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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  Still buying Rangers - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By texasdriver - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Since 1990 I have bought 6 new Rangers and one used. Even though we dont really love the body styling, its still better than anything else out there for our needs. All of our trucks have been very dependable, plenty peppy for their needs, they handle better than any other pickup we have driven, and at over 30 mpg on the 2002 with the 2.3 four cylinder, its been a money saver. Excellent heater and air conditioner, smooth ride, seats really could be better, but over all a great choice.

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  I hate Check Engine lights - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By Ford Sucks - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Other than the pesky check engine light coming on for the same reason for over 6 months, its been a great truck, except when the light comes on for a vapor return canister over and over again, especially when you are trying to sell the vehicle. I will never buy a Ford again. I think Ill stick to the Toyotas for now.

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  1990 Ford Ranger - 1990 Ford Ranger
  By geckogirl - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck four years ago, and I have been very satisfied with its reliability and performance. In four years, the only major repair was to replace the clutch at 130,000 miles. The transmission is still in good shape, and it gets 21 mpg on the highway. The 2.8L V6 is more than enough for this truck, and makes it easy to take off the pavement, a must in rural Ohio.

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  Jeep Hauler - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By CJRay - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Bought the truck new,and almost 8 years and 168K later it still runs great.It has lost some of its pep,but is driven hard.Mostly highway miles,but a lot are hauling Jeep parts.I haul frames,engines,trannys,axles,-most at the same time. Squat it down with a load, and the little 4-cyl gives its all and comes back for more.I hauled 2 loads of bricks that broke the back springs. Replaced them, and I was back in business.Built Ford Tough-Heck yeah. I know guys with full sizes that dont get as much use. My friends will be sad when it goes-it is a lot of fun to see Jeep frames hauled by a SB Ranger. Go Ranger-168K and counting!

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  This Truck Rocks! - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Fab - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I just bought the truck last week, so this may be premature. My Truck is Metallic Ice Blue (Island Blue is what Ford calls it.) It turns heads everywhere. If youre looking for one of these, you have to get the 4.0L with a Manual 5 speed tranny. I hate automatics. The truck drives and feels like a full size truck. I test drove a Tacoma and the Ranger blows it out of the water.

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  1993 Ford Ranger XLT Extended Cab - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Stephen Barnes - November 7 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great little truck. Ive never had any trouble whatsoever with it. Currently its at 65,000 miles and running great. The mileage averages around 25 mpg which may not be too suprising since it only has the 2.3L engine, but Im happy with it. The transmission is great, very comfortable cloth bucket seats, smooth ride, quiet engine.

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  Excellent Truck - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By One4UF - November 7 - 2:00 am

  This is a great truck. Very capable off- road in mud & trails. Truck is also a lifesaver, I fell asleep and rolled my Ranger end over end & sideways 5 or 6 times. There is no practical reason that I shouldnt have been hurt. The truck withstood damage very well. Although it was obviously totaled, I walked away unharmed other than some cuts. Roof didnt cave far & airbags/seatbelt combined with highback seats saved my life. Truck was very rigid & although I now have an Explorer, Ford has earned my loyalty for life. I had little problems with my Ranger, but nothing warranty didnt cover. I feel these trucks will last many years.

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  1994 Ranger still going strong - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By mamacita99 - November 6 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this truck new and have hauled a full load on average once each week. After 180,000 miles the only repair involved replacing the clutch after 100,000 miles. This has been one of the most economical trucks I could have purchased. It still runs great and who knows how long that engine is going to last.

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  Ford Ranger - 1991 Ford Ranger
  By Jan Lockwood - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Used truck with over 100,000 miles. Has an oil leak that cannot be repaired.Exterior door damaged. Somewhat beat up.

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  This is a dream - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By Spdrfall - November 5 - 2:00 am

  This truck is sleek, snappy, and well built. The 4.0 is a true mix between power and economy, averaging about 20 to the gallon, and still more power than anybody buying a compact truck would need. Definatly buy Fords.