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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  B2200 Vs Ranger - 2010 Ford Ranger
  By X Mazda owner - January 14 - 11:01 pm

  I drove a 1991 Mazda B2200 for 238,000 miles. I decided to buy a new truck and settled on the Ford, which is supposed to be the same as Mazda. The Mazda had 94 horspower, the Ranger claims 148. On the same trip I have driven a 100 times with the Mazda, the Ranger couldnt pull the same hills without slowing down. It has higher gearing so it cant pull like the Mazda did. On some sections of bad road it handles very badly, kinda like skips. Quality is a bit sloppy. there were burrs on the door handles, on the steering wheel, and down under where you grab the emergency brake lever. The cover on the steering wheel that covers the air bag, has a gap that caught my coat sleeve button, not good.

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  Awesome Ride - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By James - January 13 - 6:08 pm

  Bought for $2,800 with 118k miles. Have never had a problem except with neutral safety switch not making contact and shifter knob coming off (its the 5 speed manual 2.3L). Runs great and is very fun to drive. Im not a big fan of the sag in the front, but that seems standard with most rangers of the time. It has problems with uphills but nothing major. You can get some serious bounce and slide out of the back which is fun on occasion. I have never gotten lower than 24.3 miles to the gallon and I keep up with it everytime I fill up. It came with 14 inch rims which is a shame because there are not that many off road tires for that size, but i can always upgrade. all in all, an awesome truck!

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  Disappointed - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Kevin Wolbert - January 12 - 8:36 pm

  I have owned 3 Ford Ranger pick up trucks and this 4.0L truck was the worst vehicle I have ever owned. This 2000 Ranger with a 4.0 L and 4 wheel drive was awfully. Bad gas mileage and very poor reliability. I had to replace the head gasket at 100,000 miles and now the engine block is cracked. I bought this truck used and I am not sure how the previous owner took care of vehicle. I always change the oil ever 3000 miles and tried to maintain the vehicle. Unless Ford builds a better truck I will look at other brands before I ever consider another Ranger.

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  Like and Old Friend - 2010 Ford Ranger
  By Cobber - January 10 - 7:50 pm

  I just bought my new Ranger, and I must say it is like an old friend all ready. The style is old but classic, and looks like a truck should. I was surprised at the power of the V6 engine, although the fuel mileage is a little disappointing so far. I understand that fuel economy will improve with break in. I hope Ford will keep this truck in its lineup.Its sales are as good as the F150.

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  Road legal ATV ??? - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By SaskSaint - January 7 - 10:40 am

  Bought new as my second Ranger. Loved my first one. I am a short fella 5.7" and this truck fits me great, with one exception. The drivers seat can be uncomfortable on long trips due to high front edge causing leg cramps. Running on cruise, when possible, greatly improves comfort. The engine is a jewel with great personality. Nice little truck off road, works well in tight places. Pulls my boat and wood trailer like nothing. I hear a lot of whining about fuel consumption and I am not too unhappy with mine. I have done as high as 26 mpg but average 22/24 on highway at 100k, or less. I would like a longer box option, say 7 foot , for hauling ATV as this little box is rammed full with a bike on.

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  Great Little Truck! - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Satisfied Driver - January 6 - 2:45 pm

  I recieved this car brand new when I was sixteen in exchange for getting a full ride to college (I was pretty spoiled). I drove it until Christmas 2009 when I got t-boned and they totalled it out. One weird thing: after four wrecks (never give a teenager a new car people!) the air bags have still not deployed. I have never had a head-on collision, which may be the key. The good things: great gas mileage (~20mpg), the bed holds all my junk when I moved in and out of college, and Ive never had to make any major repairs in ten years of owning it. There were two small things, both under $150. Two-seater truck isnt great for a family but it was perfect for me and Ill sure miss it!

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  Perfect Present - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Nick Wray - January 5 - 10:26 pm

  After Highschool graduation it was time to upgrade over my 86 Silverado. I knew for a while I wanted a Ranger, Im impressed with way my truck handles and drives. The 3.0 is a good mixture of performance and fuel effiency. Its a solid little truck, that looks as good as it drives. The extended cab is perfect for transporting all my gear to and from school. It can hold all my fishing and camping supplies inside, out of the elemets. The Edge package gives it an awesome stance. I opted for the 2 wheel drive, over the 4 simply for the fact that I dont plan on doing any serious off-roading in it.I upgraded the head unit and rear speakers, simply because Im going through my loud music phase.

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  Love my Ranger - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By bisjoe - January 1 - 12:55 pm

  Great little truck, plenty of power to pull and handle heavy loads yet decent mileage. Fun to drive, quality is good with the only warranty issue being a burned out tailite bulb in 36,000 miles.

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  Edmunds - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By Bart Mormino - December 31 - 9:04 am

  Reliable,clean looking,functional. Poor fuel mileage,tires were to small, constantly losing traction,235-75-15 work better than 215-70-15. Rough ride. Transmission always tries to find itself.

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  The best small truck PERIOD - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By jtf - December 27 - 6:58 am

  This is my second ranger. There are 2 others rangers my family has (93&98).These trucks are tough and very reliable. The 2.3 DOHC and 5 spd are great choice 24mpg city and 27 highway and plenty of power( 3rd gear wheel spin). The other trucks have no rust and one has over 200,000 miles. I would have kept my 2001 ranger but I like the added interior space of the supercab.You cant buy a better small truck for the money... period