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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  GREAT TRUCK - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By BRUCE H - April 22 - 2:00 am

  WE SELL 10-15 RANGERS A WEEK AND ALL OF OUR COUSTOMERS LEAVE WITH A SMILE. THIS IS TRULY THE BEST COMPACT TRUCK ON THE ROAD.

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  good small truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By vminghelli - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I spend a lot of time off road this truck does very well .

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  great compact truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By isitever - April 11 - 10:00 am

  this is a great compact truck for the money......just bought a week ago...it had 3000 cash back...how could you go wrong for a 4x4...so far so good.....lots of power with the 4.0 and 5spd auto.it also has lots of options...if your looking for a compact truck then test drive one .....

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  i love this truck - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By imcbeddings - April 11 - 10:00 am

  this truck has great gas mileage and the comfort of a couch in ur house lots of room in the cab a spacious bed soo if u like medium but not small and not huge trucks then this iz the truck 4 u

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  Level II in VA - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By ADIRUBBIO - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Awesome for any outdoor activity known to man. Aftermarket accsessories easier to find and cheaper than that of import trucks. The motor is very strong for a V-6. Tranny is smooth. Revs at about 2700 rpm at 75 mph. Great for gas mileage concerns. Gas mileage is about 250 miles a tank for about $18.00 bucks. That is average DC area traffic. Highway gets around 275-285 a tank.

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  My new ranger FX4 - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By RedRanger - January 22 - 8:10 am

  To start off with I have to say this truck is awesome! I had a 00 Ranger XLT 4x4 and that truck doesnt compare to my new one. With all the features you get with the FX4 package your not left wanting anything more. This is definently the best ranger ever made. I also love the looks I get driving down the road from all the other truck owners, especially since I still havent seen another FX4 on the road yet anywhere.