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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  Would do it again... - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By Ford Lover - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Bought it new in 94 and have had it serviced according to the Manual. Now have 201K on same engine. Brakes done twice, new clutch, second timing belt, second set of shocks/struts. Great truck!

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  My 1993 Ford Ranger - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Frank Valdez - October 1 - 2:00 am

  My 1993 Ford Ranger is red and has an extended cab. It has good tiers. Have recently put a new fan clutch as well as a new fan. Recently I installed a front grill. The paint is good. It also has a good V6 engine. The transmission needs work but it is usesable. It could go for another 10,000 miles if not more depending on the treatment.

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  Fun Lovin Truck - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By kjhinds - September 23 - 2:00 am

  I am glad a purchased my Ford Ranger over a Toyota Tacoma because of the comfort factor. The Toyota was not comfortable at all. The only dissappointing thing about Ranger is the trucks 3.0 engine. It does OK but it is no powerehouse. Fuel economy is nice. It is fun to just drive the truck around. I have to keep the keys hid or my wife will take it instead of her Jeep Grand Cherokee.

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  Spoiled me - 1990 Ford Ranger
  By alsome4u - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I purchased it from my father in 93 and since then its had some body blows but continued to run smooth and and quite. It now has 193,000 miles on it. The only continueing issue is its valve cover seals keep breaking.

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  well built - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By craig kavity - September 8 - 2:00 am

  i think is is well built truk that was kept in fine shape and rides like new

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  Nice ride - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By jjauch - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Nice Ride, good fuel economy. Handles nicely even in bad weather. Good value. Would buy again

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  Great Truck - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By hobbs - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I love driving this truck. Its ride is more like a car than a truck. It starts with only 2 or 3 turns of starter...every time...I like its looks, willow green with matching interior..Also has a fiberglass tonneau cover which makes it look sharp..Everything works, even all light bulbs...Its a manual shift, which makes it fun to drive....It has never let me down and its got 192000 miles on the odometer.

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  LOVE MY TRUCK! - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Tanya - September 1 - 2:00 am

  For my 18th birthday my father bought me a Ford ranger extended cab-- xlt - in gold -- it is a beautiful truck inside and out i go to college everyday in it -- it is about a 1 hour drive to come viit my family on the weekends so we wouldnt settle for something that "might work" we searched for 2 years for the perfect truck could have bought a car-- but "NO WAY" i would wait for my truck -- i have 2 younger brothers - we all drive Fords -- less problems all together than my moms Van - - not a ford!

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  Great truck - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By jackjack - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Had it ten years and never had a problem. Good power. With ABS rear brakes stops on a dime, saved me from having an accident when big rig suddenly pulled out in front of me on freeway.

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  EXCELLENT CONDITION - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By RONN - August 28 - 2:00 am

  WELL, THIS TRUCK HAS REALLY BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR ME, HAS CLASS AND POTENTIAL. i HAVE TO SAY 1 THING IT NEEDS ALIL MORE POWER WHEN I TRAVEL UP HILL ITS A LIL BIT GUTLESS THATS MY ONLY PROBLEM, OTHER THEN THAT ITS BEEN A WONDERFUL TRUCK