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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  03 ranger - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By avgtom - July 19 - 5:48 pm

  The 03 Ford Ranger is a compact truck, so do not compare it to a full size or wish it had a crew cab with a 8 foot bed. If these are the things you are looking for then the ranger is not the truck for you as a matter of fact no compact truck is right for you. I am so tired of reading review after review saying the truck is to small, wish it had a V8, wish it had a crew cab, or that it had a larger towing and load capacity. The truck is a great truck for a compact. It does alright on fuel and I have hauled my fair share of loads without any problems. The truck is comfortable if your not 7 ft tall and weigh 400lb.

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  Wanted another delevery truck. - 2009 Ford Ranger
  By Ranger XLT - July 18 - 7:33 pm

  First off it is an automactic, I could not find a choice for auto when filling out the Edmonds form. My last truck was also a RangerXLT, it was a 1996. I still have it, having done courier work in it since it was new, it now has 632,457 miles. all oringal, except routine maintance, tires, etc. The normal wear and tear stuff. The drivers seat has lost most of its cush, but not bad considering the hours sitting in it. Im just amazed how good its been, and still is. Now for the 2009, it seems to be built good and tight, and my reason for getting it, was solely for the reliabilty record these trucks have. Our luxury vehicle is a 2006 Toyota Tacoma Crew Cab. Back to the new 2009, I couldnt have

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  Downsizing worked out! - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By Norton - July 17 - 6:10 pm

  I sold my 2003 Dodge Ram Quad Cab 4 X 4 with Hemi & ordered my Ranger XLT 4 Banger with auto & all options. In short, I love this truck. Average 24 MPG, fun to drive and think Ford should put time & effort into the Rangers future! I am a happy Ford Customer!

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  Excellent Value - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By wyxlzorf - July 15 - 8:00 pm

  I use my Ranger for a daily driver, doing run and bump North Dallas commuting during the week. The weekend finds it pulling a 30 foot long, but light trailer hauling a glider. Great utility vehicle, but could use some more giddyup. Reasonable comfort, driveability, and build quality for the price. This is my second Ranger. The first went 10+ years and 200,000 miles with very little problems and this one looks to be even better.

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  Best Work Truck On The Road - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By Bug-Man - July 14 - 10:38 pm

  If you do the reserch (actual consumer reviews)you will find the Ranger is far more reliable than the Tacoma or Chevy.Just wish it got a few more MPGs.A family member who works for Toyota has told me that Toyotas own internal quality testings show that in recent years Ford cars & trucks beats toyotas hands down!I cary apox. a 1000 pounds of equip.& get 17mpg.I did add a leaf spring. I get 21mpg unloaded.The king cab says it seat 5, lets get real unless its 5 skinny dwarfs you can seat 2 adults comfortablely.

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  Black Betty- best truck i have ever owne - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By chey1997 - July 14 - 8:42 pm

  I bought my little ranger in 2006 with 241000 miles on her, great body and superb performance compaired to the S- 10 i used to own. in three years i havent had any major issues, just mant. things that needed to be done. this truck on the highway gets 26 mpg even with 256000 miles on her. I hauled my fiancees 92 honda prelude with it. and make regular trips from dallas to houston in her. she still has her original speakers from 95 and work great. by far the toughest truck i have ever owned. if i compare her to the chevy S-10 i bought before it would make the S-10 look like cardboard! cant go wrong with these mini monsters ford did write with these!!!

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  great truck - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By midwest ranger - July 2 - 12:05 pm

  This is a great truck! Ive had this truck for 11 years. Ive moved myself and family members ( mother, brother, daughter, etc.) 15 xs. That 3.0L engine has never let me down. And I average 22 mpg with an auto tranny and 3.45 axle.

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  Ive been very pleased thus far - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By brandonh98 - July 1 - 10:23 pm

  When I first bought this truck new in 99 I loved it...At about 25K miles the rear end went...and then I started having trouble with the 4wd at about 30k miles. I thought at that point that this thing was going to start to be a pain in the rear but since 30k miles I havent had to put a dime into it except for normal wear items such as brakes, ball joints etc...at just over 110k miles I can say this is been a very reliable truck thus far...

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  Buy American - 2009 Ford Ranger
  By Buy american - July 1 - 5:52 pm

  Cannot understand why reports run this truck down. It is a well made and inexpensive truck to run. You dont buy these trucks for heavy loads. Looked into a Toyato Tacoma and felt it was a rip off. Standard cap in stick shift only which forces the comsumer to buy bigger and about $4000 in price. Have owned 3 Fords since 1980 and have had dependable service.

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  The right pick if you need a small truck - 2009 Ford Ranger
  By Joe - July 1 - 5:07 pm

  Ive put 4,000 miles on my 4cyl. maunal. Am getting 28mpg pretty consistently. It does bounce a lot but has excellent handling and surprisingly good acceleration, at least when empty. I can easily park in really tight spaces and its easier to get into the garage than my Aztec was. Front seat is very comfortable with easy access even for my handicapped sister. Not a good choice if you routinely have more than one passenger even with the jump seat. If you really want/need a small truck for light loads that gets good mileage and can take a lot of abuse this cant be beat. The only truly small truck remaining. Ford should market it as such, it would have a niche of its own these days.