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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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No Worries - 1997 Ford Ranger
By EricL - August 28 - 2:00 amIve had more Ford Ranger since mile 7 and it has been a trusty member of the family. It is the only car I own and I drive on average a hundred miles a day as a single working parent and rarely have to worry about "shiny" (as my daughter has named it).
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98 Extended Cab 4WD is a fine truck. - 1998 Ford Ranger
By Gene M. Tromble - August 28 - 2:00 amI bought a used 98 Ford Ranger XLT, extended cab, 4W drive,with about 40000 miles on the odometer. The Ranger was in excellent condition. I had skid plates and a wrap around grill guard installed for I do a lot of off-road driving hunting deer, upland game birds, dove and duck. I am careful not to abuse my truck but we do get off into some rough country. Highway driving is a pleasure.
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Rockin Ranger - 1997 Ford Ranger
By mrs. hall - August 26 - 2:00 amThis is a fun truck! Only been in the shop twice in its 60K miles (defective thermostat). With good care I expect at least 140K out of this truck. Interior design is very functional, controls easy to reach, seating very comfy. Definately has typical truck- like suspension ( you feel every bump! ) but its a small price to pay for a great truck!
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1996 ford ranger xlt - 1996 Ford Ranger
By john mcvey - August 23 - 2:00 amPurchased vehicle from original owner with approximately 33000 miles on it. Majority of my driving was local with some trips of 100 miles each way. Ride and handling are very comfortable. Dependability is very good. Unfortunately with the small v-6 the gas mileage is horrible. The best it can get on the highway at cruise is 16 MPG, around town it drops to about 13- 14 MPG
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Satisfied owner. - 1998 Ford Ranger
By Pc_doc - August 20 - 2:00 amMy ONLY peeve is the turn signal / wiper control assembly. The turn signal disengages too easily and the wipers turn on sometimes when I signal. This is a Quality problem compared to some other vehicles Ive owned.
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Cool Truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
By Cody - August 19 - 8:56 pmI have had excellent use out of my Ranger.
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Bad luck-truck - 1999 Ford Ranger
By Ford Ranger Owner - August 16 - 10:00 amRecalls, recalls, and more recalls. Poor accelleration, problems with clutch, tinkling noise while driving, howling noise while going into 1st, squeeling while starting (pully coming loose), front tire rubbing on controller arm, probs w/ cruise cntrl, bad tires, wiper motor, water pump...the list goes on. Most of all we had problems with Ford dealerships being able to diagnose any of our problems. They always seem to have an excuse for every noise..."oh that loud noise is normal" or "we hear it but it isnt anything important."
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Ford Fun - 2002 Ford Ranger
By Deez - August 16 - 10:00 amWe just bought a 4WD 4.0L 5M Ranger and absolutely love it. It has already accumulated 10000 miles! Power is great and probably the best feature of the truck. Sound system is good with the upgraded MP3 player. Complaints, a few: there is a lot of plastic in this truck, the cheesy plastic bedrails need to go (though they are useful in protecting the bed of the truck) and the most annoying thing has to be the speed limiter at 93 MPH. Ford gets a thumbs up for great value and a truck that can smoke the Toyota.
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Hard to Part w/ A Wonderful Truck - 1997 Ford Ranger
By StanFurlow - August 16 - 2:00 amOne ownerGood Ride (use 70lb sand bag in bed/3 for snow=4WD)Once you find a good seat position its OK (heated/vibrating seat cushion-long rides)70,000K milesGreat paint-willow green (has purple metallic in it)front of stepside catches rocks/sandUse rubber bedliner and leave long on all sides + tailgate rubberHave removable kayak/lumber carrier on bed sides- doesnt allow cap/locking topBit notchey in shiftVery, very few minor probsDome light fixed w/switchRegular oil changes4cyl but wish for V6 at timesOnly on 2nd set of tiresA/C bogs down engine however w/o A/C is worse
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Excellent Small P/U - 1997 Ford Ranger
By Jordan Murphy - August 15 - 2:00 amExcellent small Pickup. No problems in 1.5 years--bought used. Poor fuel economy w/4.0L V6 (14/15 MPG). However, great in snow, and sporty.
