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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  Twelve year old Ranger - 1990 Ford Ranger
  By nulpro - April 22 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable. Had 1 major repair second year that was covered by waranty. Not fast accelerating but good torque.

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  Shes a Great Little Truck - 1992 Ford Ranger
  By susiecreamcheese - April 20 - 2:00 am

  Bought new, frequent oil changes, no repairs until 103,000 miles when I replaced the brakes. Now, at 135,000 I put in a new clutch, replaced the timing belt and water pump, and were set to go. Engine compression is still perfect. This 4-cylinder truck has done a lot of long-distance traveling and still averages 22 mpg.

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  00 Ford Ranger XLT: One Perfect Pickup! - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By JasonT - April 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Ranger in late August/ early September 01. The mileage was about 24k and it was still in excellent condition. The overall look of the truck was one of the main reasons why I bought it. Another reason was because I liked the fact that there was a Flex-Fuel engine in it. Even with just 150 horses, this engine moves the Ranger along like there is no tomorrow! Since I have purchased it, I have installed a hood deflector which makes this truck look simply beautiful! I couldnt ask for a better truck.

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  A Good Truck - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By cmenchen - April 14 - 2:00 am

  I needed a pickup ruck for light hauling, ie. lawn tractor, snowmobile, etc. The bed, while not as big as a full size has plenty of room for everything I need. It is very menuvarable and has good visability. It has the 3.0L V6 Automatic trans. which seems lacking in pep for a 6 cylinder. Gas mialage is about 16 mph, which I hear is good for a pickup truck but seems a little on the low side to me. All in all this is a great truck with plent of room in front and enough room in the extended cab for a car seat or any odds and ends you want to tote around without getting wet.

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  Transmission - 1990 Ford Ranger
  By Jonathon Goff - April 12 - 2:00 am

  I have a 1990 ford Ranger and have had to replace the trans twice and the engine once part of it is probably the 16 year old in me but now i am 20 but as far as the engine goes that is becuase of the transmission going out the engine is good but dont trust the Trans overall it has been a good truck

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  I love this truck! - 1991 Ford Ranger
  By electricgreen - April 12 - 2:00 am

  Since buying the truck, I have had few problems. I have replaced wear items, like brakes and the muffler, as well as a head gasket. The truck now has 127,000 miles. It has performed its duties as daily transportation and work truck well. It has driven us back and forth to work, as well as hauled building materials for home repairs without fault.

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  1997 Ford Ranger 2 DR XLT SB - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Officer_ndogg - April 7 - 3:00 am

  This is a good truck as long as you dont need a lot of power or room. The 4Cyl engine is weak and provides slow acceleration, though fuel economy is good. If you get the 4Cyl, get the 5- speed or it will be slower than a dump truck. This truck handles very well and rides decent, for a truck. The interior is very cramped, though heardroom shouldnt be a problem. Build quality is not bad, especially for a truck. Towing with the 4Cyl is out of the question. Not a bad truck for the everday commute, but for work duty it wouldnt be very usefull.

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  Satisfied if not Inspired - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By Content - April 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck with the 3.0 V6 wanting dependability and high utility I wanted reasonable milage and power. I had did not expect high performance from this truck. I have had few problems nothing that stranded me. Maintenance parts are reasonably priced and available. I can depend on my truck to get me where I need to go day in and day out. The only real disappointment has been the performance of the 3.0. The mileage has been good but the acceleration is not much beyond the 2.3. I also have always been forced to use premium gas if I want to avoid serious knocking.

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  Will Never Sell My Ranger - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By Silverky51 - April 4 - 2:00 am

  Before my father bought my Ranger 2 DR XLT Extended Cab, I had never owned a truck. Ill never have another truck but this Ranger. It has never let me down and lives up to Fords reputation for building a tough a truck, even if it is a small truck. Ive taken numorous trips in it and its been a delight to drive and the comfort of the 60/40 seats keeps me happy. Its a true joy to drive on the open roads, handles very well, as it does on country back roads. It drives like a truck should drive, yet you dont feel like youre being beaten to death. I work for a local V.E.T. center (Vehicle Emission Testing) and its VERY rare to see a Ranger fail the required testing standards.

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  "95 ranger xl - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By damon - April 3 - 2:00 am

  realativly good experience. Having problems w/ dome light staying on and from what a hear this is a common problem. Otherwise a fun truck