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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  2ND TIME 4 RANGER - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By DFWBIGBOI - January 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Ranger after I saw a incentive of $3500 from Ford. I also used my XPlan. Great Price. This is my second Ranger. I had 134,000 on my 93 when I sold it in 98. No major problems with it. I figured since the SuperCrew was out of my price range as Ranger fit the bill. Good choice. Power, style, and handling are suprises. I am still fretting over getting a Expedition now (major$$$$$$) but the Ranger serves its purpose.

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  Excellent reliability for the money - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By ozziem - January 3 - 2:00 am

  Bought this truck used in 97 with 41,000 miles on it. So far the only failure has been a leaking heater valve, which only cost $15 at the dealer and took me 30 minutes to replace. No other mechanical problems. The truck now has 161,000 and its still going strong (1/3/03). The only annoying thing with this truck is the dome lights staying on for hours when parked. Also, except for the fuel gauge, all the lights in the instrument panel are out. This is not easy to fix. Ill probably keep this Ranger until it dies and that could be a long time from now.

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  tough to beat - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By proreel - January 3 - 2:00 am

  If the salesman wasnt with me i would have taken it straight to the mud. It looks like its begging for it. i bought it the same day and try as i might, i could not get it stuck. By, the way the C.D. player sounded great the whole time. When i woke up in the morning, i found that my wife had taken it to work.(instant fight)

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  Splash BAby - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By RangerSplash - January 2 - 2:00 am

  My Ford Ranger is the best investment i have ever made.It runs like a dream it has never let me down.it is my first car and i wouldnt drive anything else but a ford

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  Great Ranger - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By S_Man - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I have had my 94 Ford Range since I bought it new on 11/94. I have had it now for 8 years and I drive it every day. I average 25000 miles a year on this bad boy. I have had on one major problem with it but that was covered by the warranty and that experiece was great. I would highly recommend a Ford Ranger to anyone.

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  satisfied owner - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By DDG - December 29 - 2:00 am

  I brought home my Ranger in the Spring of 2000. It has been a great truck to own. The four-wheel drive with the limited-slip axle is awesome in the snow. Acceleration from the 4.0 impresses, but the gas milage doesnt. The engine has performed flawlessly with out any mechanical problems. I thought it was a bit pricy when optioned out compared to a full-sized truck with about the same equipment. Towing is very good, as is the overall comfort. The jumpseats are best suited for smaller people. Would be a better interstate runner if not for the gas consumption!

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  Ford Stong and Running - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Modog - December 25 - 2:00 am

  This truck gave me no problems in the 2 years Ive had it. It has good power (V6) and tows all my toys with ease (jet skis). Overall, Ive had problems with previous Fords cars but Ford trucks are built much better.

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  2004 2dr xlt Value supercab 4v6 auto - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By johnr2b - December 24 - 2:00 am

  the Electrical Plug for the Trailer Hitch should be a place you can easly see, Second, The external sound could be damped in the doors a little more. Other than that the truck is a sweet runing, great handling and lots of fun to be in any time of Truck.

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  great car - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By jonjon - December 23 - 10:00 am

  i just bought this today and its great, great power, bigger then other small trucks, i am glad i bought it

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  The Reat Ford Ranger - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By rlschultz - December 23 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this truck for 4 years and plan to keep it another 4 years.Its been very dependable and comfortable. The 4 wheel drive is sure footed and it has plenty of towing power for a small truck.