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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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 1491 through 1500 of 1,516.00-
Ok Truck but only Ok - 1999 Ford Ranger
By mARIETTA - March 11 - 10:00 amNot much fun to drive and the 3.0 does not have very much power. But its a good value and holds its value pretty well. Watch for the special finance and lease programs, they can turn a good value into a darn good deal.
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Ford Ranger??? - 2004 Ford Ranger
By BobViking - February 4 - 10:00 amLet see, Two accessory belt changes by 19,000 mi. Torsion bars were miss aligned, had to return twice to get them to look at it and finally correct. Found damage to under carriage (probably during shipment) would not even look at or acknowledge. Another dealership, Beau Townsend Ford in Ohio, asked "You didnt buy it here did you?" When I brought it in for service. I wanted a Chevy S-10 ext.cab, but they went to only one seat in the rear on 2003, because of three door style. I dreaded buying a Ford, now I know why. Theyre service dept.s are poor rated if you are in for warranty work, or didnt buy your truck from there. Never buy a Ford again.
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Its a beauty - 2002 Ford Ranger
By Avcat - January 21 - 10:00 amMy Ranger FX4 is black with black interior. It gets many compliments plus turns more than a few heads. This Ranger is eguiped with a manual transmission and I especially like the manual transfer case. The shifters are chrome with brushed chrome molding around their base. The 4.0L could still use at least 40 additional HP tho, especially with the larger tires. I love this truck. Wouldnt change a thing...
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I love my Ranger - 2002 Ford Ranger
By sohc2001 - January 17 - 2:33 pmThis vehicle gets used as a primary work/play vehicle, as well as Fire Dept. response. I have the 4.0 for peformance reasons, it runs great.
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This is the last one... - 2001 Ford Ranger
By 3rd Ranger - November 27 - 2:00 amWell, this is my 3rd ranger... and my last. My first was a 93 XL short bed, flawless! In 1999 I turned it in for a new 99 ranger because it didnt have A/C. Turned it in at the end of the lease looking forward to the new 2001 with the big new 4.0. Enjoyed it for about a month, then the noises started. The front brakes began to squeal, the vibrations got worse, unsteady end erratic engine idle (from ~700rpm to ~2200rpm), constant knocking from the front axles, extremely poor gas milage (roughly 15mpg), spotty engine starting, manual transmission got loose and clunky very quickly.
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Great Choice! - 2004 Ford Ranger
By NA - November 4 - 2:00 amI have this truck! Ive had no problems and outperforms in performance, torque, and towing compaired to foreign trucks. In addition...is much less expensive!
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2001 Edge 4WD 4DR. - 2001 Ford Ranger
By jb3 - November 2 - 10:00 ami have the 4.o liter auto. with a gear ratio in the rear end for towing. this is a great combo. Great power and get up and go. Interior is very well thought out and fits my 6-3 frame very well with room to spare.
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Base Ranger, Great Value - 2002 Ford Ranger
By CA Ranger - October 28 - 10:00 am2002 base Ranger a GREAT value. $8,988 sale price at Hayward Ford, Hayward CA ($13,175 sticker - 1,600 dealer discount -2,500 Ford rebate) $10,150 out the door. If its reliable, should be a good deal.
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Fixed or Repaired Daily - 2001 Ford Ranger
By killerspeed - October 15 - 2:00 amSo far I am on my 3rd set of tires in 30K miles. Bad egr, both window motors went bad, tranny bolts fell out, power steering leaking all over the place, now there is oil in the antifreeze-BAD HEAD!
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Great Truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
By givedamony - October 5 - 10:00 amI always wanted a supercab if i bought a truck. I only qualified to buy a single cab truck and i bought the Ford Ranger Single Cab Edge 5spd 3.0 6 cyl. I have had it not even a total of 24 hours and i am in love...
