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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  A Great Truck! - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By spencer - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Since owning my baby, Ive never had a problem. I love my truck and have taken it just about everywhere. For a small truck, it can pull quite a bit. The only drawback I have noticed is the fuel economy, but there is a price to pay with everything! After driving a Toyota with no power at all, I knew that this was the truck for me!

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  My review - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By ljscmm - June 9 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is one of the worst Ive ever had. I had to get a complete tune up at 45,000 miles. I will never own another Ford. I also had to replace the mechanism that keeps the seat from falling back.

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  Great vehicle - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By DSNIDER - June 6 - 2:00 am

  Ive got to say that i have been very impressed in this vehicle. Ive never been big on fords but i will say that i wouldnt mind buying another one of their products. The only complaints ive had about the truck was when the transmission(5 speed) went out around 127,000 miles. I had it replaced for under $1000. Overall it gets good gas milage for a truck, its comfortable for what its made for, and it never left me stranded. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  I like my truck - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By fziksman - June 6 - 2:00 am

  Fun truck to drive. Good support in seats. 24 mpg on highway and in town. I feel safe at 80 mph. I keep the tires inflated -)

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  this truck wont die - 1991 Ford Ranger
  By 9.03 - June 5 - 2:00 am

  This truck is the only automobile I have ever owned. Ive never truly liked it as the ride isnt too comfortable, and only has room for two but its been highly reliable. Ive never had a concern for its well being and on numerous occasions have gone well past redline (not sure on that as there is no tach). Ive treated it badly, my brothers (only two other owners) treated it badly, it looks bad thanks to a bad aftermarket paintjob, and gets pretty bad gas mileage 14city/23highway I once decided that if the engine siezed up that my parents would buy me a new car, so i didnt put oil in for 6 months (im guessing 7,000 miles) but the engine never quit.

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  I dont want it anymore!!! - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By readytosell - June 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive had numerous problems with this vehicle. I had to replace the tranny at 38k miles and I know 3 others who have had to replace their transmissions on their 99 or 2000 Rangers at under 40k. Horrible! There is also a terrible knock in the engine that Ford claims is "normal." I cant afford to upgrade right now, but I think Im going to sell it and buy something better for teh same cost, like a 97 4runner.

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  Passed a Rollover - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Gina Walker - June 5 - 2:00 am

  My husband totalled his Ranger last Friday. In the accident, the truck rolled several times down a hill and landed on its top. Though this site has no ratings for rollover testing, the truck held up unbelievable well. The cab remained virtually untouched. Luckily, he walked out without a scratch! Of course, he had on his seatbelt. Built Ford Tough.

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  Lives up to Its Reputation - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By Charlie Johnson - June 4 - 2:00 am

  After reading consumer reports and other reviews of small pickups, I wanted a Ranger ext. cab. They are in short supply in the used market and I was finally able to find one owned by a retired couple. With the 2.3 litrert engine its not a speed demon but cruises easily on highway and freeway. the interior dash is nice and uncluttered with controls easy to reach. A very comfortable ride on pavement and dirt.

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  Still going... - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Get In and GO! - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I got this truck with 68K on it. It had been my Dads and I sold my 93 regular cab at 90K. It has never been in the shop, save for minor stuff...a starter, an exhaust, a thermostat, etc. It has been well-maitained obviously, but it gets its fair share of miles (about 17K/yr.). People STILL ask about it when I am driving it..."Wow, nice truck, etc". So, at almost 140,000 miles, it is still an absolute great, reliable vehicle that looks good, runs good and has a ton of life left in it from all indications. I would have to say that you would be hard pressed to find a better vehicle in this category. A classic lives on...

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  Can I trade this for a toyota? - 1992 Ford Ranger
  By buystockinnapa - May 31 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 92 Ranger gently used with a little over 40,000mi (not bad for a six year old truck). I was well pleased with it until about 5,000mi later, then I was faced with a constant onslaught of minor to not-so-minor repairs. Long story short, I have put in two engines, a tranny, a starter, an alternator, water-pump, heater core, radiator, the a/c is broke, turn signals dont work, gas gauge read "E" all the time, etc. Need I go on? Oh, yeah, Im shopping for a Toyota Tundra.