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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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:

• 

  10 year review - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Red - May 9 - 12:46 am

  My truck is a 2.5L manual with a 4.10 rear axle. I bought it new, and now have 39k miles on it. I have changed the oil twice. It sat for a few years, and it fired right up with a jump start. This is a very reliable truck. Acceleration is slow, but because of the gearing, it has no problem climbing hills, even with its 119hp engine. I replaced the cooling system thermostat recently because I needed to have it smoged, but it ran just fine with it stuck open. Clutch, brakes, and tranny are still fine. This is the best vehicle to abuse and neglect.

• 

  First new car, LOVE IT - 2010 Ford Ranger
  By CaspianX - May 7 - 12:26 pm

  I have a 1987 Jeep Cherokee which I cherish, and only having 68,800 miles its my baby. When I turned 18 I wanted a second vehicle because my Jeep had been wrecked and was in the shop getting repairs and some custom work done. I stumbled upon my beautiful Dark Shadow Metallic Ranger. I love it and drive it everyday, leaving my Jeep as my weekend car. Ive had it almost three months and its only up to 1776 miles. LOVE IT and the gas is better than my jeep for being a 4x4 V6. Being 411" it is the perfect size for me.

• 

  After the new car glow - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By JR - May 6 - 5:35 am

  Wonderful to drive when the weather turns ugly, only thing that gives me trouble is sheer ice, with factory tires. With no load it rides rough, with @150 - 250 lbs of cargo it is a much improved ride. At a hair over 6 I have room to move the seat back to give myself more leg to peddle room, but I do not need it. Everything else is too cramped. If I have a passenger we are riding shoulder to shoulder. As a short commuter or weekend play vehicle it is wonderful. SADLY, as a full time ride for me, @350KM/220Mi/week, it is not a good choice. I choose to support Ford. I should have bought a Toyota to get the same qualities but with better comforts at a higher cost.

• 

  Highly dissapointed with 3.0 L power - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By aquaman828 - May 4 - 8:45 pm

  I purchased this truck in Feb 09 and have had it for just over a year now. I got a great deal, so i bought it. The reliability of this truck is good, i havent had any problems with it just routine maintenance. This suspension is now decent after putting on KYB gas shocks. The 3.0 L engine is dangerously lacking power. The fuel economy is atrocious. It is a 6 cyl engine with V8 fuel economy and 4 cyl acceleration. I know nothing is wrong with my engine, just a terribly outdated design. Maybe good in the 90s but not now. The f150 has more power and gets better gas mileage. I see 14 mpg city, 17 hwy. Everyone who say it is good should test drive another truck, and wise up. 4.0l is also weak!

• 

  a great truck - 1992 Ford Ranger
  By k collins - April 28 - 12:30 am

  i am the second owner of this truck.purchased in 1994 with 27,000 miles.have replaced tires,belts,hoses,and brakes.a/c went out on it at 150,000 miles.5 speed tranny went out on it at 170,000 miles.replaced tranny and still kept on driving it.it has been a very reliable truck.this truck still has the factory ford clutch in it at 233,000 and still works great.on long distance driving with the 4 cylinder and 5 speed it gets 30 miles to the gallon on the open road.has been a very reliable truck with excellent gas mileage.would love to have another that has been as reliable and built as tough as this truck.

• 

  Its a Ford... - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Colin - April 22 - 11:00 pm

  Well this was my second Ranger and this one was a total piece of junk. Replaced an alternator, ball joints, A/C compressor kicks off and on every 20 seconds. Door Ajar light comes on at least every other time i drive it.Freeze plugs have rusted out, leaks oil, 15mpg for a V6?!?!? Really? The stock radio is bad.

• 

  Fuel economy and safety - 2010 Ford Ranger
  By RK - April 18 - 4:23 pm

  I recently purchased a 2010 Ford Ranger Sport, 6cyl, auto. Use it for mostly in town driving. Fuel consumption is 20 L per 100 km which equates to less than 14 mpg (CDN gallon). The truck revs at over a 1000 rpm until it has reached max temp. This means on the flat stretch it will do over 20 kph without putting your foot on the accelerator. Extremely hard on the brakes when going through parking lots and down any sort of an incline. I am usually at my destination before the truck has completely warmed up. I brought the matter to Fords attention but they state it is the way these Rangers are built. Personally I find it annoying and dangerous.

• 

  I love my pick-em-up truck - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Dale W. - April 17 - 9:21 pm

  I bought my truck brand new in April 2000. It has 4 doors (2 regular and 2 small rear doors). It gets up and goes every time I need it to. My only complaint is that it could use a little more power and torque. If FORD could add that without decreasing fuel economy, then they would have the end all be all in truck in the light truck division. It handles well, moves when you hit the throttle, and hauls anything the 150s do with-in reason. It is a shame that FORD is not going to continue the Ranger tradition. If they make casual updates then it would continue to sell well. Radio didnt last as long as it should but that is a Pioneer for you.

• 

  Too basic - 2009 Ford Ranger
  By jj - April 17 - 1:20 pm

  For a car thats built recently, I cant say how my Ranger was an improvement over cars of decades past. Yes it was cheap, only reason I got it was because it had the max rebate. Then again cheap price = poor design, cheap quality, cheap workmanship, etc. And worst it came off the lot with several problems which one of which became debatable if it was "under warranty" with the 2 yr/24000 miles contract.

• 

  Follow up of initial review - 2010 Ford Ranger
  By John - April 11 - 11:55 pm

  I wrote the review titled by "John" 3rd Ford Ranger. At this point having owned the truck for about 6 months I can give a little better review. The brakes, they have squealed since day one. Fuel economy on this truck is absolutly terrible. The fit and finish of the truck leave a lot to be desired if one cares a lot about such things. For instance my bed is flush on one side when compared to the cab, but protrudes about 3/4" on the other side of the cab. The tailgate is flush with the bed rail on one side, but sits about 1/4" lower then the rail on the other side. Minor things, but obvious if youre looking, but it still gets the job done and is a dependable truck