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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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:

• 

  Its a keeper! - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By naladraw - March 12 - 11:40 am

  I bought my Ranger in 1997 with only 19000 miles on the 2 year old truck. I have had absolutely no mechanical problems with the truck in the past 5 years. The 5-speed manual transmission paired with the 2.3 L engine can be a little lacking at times. When it comes to comfort I have been satisfied with the bucket seats on long drives. All the inside controls are easy to use. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding the 1995 Ford Ranger.

• 

  92 Ranger XLT, 2wd, 5sp, ext Cab,4 cyl. - 1992 Ford Ranger
  By capecodsalty - March 10 - 1:21 am

  This has been a great truck original Firestone tire lasted 95000 miles at this time I replaced tires wiyh new Firestones, shocks, front brakes. Clutch is original as are the rear brakes.Orinal muffler lasted 85000 mi. I have done nothing to this truck but maintenance, it has never failed me.

• 

  1998 Ranger - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By jrstone - March 8 - 2:52 am

  I have been very happy with my 1998 Ranger. Only been in shop one time in 4 years with very minor problem. This is my 2nd Ranger and will probably buy another one.

• 

  2003 Ranger XL 5 Spd 2.3L - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By dchinn - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Pros: low price ($9700 OTD), full instrumentation, good mpg cons: low power, slow acceleration, choppy turns and cornering.

• 

  BEST COMPACT TRUCK - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By REIDA WESTON - March 7 - 10:00 am

  IV ONLY HAD MY RANGER EDGE FOR ONE MONTH AND I AM SO IMPRESSED WITH IT I KNOW I MADE THE RIGHT DECISION ON PURCHASING THIS TRUCK. ITS FUN TO DRIVE AND EVERYWHERE I GO PEOPLE STARE AT IT. THE EXTERIOR IS SO GOOD LOOKING I CANT BELIEVE ITS A COMPACT TRUCK. I HAD AN EXPLORER BEFORE THIS AND I THOUGHT IT WAS THE BEST VEHICLE IVE EVER OWNED. IT HELPED ME TO DECIDE TO PURCHASE ANOTHER FORD. I BOUGHT GM FOR 30 YEARS AND THE LAST THREE WAS NOT IMPRESSIVE. THE ONLY PART I AM "NOT HAPPY" WITH IS THE GAS MILEAGE. MY EXPLORER GOT 21-22 MILES PER GALLON AND THIS SMALL TRUCK GETS ONLY 15-19. I HAVE THE FUEL FLEX 3.0 V6.

• 

  truk rate - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By pete - March 5 - 4:24 pm

  truck performs as good as itlooks i have logged 500000 miles only change oil brakes

• 

  1993 Ford Range XLT - Owned Since New - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By elr- Cedar Rapids - March 4 - 4:07 pm

  I purchased this truck new in 1993. Since purchasing it, the only semi major repair has been the optional replacement of the throw out bearing went out after 4 years. The truck just had its first new set of spark plugs installed at 84,000 miles. The only complaint has been the rapid wearing of front tires. And an ABS light that went on, (and has stayed on) in 1996. The body is still in great shape with no rust. The paint looks as good as new and the interior has no signs of wear.

• 

  cheap, reliable little truck - 1990 Ford Ranger
  By big al - March 3 - 8:37 am

  If your looking for a reliable, easy on fuel (2.3 liter) pick up truck I recommend a ford ranger. I have owned the truck for two years and did not put one cent in repairs.

• 

  It is not a Toyo! - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By peterMC - March 2 - 10:34 pm

  Have had some annoying electrical and emission problems that keep needing to get fixed.

• 

  Many Small Electrical Problems - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By Hurls - February 18 - 12:49 am

  This has been a great truck but I have had many little electrical problems. It started when I tried to use the 4WD for the first time. It didnt work and dealer said the electronic components were never installed at the factory. In 2000 the wipers quit working (electrical problem). In 2001 the door ajar alarm will not shut off and the windshield wash will not work. I think I will try a different make next time.