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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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 - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By William Anderson - October 29 - 2:13 am

  I am very satisfied with my vehicle and I dont have any regrets about purchasing it.

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  Great Truck - 1990 Ford Ranger
  By jimats - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Great truck. I would recomend it to anyone. My truck only has 92,000 miles and it runs great.

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  GET ONE - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Sandness - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I got my ranger a little while ago, and let me tell you, its the best purchase that Ive ever made. Mileage could be a bit better, but hey, I didnt get it for economy. When offroading its second to none, my friend has a Ford F-150, and i repeatedly have had to help him out of mud that my Ranger took with ease.

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  not again - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By jay jackson - October 22 - 2:00 am

  this truck rides stiff and makes alot of noise will not own another ford.

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  ranger rob - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Robert Harvey - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I am a commuter. A small 4 cylinder truck meets my needs for travel as well as giving me the flexability to do chores around the house (mulch, dump, loam, etc.) In addition, the Ranger is a nice looking truck (rims,wheels,chrome bumpers, etc.). Dont quite understand why the engine requires 2 spark plugs per cylinder...if it is for extra power in the four cylinder?...it is not happening! Better combustion? Salesman did not know!

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  great truck - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By Anvil - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I buoght this truck with 12,000 miles on it. It now has over 260,000 miles and is still running strong. The only problems Ive encountered is a transmission problem caused by an oil change place leaving the fill plug loose. Very expensive repair, but trouble free since then. This truck is so reliable I find myself taking it for granted.

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  Love the Ranger - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Jwish - October 18 - 2:00 am

  This is my first truck and it drives better than any car i have ever had.

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  Good Quality Truck - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Skiing Pilot - October 17 - 2:00 am

  I have had this truck for almost 8 years and put about 150,000 miles on it for a total of 193,000 mi. It has been a great truck, my only complaint is the size, but I guess that is why it is called a compact. Had to have the Trans. rebuilt about 20,000 ago, and other minor wearable parts. Milage is about 14 city, 16 Hwy. Overall great 4wd small truck, great off road, can get many places full size cant

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  None - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Kevin - October 11 - 2:00 am

  Truck runs rough up hills and power from a stand still. Little room for material more for fun. Not good for people to ride in the rear.

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  True Blue The Roaming Ranger - 1991 Ford Ranger
  By cakinsey - October 3 - 2:00 am

  This truck has deleverd pizzas, pulled crew-cab longe bed duellies out of sand and moved me around the great state of texas for more that three years. Just now rolling over 166,000 miles I am starting to have trouble with the second clutch. I must say that this little truck is one of the best investments I have ever made. I have collided head on with a wood post metal rail guardrail at 45 mph and just broke the supports to the guardrail. I have taken the motor over 5500 rpm countless times while spanking small import cars with flashy bodywork. Only small repairs, such as a waterpump at 145,000, and the normal tune up and brake jobs needed.