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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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Ranger still #1 - 2003 Ford Ranger
By ranger fan - January 29 - 10:00 amIf you are tall like me, the supercab is the way to go. Even with the seats all the way back you still have plenty of room to fit a suitcase or groceries with ease. However, it isnt very comfortable for an adult...Children fit nicely though. The acceleration is very nice! Merging into busy traffic or passing that slow driver in the fast lane isnt as nerve racking as driving in a 4 cylinder would be. Great buy!!!
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My New Ranger - 2004 Ford Ranger
By Fordman - January 11 - 2:00 amThe truck is beautiful, comfortable, and most important powerful. It meets my needs and expectations for the truck its size and Im glad I went with no other.
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My First Pickup Truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
By JerseyKev - December 23 - 2:00 amThis truck is very,very clean and fun to drive. I bought the 4 cyl.,so,the power is a little lax.Next time,Im going to get one with 4 wheel drive,simply because typically,pickups have no rear weight,and it can be a real hassle in the snow and ice.The interior is quite tight,but I only use it for back and forth to work,so it doesnt really matter.But,I really love the way it looks.It is easily the best looking pickup on the road,and has Fordsreputation for solid trucks.
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Fun Little Truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
By Robert Moulton - December 12 - 10:00 amI like the bold styling of the Edge package, and the quick response of the 5-speed/3.0 6 cyl engine.. The Sonic Blue metallic paint job is a real head turner.. The 6-cd am/fm stereo system has a really clean sound....
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2003 ranger xl. auto + air - 2003 Ford Ranger
By algis matas - October 30 - 10:00 amno problems at all so far, good value for the money for basic transportation + light hauling duties.
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2003 ranger edge - 2003 Ford Ranger
By oxmill - October 30 - 10:00 amthis is my 3rd ranger. i really like the truck. my first was 1999 xlt, the 2nd a 2001 xlt, and my 3rd is an edge 2wd. my only problem with the vehicles has been with the brakes. my first two rangers had to have the brake rotors turned at 25,000 miles which seemed a little early.
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Seats! - 2004 Ford Ranger
By vols - October 24 - 10:00 amThis is a good little truck, but the seat suck. I have the 3.0L not enough power and poor miles. The 4.0L I had get the same mieage with much better performance.
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Basic Ford Ranger - 2002 Ford Ranger
By mike874 - October 16 - 10:00 amGood to drive and economical. Worksmanship under hood is unimpressive and not well thought out. Hoses and vacuum lines are routed very poorly - not likely to be reliable. Sheetmetal edges are poorly finished and sharp. 2.3L engine and 5 speed has pep but no power, the price of good fuel economy (Ford 6 cyl are guzzlers while 4 cyl sip fuel).
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Great Ride AND Dependable - 2001 Ford Ranger
By JSUGRADUATE - October 10 - 10:00 amI am very pleased with my Edge. It is head and shoulders above other small trucks.
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Good Price Solid Truck! - 2003 Ford Ranger
By Mr. Stuffy - October 5 - 10:00 amNice truck...the $3k back from Ford and dealer $ made the truck a great buy. 5 speed works well with the 3.0 l engine. AC and Heat are fast! So far no problems and it was nice that Ford called twice to make sure all is well. Engine layout is logical and easy to access from top and bottom. No wind noice....very strong method of securing the window.
