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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  evons ride - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By evon - August 26 - 2:00 am

  overall the truck is great. i have had only one problem with the truck. it rides real smooth. the seats are comfortable (even on long rides). i would buy a ranger again....:)

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  Ford Ranger = poor quality - 2009 Ford Ranger
  By Ford clunker - August 24 - 9:19 pm

  Truck is built cheaper than my 2000 Ranger. Rattles and sqeaks from day one. Shakes and runs so rough that it causes the body and seat to shake. This goes on while driving at all speeds. Dealership says this is in normal range. Gas mileage is about 19 1/2. Far from the 21-26. Radio poor quality also. Cannot pick up stations that can on 2000 Rangers radio. Very unhappy and sorry to have purchased. Would not advise to buy.

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  Beyond Expectations - 2009 Ford Ranger
  By Rangerpilot - August 23 - 6:13 pm

  I bought a 2009 Ranger XLT supercab automatic w/ the 2.3 liter 4 cylinder w/AC power windows, & CD. After reading all the average to poor reviews on the ranger, I only intended this vehicle as a low cost commuter and multi-purpose vehicle. It is actually quite good. Excellent price at less than $15K, acceptable acceleration, terrific fuel economy for a truck at 24 mpg average for 60/40 highway/city, and good build quality which Ford is now known for. I am very impressed. I drive a Mercedes Benz C350 as my other car.

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  Great truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Steve - August 18 - 12:44 pm

  For the price, you cant beat this truck. Ive put 145K miles on mine and havent had a problem yet. I have the 4.0L and the power and pick up is great, I can get around traffic with ease. It makes a good sleeper if youre going against GTIs, Civics and the like. Insurance and maintenance costs are cheep. Its half the price of the Tacos. Decent ergonomics, definitely go for the bucket seats. You can use parts from the 95-01 explorers to give you an over head console with a temperature gauge, leather seats, etc. Overall, the greatest truck on the market.

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  Work Truck - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By Me - August 16 - 10:55 am

  This is a great truck for the money and its easy to work on but be ready to work on it because nothing lasts. Make sure to do all preventative maintenance.

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  93 Ranger Pretty good on average... - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By tomtom59 - August 9 - 12:56 pm

  Ive done a lot of work to this truck. New tranny, brake calipers, rotors, stereo, lenses, timing chain and gears, water pump, freeze plugs, new AC, fuel sending unit, gas shocks. Although I inherited it from my brother for free, Ive spent over $4200 getting it road worthy again. The paint is still in great shape. Handles well.

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  love my truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By sparkeyjr - August 5 - 10:21 pm

  5sp. which apparently is rare in this configuration. came with a shell. I live in CA where we instantly lose 3+ mpg once we enter the state so I average around 15. Out of state I get around 20. A little stiff for fun off roading. I use it to pull trees and brush out of canyons and generally drag stuff around. I also use it as a sports car and commuter car. For an all around vehicle for someone who does a little of everything this is it. Tight suspension and steering with the BFGs make it scream around corners in the mountains of so cal. Good turning radius and truck width. Great towing rig! The front tow hooks are perfect and get used a lot. My favorite truck!

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  99 Ranger- A Tank - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By later - August 5 - 7:56 am

  Bought my 99 2wd xlt new and still have it. Have put 186000 on it in 10 years, hauled wood, driven over fields, towed a trailer and driven it to work. Replaced clutch at 56,000 (daughter learned to drive a stick), sway bar broke at 186,000, electical issues at 120,000, about $1000 repair. Replaced the original battery at 175,000, new brakes about 130,000. Tired of the stick shift but this truck goes and goes. This has been a tank and I highly recommend it.

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  Long-lasting little truck - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By edaras - August 4 - 1:07 pm

  Owned since new, now has 134,000mi. Small knock in engine under warranty, ford replaced at 33000 miles. Have done new clutch & front of trans, brakes (2x), alternator (2x), one front wheel bearing/abs issue, egr valve (2x) & rpm revving issue. Auto door locks just started being sketchy in year 9 of ownership. My center console cracks inward like other reviewers said. Mileage is so-so at 14-18. All that said, from northern Wisconsin to western mountain winters, 4x4 and handling are great. Its a little workhorse under load. Yes, it lugs up some hills (3.0L v6 flex fuel engine). And it lugs small trailers okay. Its done everything Ive asked it to for 9+ years.

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  Very Reliable - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Tennessee - August 4 - 5:59 am

  Great little truck. VERY RELIABLE. Never had any problems. 21mpg has been appreciated and fact that body style has not changed much, truck still looks like new. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED