loosing control of the truck. The rims also require a special wheel balancer due to desing flaws.

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  Dont Buy A Ford - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Hate my Ranger - January 9 - 2:00 am

  I have had alot of mechanical problems with this vehicle. The service department at the dealership has not done a single repair correctly the first time. I have contacted Ford customer service about this issue and I am not happy with the way I was treated. I would not recommend this product to anyone. If you want a small truck buy a Toyota.

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  171,000 miles and still running strong.. - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Good Ole Ford Fan - January 6 - 2:00 am

  Wow, 171,000 miles and this little is still running. Shes part of the family. I thought about selling her, but why...I love this ford truck...as reliable as my german shepherd Shadow.