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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  Rolling Ranger - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Man-o-man - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Ranger since 93 and its been one of the most reliable trucks Ive owned. It now has 173000 miles and its still going strong. The only major repair Ive had was a hydraulic leak in the transmission 5 years ago. I plan on keeping this one for a lot longer hopefully.

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  Not Many Compaints - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By redranger - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Overall it has been a good truck. It has taken a royal beating and keeps on going. Only problems have been that I lost the cruise control at about 85,000 miles and have to replace the brakeswitch about every six months. The transmission is about shot, but that is to be expected after 125,000. Oh-ya and the AC died last year. It has served its perpose and I will miss it as soon as I can get rid of it.

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  Not Many Compaints - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By RedRanger - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Overall it has been a good truck. It has taken a royal beating and keeps on going. Only problems have been that I lost the cruise control at about 85,000 miles and have to replace the brakeswitch about every six months. The transmission is about shot, but that is to be expected after 125,000. Oh-ya and the AC died last year. It has served its perpose and I will miss it as soon as I can get rid of it.

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  Great and Reliable Truck - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By XTruckChick - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Bought this truck to help with my frequent moves. I bought it in 96 with 56K on it and sold it in 2001 with 135K. Drove it from WI to CA about 3 times, it made it through LA traffic just fine. Only problems I had were normal maintenance, breaks, drive belt, one O2 sensor, etc. (Only qwirk was the A/C clutch froze up (which is included in the path of the drive belt) causing the belt to snap the fan blade and wreck the alternator). But a quick $150 repair and I was back in business! Great truck. Sold it to a friend who is still driving it! I miss it frequently! By far my most favorite vehicle.

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  This truck just will not stop! - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By Fscott - May 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Ford Ranger XLT Extended brand new off the lot. It has a v6 4.0 liter with auto transmission and let me tell you, this thing will not stop. I mean, I have had almost no trouble out of it. Currently it has 161,000 miles on it and idles and runs like it did 100,000 miles ago. My dad bought a Chev S10 2 weeks after I bought the Ranger, and his truck is about to fall apart! I would buy this truck again any day. When Ford states that that they are built Ford tough....beleive it. This thing has been trough it all, and never fails me.

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  I cant kill this truck - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By cheech - May 21 - 2:00 am

  223000 miles and still runs like a watch. For the past year Ive been neglecting it, hoping that Ill be able to replace her. I bored after 200K plus and want a new toy, I just cant justify spending the $$ when my old one still works well.

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  Amazing - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Regan - May 18 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle has 218,000 miles. Oil changed approx every 5,000 miles. Still getting approx 28 mpg. Good rust resistance. Tows a horse trailer, not well, but it gets the job done. A work horse.

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  Maintenance/Repair Nitemare - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Douglas P. Smith - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Major mechanical problems after 70,000 miles. Over $2,044.08 spent on four repair occasions since 2-08-02 (I have receipts). Just had clutch assembly and slave cylinder replaced at 77,012 miles mostly highway miles). U-Joints, Ball Joints, and injectors thermostat and sensors have been replaced. I will never purchase any vehicle maufactured by this company again. I intend to make known to my friends, family and associates the problems I have experienced with this vehicle in order that they not make the same mistake I did. Obviously, Ford trucks arent built tough.

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  Dependable and eye catching - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By Joe Dirt - May 15 - 2:00 am

  This truck has been very reliable espescially considering the miles that are on it. It is a little sluggish on the freeway at times. I have abused it at work for a year a half now and it still looks and runs well.

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  What a piece of junk - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Paul the Ranger Hate - May 13 - 2:00 am

  This truck has got to be in the running for the worst vehicle I have ever owned! The 2.3 L 4 cylinder doesnt provide enough power to get this thing out of its own way. The transmission routinely grinds going into 2nd and thats with a new clutch. The thing is reasonably reliable, but its miserable to drive due to the lack of power. I have lost track of how many times the rotors have been cut and yet theyre warped again within a couple of months. I have other Fords and am quite satisfied with them, but this Ranger is a dog. Avoid it if you have a chance.