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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  Who needs luxory - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By Dr. Witt - April 8 - 9:09 pm

  I love all these people that complain about how the ranger is simple and outdated. Technology means nothing when your vehicle is in the shop because the state of the art traction control system has a computer malfunction. This truck is always reliable because of its simplicity which is reflected in the low price. You can easily spend more money for a Toyota Tacoma but at the end of the day the ranger is more reliable and will get you from a to b for less money. They are also very easy to do self repairs on which also saves money. If you want luxury buy a lexus they cost just about the same as one of those loaded cushy f150s

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  Best value/most honest pick-up out there - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By Kurt - April 8 - 9:43 am

  I purposely looked for and purchased a base XL 4WD regular cab pick-up. Mine came from a N.C. dealer who used E-bay as the primary sales tool. My expectations were rather low because of the heavily discounted price and the low equipment level, but I was happily surprised. For such an old design, the basic utility and honesty of this truck really stands out. Im completely satisfied.

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  Retirement service - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By indianavince - April 7 - 10:02 am

  I bought this 1995 4.0 5speed Ranger 5 years ago. It was cheap had 228,000 miles and I wasnt expecting much. Well its 2010, I replaced the rear spring shackles as they rusted away. I have over loaded it with gravel and fill dirt many times, pull my boat and change the oil once a year as I use it for around town hauling and mucking about. I pull my sailboat 60 miles at a time. This is the Ever- ready bunny truck. No issues other than those wiper gremlins. Body is NOT rusting. 4.0 V6 showing now signs of age, and the ABS sure works well in the Indiana winters.

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  135,000+ miles and runs great - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Rich - April 5 - 11:31 pm

  Sometimes i think people just have bad luck or something. Ive noticed a couple bad reviews and just dont understand. I bought my ranger used in 2000 with 23,000 miles on it and it now has 135,000+ miles on it and still runs awesomely. Ive only had to change the tires, muffler, clean and replace the mass airflow sensor, brakes/rotors, and thats it. Thats all crap, you need to replace regardless of what you drive. Hell, Im even very bad about changing my oil! I think Ive even gone nearly 2 years without changing the oil! My ranger is by far my favorite vehicle purchase. It keeps ticking and NEVER lets me down.

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  Love My Ranger - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By sjaj1 - March 25 - 11:47 am

  I have a 2001 Ford Ranger 4x4 and the front end is shaking real bad. The steering wheel at 30 mph moves from side to side about a 1/2". I checked for wheel weights, they are all there. I am thinking ball joints, tie rod or tie rod ends. Sometimes in excess of 60 mph feels like wheel may come off.

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  The blue ghost - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By raymondlatulippe@yah - March 21 - 11:12 pm

  My name is rayray I got my ranger in 2002 love at first site xlt supercab 3.0 v6 5 speed automatic bright island blue it is only a4x2 never got stuck. I live in mass how about 6 to 8 inches of snow no problem. I put 20s chromes and a chip but it is very rough on the trany I also put bilstien shocks and fuel injection this truck is a looker i have 66,500 miles on it. Iwant to do a lot more to her. The best way is to buy one stock and do the add-ons yourself. You will glad you did great truck my girl says I spend more time with the ghost than her haha she is right. So go buy a Ford ranger you will be glad you did. Rayray!

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  The best truck ever - 1990 Ford Ranger
  By Miller - March 18 - 4:22 pm

  I bought a 1990 ranger ex-cab in 2005 it had 80,000 original miles on it then. I drove that truck in every terrain think able. And it never quit. It was a real nice rig for the price. I bought it for 2500 and sold it in 2009 for 1900 cash. I over 1000,000 miles on it and it only had a few minor hick-ups. Sold it b/c my family out grew it. But I wish I still had it. Best truck ever

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  Will probably never get rid of it - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By zephyr - March 16 - 10:31 am

  Bought this truck used fresh out of college with 16,500 miles on it. It now has over 140,000 and I have loved every mile. Not going to win any races but still a lot of fun to drive. Hated to hear Ford was going to discontinue the Ranger! Great truck for 20 somethings! Dont drive it much now that I have a family but get it out as much as I can. Oil, tires, and brakes are all that I have had to replace. Even the interior still looks good. With proper care it should be good for several hundred thousand more miles.

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  AWESOME! - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By CustomRanger - March 13 - 8:04 pm

  I bought my 93 ranger in October. Ive made many mods to this truck and the only thing that i found is horrible is the twin i beam front suspension. Other than that its great on gas, looks (with work. mine has a 2.3 engine 5 spd manual.

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  Great Truck - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By razorback49 - March 12 - 9:00 pm

  We bought this little truck in Phoenix Arizona off a little mom and pop lot. Ranger XLT, Tonneau cover, 15 inch American racing wheels. It had 77,000 on it when we bought it and now has 126,500 and still going strong. Only thing we had to do to it was replace a front rotor and pads. Just had all the fluids changed and not a glitch to date. Once we moved to Oklahoma found out real quick, doesnt move in snow forget it if it is 2 wheel drive but then again that is normal for a little pick up anyway. We are going to drive this one till it is duct taped together and maybe get a 4 x 4 Ranger next time. Extended cab or supercab so the beagles can ride too!