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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  Not bad - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Jason94519 - December 26 - 6:48 pm

  Had the truck for a little over a year, put almost 12,000 miles on it and not a hitch. Bought it with 142,000 and was a bit weary, but got a great cost and I know the Ranger reputation to be good.

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  217K miles still runs great - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Mad Drew - December 23 - 6:41 pm

  What can I say? 217K miles so far and still going strong. 2.5L engine, 5 spd manual. Changed the timing belt & clutch at 155K and checked everything....solid little truck. The interior is getting some wear, the ball joints will probably need replacing soon as will the shocks (hey, > 200K miles on ORIGINAL parts aint bad) but the truck burns NO oil, still has decent power (tho Im sure the compression has to be down a bit...) and rides fine. Paint still pretty good, and the interior, tho showing some wear, still is decent. Heck, think Ill buy another one...

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  Its aight - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Andrew - December 23 - 5:58 pm

  I bought my Ranger from my Uncle who kept it in top shape. I have had it a little over a year now and it has 71,000 miles on it. My biggest complaint has to be the traction, this thing spins on spit. Mechanically the only issues that I am having is the idle air control needed to be replaced $90.00, easy do it yourself though. My a/c pump engages all the time, even when the a/c and defrosters arent on. Dont know what that issue is, never bothered me enough to have it checked out.

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  Just like old times - 2010 Ford Ranger
  By Glenn - December 20 - 6:20 pm

  This is my third Ranger. It is just like my last one, however my last one was a 1994 model. Some may think this is a bad thing but I view it differently. I know that this vehicle will be reliable and when used as intended, it is not a disappointment. This truck was designed when trucks were to be used as trucks and not luxury vehicles. It isnt as refined as its competition but it will do a hard days work at a much more reasonable price. It is like driving a truck from the past but sometimes the past isnt so bad.

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  workhorse 2nd vehicle - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By Tom W - December 19 - 11:38 am

  I bought a new Demo KIA Optima and found the trunk space so lacking that when I saw this little Ranger I bought it without haggling. Great, and since I bought it the KIA just sits and waits with a now dead battery. I find the 2.3 L I-4 lacking in power, but a change of air filter worked wonders, as did dropping TWO tire sizes when I had to replace the tires. MUCH easier and simpler to drive. My one complaint is the clunky manual five speed, and I dont think they make a good one, they all share the same shortcomings. Mileage for such a small engine is so- so. I feel it ought to be better. Otherwise this is a darn good little truck. I note the new ones now offer ONLY two engines

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  good truck - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By Pat Bernier - December 19 - 7:56 am

  MY Ranger is by far the most reliable new vehicle I have ever owned. Yes its dated and yes its much smaller than all other makes but lets face it most people under utilize their big trucks. I can pull over 6000lbs or throw a 4 wheeler in the back with no issues and my truck payment is only 460$ per month and cheep insurance to boot. I love my Ranger and would recommend one to anyone looking for a good truck that is inexpensive to own

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  A 16 Year Olds Dream - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By bigcuntry - December 14 - 8:27 pm

  I had this truck handed down to me from my dad, who has had it from 1996. He bought it from a private owner with 20k +/- , with the cruise control already not functioning. This has not bothered me though, I put about 30+ miles a day driving to school and back. My MPG stands at about 18-19 city, 22-23 hwy with the 3.0 V6. There have been no major issues with the truck, just routine maintenance, such as oil, brakes,fluid levels, etc. There is a oil leak at the universal joint, but its not major. at 110k, It is still going strong and I do not intend for it to quit today, or for that matter, a long time.

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  2002 Ford Ranger Edge- 2 dr - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Pattie - December 11 - 12:53 am

  Only had this truck 1 week and so far I love it. Its definitely has some get up and go, handles well on the road and is comfortable. Fun to drive. I especially like the height of the truck, its almost like being in a full size truck. The truck handles well on the road but a little touchy when switching lanes at fast speed. You have quite a bit a room in the cab and with the extension. Not sure on the mileage yet as its only been 1 week.

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  98 Ranger XLT 2.5L 5 spd - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By M.E. Meyers - December 10 - 4:49 pm

  Bought truck new in 1998 for $10k. It has been - by far- the best vehicle I have ever owned. Extremely reliable. Power is adequate with the 5spd manual and fuel economy is never below 23 mpg and can be 28 with care. Light rear end means no traction in wet/snow. But it does great donuts in the snow!! A/C still blows cold after 11 years and my original clutch still feels fine with 180k miles. Considering what I paid, I cannot ask for anything more. Great little truck. Last of the "light weights" Its peers have grown to be bloated and thirsty - hope that does not happen to the next-gen Ranger, but it probably will

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  Awesome Ranger - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Dave - December 9 - 4:20 pm

  Best truck ever, always what I wanted and always a good experience