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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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2009 Ford Ranger XLT 4x4 SS Auto - 2009 Ford Ranger
By EZRider - May 29 - 9:25 amThe Ranger feels well built with no squeaks & rattles. The super cab 2- door space behind the seats is adequate for gear. I passed on the jump seats since I know of no one that small. The engine has decent power, but the fuel economy is abyssmal at around 15 MPG or so. Glad I dont have to drive much. The ride is a bit bouncy but well cushioned (I have the optional larger tires). The truck tends to wander a bit at highway speeds and requires the drivers attention on bumpy turns. All considered, I like this truck much better than my previous Chev Colorado - similarly equipped.
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ranger review - 2004 Ford Ranger
By cashen - May 29 - 2:00 amVERY NICE TRUCK. IF YOU CANT AFFORD AN F150 OR IF ITS TOO BIG. THEN THE RANGER IS AN EXCELLENT CHOICE.
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Great American Value! - 2008 Ford Ranger
By Gary - May 28 - 6:41 pmI recently purchased this truck almost a month ago for an excellent low price! The 4 cyl exceeded my expectations! The truck has plenty of power, handles great, road noise is lower than I expected and interior and exterior is sharp looking. Gas mileage is great! I wish the speakers sounder better, but hey, its a truck! It also feels great to buy American!
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Probably the best I have ever owned!!!!! - 2008 Ford Ranger
By RogerFarmer - May 19 - 8:24 pmI purchased the truck with 3,000 miles on it. I have put 1,000 miles on it. It has the 4.0. That is the fastest 207 horsepower that I have seen! I own 2 other Fords that are still going strong. The gas mileage could be better, but that is nothing. It is probably the best truck that I have owned. I love it, and would highly recomend it. The price was a songcompared to the other truck on the market!!!
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Proud Ranger Owner Again - 2009 Ford Ranger
By Jay - May 12 - 9:16 pmI had a 93 Ranger before this one, and been super pleased with it. I havent had a Ranger for 12 years, it was time to have one again since we brought the house. The newer Ranger has more leg room than my 93 I used to have, and this time, I got the basic XL package, since we have a nice car for our long road trip. Where my old 93 was the XLT (full package), and I was single at the time. I am some disapointed with the louder cab noise than my old 93 XLT, but its not the end of the world. Over all MPG, Im pleased with the MPG I gotten on it.. On my first tank, I got 24mpg, I am near the ned of my second tank of gas, and I am around 28mpg as of now.
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still going - 1997 Ford Ranger
By artifishal bait - May 12 - 1:26 pmit is the best truck i owned and would recommend it to beginner drivers. i own the 5 speed 3.0L 4 cylinder with 176000 miles and it is flippin awesome to drive and drives like a cadilac
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great truck - 1999 Ford Ranger
By great truck - May 12 - 9:27 ammy frist truck has been great to me more than enough power and if youre smart you can get 20mpg out of it i love this truck. i had a 6V92 in the back which wieghs 2000 lbs in the box and i drove it 40 miles home
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Great camp truck - 2007 Ford Ranger
By RSR - May 10 - 11:39 amIm an assistant ranger at a Boy Scout camp. We do a lot of work and rely on good trucks. This Ranger is the best truck weve ever had, great little workhorse. Does everything that our F-150 and Silverado can do, and is better off-road, especially on hiking trails in the woods. Ive hauled trash, lumber, dirt, gravel, stone, concrete, tools, trailers, boats, even another truck. In 3 years its gotten pretty beat up at camp, but Im confident it will last for many more years, then well buy another one. Starts up every time, 4wd is great on dirt roads, engine gives just enough power, and it just drives and works like a bigger truck. Love this Ranger!
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Nice edge - 2003 Ford Ranger
By Fernando - May 4 - 10:00 amI dont have 4x4 but I have cross a river and had a lot of fun in the mud. Te ranger edge is a nice truck i would recomended to any one.
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Nice edge - 2003 Ford Ranger
By fernando - May 4 - 10:00 amI dont have 4x4 but I have cross a river and had a lot of fun in the mud. Te ranger edge is a nice truck i would recomended to any one.
