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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  My Ranger Review - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Metallica - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I love this truck. It drives smooth and it is very powerful. The only thing I would change would to make it get better fuel economy. Other than that I am pleased with my new Ranger.

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  Ranger Edge - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By roldham123tx - September 3 - 2:00 am

  This being the first Ford Product that I have purchased, I must say that I am surprised by the quality of the vehicle. The Ranger Edge Plus is certainly far superior to GMs offering. The ride of the truck is somewhat rough, but then again this is no town car. The vehicle is underpowered with the 3.0L V6 and I would definetly recommend the 4.0L V6. Too bad a V8 option was not available as this would truly round out an otherwise wonderful light truck. The truck comes fairly well equipped in the Edge package and the layout of the vehicle is good. The seats need improvement as they are somewhat uncomfortable on trips lasting longer than 2 hours.

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  You cant beat a Ranger - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By RangerRick - August 23 - 10:00 am

  This is my third brand new Ranger... I went to my Ford dealer and decided to jump on the bandwagon with the great incentives... I didnt NEED a new Ranger, but with over $6000 off sticker and low % financing, it was a steal! I got a Reg cab and was surprised that it is ROOMY!! (I am 62") Notice on the 2001 - 2003s how there is additional cab space between the door and bed - about 4 inches - just enough to make a reg cab have enought room. With the V6 / stick shift the truck is downright fast!

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  1st Ranger a lemon, 2002 Ranger a WIN! - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Old Car Junky - August 8 - 2:00 am

  We had a 2000 Ranger 3.0 that was a lemon. We gave Ford one more chance and looked for a 4.0 5-speed automatic to avoid any more problems. We wanted a 4.0 auto (no sloppy long-throw shifting) and power group (8 turn crank windows?). We couldnt find one without dumb bed rails, idiotic step bars, bedliner/tonneau, but finally found one. Drives quietly, muscular amount of pep and more ground clearance than competitors. Rangers are outrageous at MSRP, many dealers are doing $5000 off MSRP, take your pick of 15. We were picky about color and not wanting a stick, After six dealers, we ended up giving $17,500 on a $24,700 MSRP.

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  Ford ranger all the way - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Mathew Humphrey - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I have added a dual exhaust system and a K&N air filter and it has made a great truck even better. Wouldnt trade it for the world.

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  great ride - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By jeffrey.j.walters - July 28 - 10:00 am

  good truck, good power from 4.0

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  Like a Rock - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Ace 75 - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Very solid, very confident driving. Wouldnt mind a few extra horses, but pulls boats/trailers with ease.

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  dependable and sporty - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By james stevens - May 10 - 10:00 am

  all around good little truck

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  Yippy - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Dadam Avis - April 27 - 2:00 am

  Within the first year, its been in for 3 recalls, 2 check engine lights and I had to have the left front half shaft replaced and the front brake discs turned. I hate the 5 speed auto trans, it doesnt seem to know what to do with itself. This is my 3rd Ranger and although I prefer the TTB suspension,and even with the problems, this is still a good truck.

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  Great truck - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By John C - April 27 - 2:00 am

  I leased a 2001 Ranger Edge 4x4 for three years. Problems I have had seem to be common according to the other reviews. The gas guage is inaccurate, the mileage could be better, the power windows have been worked on for the skipping and jumping problem while going down, and the drive shaft had to be replaced.It also had to have a sensor that runs the egr valve replaced. I still love the truck though. It does turn alot of heads. I have had it off-road twice and it performed flawlessly even when I thought I was pushing it over a little, and our northeast Ohio snow has proven to be no match for this truck.