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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  Been a good truck - 1990 Ford Ranger
  By Mike R - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the truck for 9 yrs - bought it used in 93. Have 150K miles. Ive replaced RABS valve, fuel reg, P/S pump, water pump. A/C has leaked down, probably compressor seal. Overall, I like the truck. The engine is strong, and the truck does well off-road, although I did replace the auto-locking hubs with Warn manual hubs.

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  Great Truck - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By KK - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck with 76,000 miles know it has 84,321 miles. It is a great truck the only problems I have had is the Master and Slave fails but owell I is great off-road even you know it has 4 cylinder. It is still is a powerful engine.

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  THE truck - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By jlg2525 - May 4 - 2:00 am

  My Ranger is extremely reliable. Im not a college student and I learned how to drive a standard on this truck, and it STILL works great - 90,000+ miles.

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  Cant kill this truck - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Boe123 - May 2 - 2:00 am

  It seems the more you work a Ford to death the longer it lasts. After laying to rest my older Ford Ranger diesel I purchased my stripped down 4 cylinder long bed in 1993. After severly beating on this truck with my needs and others it is still going strong in 2002. Other than changing the clutch and routing maitenance it is still going strong. Dont baby these trucks. They can take it.

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  expect problems - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By brandonm - May 2 - 2:00 am

  the ranger is an attractive pick-up that means well, it just had horrible engineers. ive only put on 20,000 miles on mine in the last 3 years (52,000-72,000) and cant believe the problems ive had. ive been stranded, oil changes bring a list of things that need to be fixed, and new electrical problems almost regularly. fuel-pump died on a road-trip leaving my wife and me stranded. after returning home the check engine light came on again and the canister also had to be replaced. not cheap. had to replace all ball- joints, another $700. this shouldnt be happening on a truck with 70,000 miles on it. ill never buy a ford again because of my experience with this truck.

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  Good stuff - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By Fred by the lake - April 26 - 2:00 am

  I have been very happy with my XL long bed. It has always been reliable, with nice interior, relatively smooth ride. I have also had probs with the dome light and door chime staying on from time, particularly in hot weather. Ditto the check engine light. If someone has a good solution, pls e- mail.

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  Best Truck Ive ever owned - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By John Cato - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Best Truck Ive ever owned--dont need to say more.

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  Great Truck - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By John R. Roundy - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Had a Toyota before and this truck beats the pants off it in every catagory. It was priced less too.

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  94 Ranger 4x4 - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By rbellew - April 24 - 2:00 am

  This has been the best all around vehicle I have ever owned. It had 68K on the odometer when I bought it, and didnt look really well maintained. It now has 192K and has been nearly flawless. It has the 4.0 V6, 327 gears, and 5-speed tranny its good for 18 mpg around town and up to 25 mpg on the highway. Runs strong at 75+ on the interstate. I highly recommend it to anyone.

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  Bearings shot at 30,000 miles - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By BadBearings@30k - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I expected better quality from my Ranger. My front bearings started grinding around 23,000 miles and now I have to replace them at 30,000.