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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  This will make you a Ford Man - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By KLL - July 15 - 2:00 am

  This truck has been great to me. There has been very minor stuff gone wrong (ceter console button broke) but has been cheap to replace. I am 62 and there is room to spare. Very reliable. My truck has over 140k and is running great. Only thing I wish is it had a bit more power (mine is a four cylinder) and that first gear is a bit longer)

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  1999 ranger xlt 4dr - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Rah - July 13 - 2:00 am

  Ive had nothing but problems with my ford inc, fire in electical, front suspension problems, engine pings, abs doesnt work all the time!

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  Best Truck I have ever owned - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By RangerNJ - July 10 - 2:00 am

  I own a 2000 ford Ranger XLT 4X4 With the 4dr extended cab. I originally bought this truck as a secondary vechile and I ended up selling my other brand new car and making this my primary vechile. My vechile is only two years old and I have over 65,000 miles on it and I love it, I cant wait till I can buy a new one I like the style of the new ones.

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  Check them starter cables!!!! - 1992 Ford Ranger
  By doublej - July 9 - 2:00 am

  As of July 2002, I am on my 2nd Starter in 2 months...the mechanic finally figured out the cables were bad. Overall...its a dependable truck...however, the absence of simple cup holders is a major drawback. A little slow out of the starting gate when running the air conditioner. Replacement mirrors (outside door) cost a small fortune to replace. If you are experiencing starter problems...replace the cables as well!

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  great truck! - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By sinner_saved - July 9 - 2:00 am

  Ok, its a little small, but I could always rely on this truck. I hauled music equipment, mountain bikes, and people in this bad boy, and Im talking TRIPS! I had no reservations about taking it far from home for a getaway, and it was perfect for me and my girlfriend. Dont get this if you have kids, or if youre a big and tall type. The 93 ranger is WAY reliable and super easy to maintain. I would advise to get the king cab, however. It is a SMALL truck!

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  Average For a Truck - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By concernedbuyer - July 9 - 2:00 am

  I loved my truck being a woman and seated higher up from other cars. It was comfortable for my bad back and held up well. I started having major problems at 116,000. It was a 5 speed manual and one day the stick decided not to work when shifting. I maintained it very well always did the reccommended maintenance on it. I must say the best thing about this truck was the original tires lasted me almost 5 1/2 years before I had to replace all four. My husbands car is a 91 Toyota Tercel and he only had to do oil changes on it, compared to my truck. I think we will stick to Toyotas.

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  BUY USED TRUCKS... - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Daves - July 9 - 2:00 am

  With common sense and a "inspection service" we manage to keep our family in late model vehicles at a fraction of the cost of the "Joness next door". Our Ranger was added to our fleet for $4700, he paid $15700 in 98. This Ford has been our best value so far, next is our 96 Town Car for $6900...

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  sweet truck - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By adema - July 7 - 2:00 am

  very nice truck would recomend it to anyford buyer very afective in off road situations

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  A Fun Little Truck. - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By el4n6dir - July 6 - 2:00 am

  This truck has been my everyday truck for 8 years. I have had no major mechanical problems over those eight years. The interior of the truck has hardly aged at all. The engine and transmission have needed no work. All of the repairs that have been made have been the result of regular wear and tear.

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  Ranger XLT 4 door - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Mike L - July 4 - 2:00 am

  attractive truck...4.0 engine in 1999 is disappointing compared to the SOHC offeredin 2002. well styled, comfortable, reliable in all weather, very comfortable for a truck