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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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 as a work truck - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By billymc294 - December 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Ranger because of the good reviews I had gotten from Co-workers. I am a courier, had previously owned Chevy S-10s that had broken down a lot, and saw a lot of my Co-workers having good luck with their Fords. My three year old Ranger now has 230,000 miles on it and has held up very well. I bought the 6 cylinder engine because I do some hauling and have been very happy with the perfomance. It doesnt get great gas mileage, but it runs well. I will probably buy another Ranger in the next year.

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  Ford Ranger - 1990 Ford Ranger
  By pjdellarco - December 4 - 2:00 am

  I have had zero problems with this Ranger. It is at 120,000 miles and still running strong. Body is in great shape, very minor surface rust in normal locations - and paint looks very good. Vehicle has never been garaged and is in the Northeast.

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  Best Vehicle Ive ever owned - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By ROBERT5588 - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Excellent, excellent, excellent. Very reliable, decent power, good gas mileage, easy to repair, etc.etc.etc!!!

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  Great Truck - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By redranger - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Im 16 and i bought this truck as my first vehicle. Ive always liked Ford and wanted a truck for the lower insurnace. So the Ranger was a natural choice. The 4x4 is great and i love the ride height. I have the 3.0L V6 and i get better gas mileage than my friends Nissan 4x4 4cyl. (I get 20mpg in a 4x4 V6 truck is pretty good). I have room for three people comfortably and four if i squeeze and five if they are small.

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  personal oppinion of 87 year old driver - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By nfdeminco - November 29 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle used with 19000 miles on it I have driven it ever since with no nechanical problems. It does ride rather stiff but fuel economy is very good and reaction is very good though it only a four cylinder with dual ignition and overdrice. I do think undercarriage is more susceptible to road salts deterioration than usual. Should have better frame rust protection.

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  Ten years old and still going strong - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By lifer - November 29 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this truck for ten years and have never had a major problem other than the usual upkeep items such as breaks, tires, belts, etc. I use the vehicle on a daily basis and it is still very reliable.

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  practical and reliable - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By jt94093 - November 29 - 2:00 am

  Solid vehicle. Have not had any major problems, but just had to replace multi-function switch at $230.

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  Very happy - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Sniffer - November 27 - 2:00 am

  I have 102,000 miles logged on my 1997 Ford Ranger. Other than basic maintenance items, the vehicle has performed very well. The 4 cylinder engine wont set the world on fire but Im happy with the average 26 MPG I am getting. The 2wd makes for difficult traction in snow or rain.

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  Very Practical - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By Strets - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought my ranger with 34,000 miles on it, when I was 17. Almost 3 years later and an extra 60,000 miles, she still runs like a champ. I use it to commute to and from school. It is very fuel efficient, low mantainence vehicle and it is good looking. However the 4Cyl., even though it has 8 spark plugs, is very slow.

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  hauling sucking gas - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By kgb - November 24 - 2:00 am

  i cant believe 14 mpg.it should get better than that.