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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  best for the money - 2009 Ford Ranger
  By don - December 8 - 11:51 am

  The thing to remember when buying a Ranger is know what you are buying. If you need room for more than two people the extended cab wont get it. Another hit it takes is for styling. I like the looks of the Ranger, especially the more pronounced grille and hood on the 2009. I have 2900 miles on my regular cab XLT, 4 cylinder, and five speed manual. First tank averaged 25.2 and now get a 31.5 highway. Havent checked town driving, but I imagine its about 26. Know going in you dont have extra power with the four, but its sufficient and has that great mileage. This is my second Ranger and I love them. I find them comfortable, reliable, tough, good looking, and inexpensive.

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  Terrible - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Chris - December 6 - 8:12 pm

  Bought this truck close to a year ago and Ive had nothing but problems with it. I bought it, found out the ball joints needed to be replaced. A dealership cannot legally sell a vehicle that is in bad mechanical shape, so I called them and they agreed to pay the cost of the ball joints. Then I found out that I needed new cylinder heads and a head gasket, they paid half. Then the wheel bearing went and so did the hubs. Used hubs are hard to come by as you need a special tool to take a hub off this ranger without breaking it. I keep getting failing idle control valves as well. My boss use to own it, he put $3000 into it. Truck has 246000 km on it, but it shouldnt be breaking this much.

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  A good balance of features and cost - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By ranger1 - December 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Ranger, went with the extended cab and 3.0L V-6 vs the previous 4 banger and standard cab. Surprised at the improvement in acceleration. Always like the steering and suspension. Extended cab is the only way to go, learned that fact the hard way. Got the truck with a $4K rebate, that really sealed the deal. The XLT package added numerous features, this truck came with power everything, included keyless entry. Ford also had a good deal on an extended warranty, added three more years at 72K miles for around $1,300. No problems to date.

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  A recalll that needs to happen - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By Bub Cooper - November 24 - 6:33 am

  I have only owned this 4x4 a short time but very dissatisfied. When putting in 4x4 I hear a growling and clunking. After reading many reviews they still have problems with auto hubs, relays and 4x4 motor on transfer case. The truck is very uncomfotable to drive but has alot of power with the V6 engine. This truvk is a 94 and you would think Ford would have fixed the problems with the 4x4 by now. By the way it burns a court of oil every two fill ups but doesnt leak a drop. Im selling this piece of sh.t

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  3rd Ford Ranger - 2010 Ford Ranger
  By John - November 15 - 8:49 pm

  I just purchased the 4x4 XLT extended cab today, so I cant judge longterm on reliability. So far its great, very comfortable, the 4.0L engine is responsive and powerful for highway driving. I think the ride is good, and the interior although the almost the same as my 98, is practical and easy to use. The styling is nice, and I like the fact that is indeed a true compact pickup. These little trucks are a good value for those not needing a huge rig, and the inconvenience that comes with large trucks, i.e. parking. Yes, this truck hasnt changed a lot in the past decade +, but I think the styling and overall design is fine the way it is, why mess with a good thing?

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  MY 2005 ford ranger edge 3.0l LEMON - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By MY LEMON - November 11 - 10:34 am

  I bought it thinking it was great from all the great reviews it had well after new sensors, computer, fuel injectors ,fuel pump,exhaust heaters,O2 sensors ,Brakes,calipers,rotors,The only thing i havent had to replace is the radio it still sounds as good as when i purchased this LEMON, will never purchase a ford again!

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  Has never failed me - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Kevin - November 10 - 11:19 am

  This is my first truck. I got it when I turned 17 and it has been a great car. I dont take care of it and I drive it like I stole it, but it keeps on going. Starts every time and never leaves me stranded. I even wrecked it and I still drive it today without replacing anything but the windshield. It has some problems with the gas line. There is a crack in the filler neck hose so I lose gas onto the ground every time I put gas into it and I only get 17 mpg. It idles pretty rough too. Its pretty fast for a 4 cylinder with the the aero dynamics of a brick. Overall this has been a great truck and Im content with it.

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  THANK GOD!...Well...Ford! - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Dan - November 4 - 3:20 pm

  I dont get it. There was no selection for 4 door Supercab 2WD 3.0?? Another comment said the U.S. should have made one?? UH, I just traded mine for a 5.4L F-150. It was a 3.0 4 door supercab...oh well, VERY TOUGH truck!!!!! MY GOD! Had 2 Rangers, each I had for at least 5 years, and NOT ONE THING EVER broke down!!! No! Im not kidding. Over exceeded weight capacities, pulled trees out of ground, pulled, hauled. Sluggish on the line, but passed like a monster! Just bad on gas and not comfortable...who cares, it never let me down. And like I said, thats 2 Rangers, never any problems!

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  Ranger in review - 2010 Ford Ranger
  By got taken - November 1 - 10:18 pm

  One would think that Ford Motor Co could and would know how to build a good quality Ranger truck by now since they have been building the same one for a number of years now. This truck vibrates (4 cyl). While driving several now, I find only one in five that do not vibrate ( from the engine) You will feel it in steering wheel, while power is engaging, and in the ride itself. I found out now that Ford knows about this and does nothing more than send out a notice to dealers that they have a couple of plates to stable the engine abit to keep it from vibrating as much as it is doing. The poor quality of workmanship of the people working for Ford (USA) and the Ford Motor Company is bad

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  Great Multi Tasking Pickup! - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By TNMan - October 26 - 9:07 am

  I bought my Ranger used. It was the basic pick up, no xtd cab, no 4x4, manual. It did have an awesome sound system. I love my truck. It does everything I have asked it to, and despite my abuse, it took it with no prob. My only complaint was that the rear window popped out because of the seat pressing up against it. Other than that, as basic as it was, it drove great in ice and snow ( as long as you didnt speed, and carried sand in the back bed . And never had a mechanical or electrical problem. Ford Tough is no misnomer.