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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  Great Little Truck - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By irmen - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I am just finishing up my 2nd lease of a Ranger and would recommend it to anyone. They are great little trucks - they are not off-roaders, but thats not what I was looking for. It sits great, feels great, and has had no problems at all. Granted, I have not put it through the ringer, but for getting around town, long road trips, and moving several times, it has been wonderful!

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  reliable - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By kurtxc - July 30 - 2:00 am

  Relibale vehivle. First purchase, couldnt afford anything down but 48 monthly payments okay at 0.9 APR. 36K warranty fixed an exhuast problem at 3k since then no complaints and has been a reliable commuter vehicle with the occasional camping trip or help someone move (all truck owners know what Im talking about...) Owns the mountains wiht chains ... cant complain! Small 2.5L engine gets the job done and the 25 MPG aint bad.

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  Ford Ranger - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By scho0591 - July 29 - 2:00 am

  Great looking truck, good value. The engine is a little weak, However, I did pull a 19 foot Bayliner boot without a problem.

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  Recommend - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By ucf6515 - July 29 - 2:00 am

  I would definitely recommend this truck. The seats are uncomfortable if you are traveling long distances. The truck is fun to drive, although I would opt for the 4.0 if I could afford it. The 5 speed manual shifts easily, but the clutch took a day or two to get used too.

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  1992 FORD RANGER XLT LB EXPERIENCE - 1992 Ford Ranger
  By JAMES BLIZZARD - July 26 - 2:00 am

  1. OIL PAN HAD BEEN DROPPED AND NEW GASKET INSTALLED WITH EXCESS GASKET SEALANT WHICH WAS SUCKED UP INTO THE OIL PUMP WHICH REQUIRED A NEW ENGINE AT APPROX 10000 MILES. 2. REPAIR AND REPAINTING OF ONE SQUARE FOOT AREA WITH PAINT THAT DID NOT MATCH CAUSING EYESORE. 3. INSUFFICIENT POWER OF BIG 4-CYLINDER ENGINE MAKES IT UNSAFE FOR PASSING.

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  Takes a lickin and keeps on tickin - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By Harry Tasker - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I have had my 96 ford ranger 4x4 for over 2 years now. I bought it with 42,000 miles and have put 23,000 miles on it. I havent had any engine troubles what so ever. The quality of the interior leaves a little to be desired. I have found a few tears in the upholstery. I would suggest getting the 4.0-liter V6. The power is with any extra cost. As far as use and abuse I have hauled hundreds of lbs in the bed (about 16 sheets of drywall) and didn’t have any trouble. I have also had the truck off the ground while driving off road. The gas mileage….. stinks. I get 300 miles off of an 18 gallon tank.

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  Keeps going and going and going... - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By tbone_al - July 23 - 2:00 am

  My Ranger is a dependable every-day vehicle for the past 5+ yrs (I bought it used). Aside from normal wear-and-tear (oil changes, belt replacement, front brakes, tires) the only moneys its cost me is when the stick mysteriously didnt want to work anymore. Someone at work said the magic words "hydraulic clutch." So I spent $1.19 on a can of fluid and filled the clutch reservoir. Good as new. I may buy a rice burner for the daily commute to save on gas, but this little truck isnt leaving my possesion until the wheels fall off.

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  True mileage - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Darrell Berning - July 19 - 3:22 pm

  Check maintenance records. Have replaced every seal and gasket on vehicle. I am the original owner of vehicle and pickup was very will maintained.

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  Impressive - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By nface - July 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 98 Ranger in 2000 with just under 27,000 miles on it. So far we havent had many problems with it. The door ajar sensor on the drivers side had to be replaced but that was due to poor installment of an aftermarket alarm. When I got it, it had the wrong taillights on it (i should have inspected it more throughly) and the turn signals werent even hooked up! So I immediately returned it and they replaced them right away. Had to replace the serpentine belt at 30,000 miles which seems a tad early. I used it to haul my Harley to Connecticut and back and it ran flawless. Thumbs up!

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  A Great Ride - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By Nobes - July 16 - 2:00 am

  I got my Ranger when I was 19. It has been a great truck. YEAYEAYEA