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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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:
Showing 1471 through 1480 of 1,516.00-
High on Value. Low on Gimmicks. - 2003 Ford Ranger
By jesse janzen - September 22 - 2:00 amThis is my 3rd Ranger. I just cant find another vehicle in the under $15,000 price range, car or truck, that I like more. This vehicle does everything right: payments are affordable; interior is roomy and comfortable; fuel economy is good; load capacity is more than youd think; its easy and fun to drive; it looks good inside and out; and--best of all--its TOTALLY RELIBLE. This truck seems ideal for a single person who only wants to operate one vehicle. This truck does it all! Its no wonder my friends and family always want to borrow my truck.
-
Great Truck - 1999 Ford Ranger
By S.N. - September 3 - 10:00 amIm very impressed with this truck. It rides very smooth for a p.u. and handles nicely. I really like the design (interior and exterior). The 4.0 engine is more than enough power to do most jobs.
-
Good bye - 2002 Ford Ranger
By Ford man U.S.A - September 3 - 2:00 amI bought my ranger edge last year and I love it.I really like the performance.I am a competitive person so I like to race here and there and I have to tell you I have friends who have all types of trucks.I never lost to a toyota tacoma 3.4,supercharged nissan,chevy s- 10 or even the 4.7 dodge.They were all equally equipped.The dodge was the closest but still behind,and this is no lie,we all dragged at an NHRA track.Must be the 4.10 gears and 5 spd.auto.also lighter.
-
Wahoo, I got a Truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
By Zim - September 3 - 2:00 amEngine is powerful and has good torque. Seems to be engine rattle when cold passing through first and second gear.
-
2000 ranger - 2000 Ford Ranger
By Ray Orlowski - August 22 - 2:03 pmI had to tow my son exployer with this truck.
-
Yet another Ranger - 2003 Ford Ranger
By Texas driver - August 16 - 2:00 amThis is our 7th or so Ranger since 1990. All of our Rangers have given us superb dependability. The Level II is the best yet with very good handling, good power, the extra cab space we wanted, good comfort, and a blast to drive. It has the feel that real sports cars used to. The Level IIs handling is noticably better than the regular FX4.
-
mileage stinks - 2004 Ford Ranger
By mikeydontlikey - July 30 - 10:00 amthe truck is great. but the gas mileage that it gets is really bad. i have yet to get over 240 miles on a tank of gas and thats driving mostly freeway going to and from work. no i wont recomend this vehicle to anyone unless they love spending money on fuel.
-
BUILT FORD TOUGH??????? - 2004 Ford Ranger
By earl - July 24 - 2:00 amIt is a stylish fun vehicle. It has good pickup, a good sound system and is reliable. I am a homebuilder, and the body is like a tin can....No solidness about this vehicle. If you get stuck, there is no place to tow from. I put a bed liner in so it doesnt seem so flimsy (chinsy). I like the vehicle, but I am disappointed that being as non- solid as it appears, that the vehicle does not get better mpg. I drive 80% hiways, and have NEVER gotten over 20 mpg.
-
THE BEST TRUCK!!! - 2004 Ford Ranger
By likwidsndsj - July 24 - 2:00 amI love this truck, it is my first truck and i just got it. for being a girl i didnt think i would like a truck but when i first saw the ford ranger i knew it was the truck for me. its comfort and design is only the start of all the great things about this vehicle. the performance of this truck is amazing and i wouldnt trade it in for anything! if you are in the market to buy a new truck, take it from me, a girl, this truck is for you!
-
great truck - 2004 Ford Ranger
By CaptChuck - July 24 - 2:00 amThis is a great truck. I pull a 19 foot bow rider boat with ease. No problems ever.
