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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  Ranger Still My Favorite - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Ed Jennings - December 21 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Ranger, the first being a 93 with the 4.0 engine. Since it gave good service, I got the 02, and Im not sorry. The extra 47 ponies use a little more fuel but are well worth it. The handleing and ride are a big improvement over my old one.

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  Great Truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Picking Consumer - December 19 - 2:00 am

  I have owned the 4WD Edge for over a year. Love the body styling and haul a 2500 lb. boat with no problems. It is nice on slippery ramps to never worry about pulling the boat out of the water. I know the boat weight is way under the capability of the truck but it my previous truck was very much under powered. Not with this truck.

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  Fun to Drive On Road or Off Road - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Kona - December 16 - 10:00 am

  This is a fun truck to drive, gas mileage could be better but it is a 4 wheel drive. I have had a few warranty issues but Ford has fixed all, windows vibrate going down has been the biggest problem. But other than that it has and is a fun ride.

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  217,000 and counting! - 1990 Ford Ranger
  By The stRanger - December 14 - 2:00 am

  My Ranger has been a great truck. Will soon surpass 217,000 miles with no major problems. Fun to drive. Good acceleration when downshifting to pass. Smooth handling for a truck. Capable off road and on.

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  reliable - 1991 Ford Ranger
  By bobby9988 - December 12 - 2:00 am

  Only owned it for 2 years. 220,000km on it and have had next to no repairs. Muffler was only problem, body starting to look a little tired but it still gives me no trouble starting, and surviving harsh Canadian winters.

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  250,000+ miles - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By jacksoneagle - December 12 - 2:00 am

  I think this is the Ranger model I had. It was a standard Ranger with a 5 speed transmission. I drove the hell out of this truck and would still have it but I it was declared a "total" after a wreck. This Ranger was ordered with a long bed from the factory. I got ownership at about 80,000 miles. My ranger was a delivery vehicle twice, so it took a ton of abuse. I only had typical repairs such as fuel pumps, batteries, alternators, fuel filters, and so forth. Nothing major. The clutch was about to go out, but what did I expect after such abuse. I had the 3.0 V-6 and it was peppy without sucking down the fuel.

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  My lemon-Ranger nightmare - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By lemon_ranger - December 9 - 2:00 am

  Its always in the shop. The compressor turns on and off so fast that it makes a loud rattling noise. The inept Ford mechanics have no idea how to fix it..Ive had it to multiple dealerships. I sued ford and they settled... now it has problems starting. Im never buying a Ford again. Beware...buy an import itll hold its value better and be more reliable. Toyota would be my next choice.

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  My Ranger - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By goatgrl - December 9 - 2:00 am

  This is a great truck! I had wanted a Ranger for a long time, and it is everything I hoped it would be. It is super comfortable to drive, and extremely reliable. I have 20000 miles on mine now, and it still runs as smoothly and quietly as the day I brought it home. I have hauled goats, hay, gone camping, and gone hot-air balloon chasing with it(through fields/woods/creeks). Everyone comments on what a sharp-looking truck it is also. If only I didnt have to "feed" it so much!

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  Dont even look at an S10 - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By TVman - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I have owned three rangers including the 2000 I have now. I have also driven S10s in the past. No comparison! The ranger wins hands down. The ride, handling,interior controls,looks, and overall quality are much better.I drive 30,000 miles a year and have had very few problems. If looking for a small truck, dont waste your time at a GM lot--buy the ranger.

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  I am Pleased - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By The Edge - December 6 - 2:00 am

  Before purchasing, I compared all US built trucks, and based on style, price, available features and reliability, the Ranger by far out weighed the Dakota and Chevy ZR2. I am very pleased with my purchase, I drove it from CA to WI and it handled great on the road and going through mountains. Excellent comfort and plenty of room in the cab. Handles very smooth, and good turning radius. The bedliner and Cover were great extras, as the cover locks the tail gate, of which is not an option on the Ranger. The 4.0 provides plenty of zip and power.