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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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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  Fix or repair often - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By scorpio53 - May 2 - 7:32 am

  Ive had my 96 ranger since new and Ive replaced rotors,bearings and calipers twice and I baby this thing,Ive also replace all brakelines mastercylinder powersteering pump and lines.The truck has a mind of its own and the lights inside and outside come on and go off at will as well as the alarm bells ring the motor switch on the interior fan stopped working as well and the radio wont shut off,Ill never own another one!!!

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  just wont quit - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By volosong - May 1 - 1:42 pm

  I purchased this vehicle new and have been the only owner. Honestly, Ive neglected maintenance on it, but it keep acting like the Enegizer Bunny...just keeps going and going. Only two set of brake pads, only mechanical problem in 270,000 miles of driving is the that the throwout bearing and the fuel filler hose needed to be replaced. Nothing else! I chalk that up to my dads advice to always purchase the very inexpensive "towing package". Only reason for finally selling is that the wife purchased another vehicle that I can use for a two vehicle. By the way, Ive even used the Ranger to tow my Mercedes to the shop, a sixty-mile one-way drive. No issues.

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  Truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Big John D - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I hate this truck, it is uncomfortable,unreliable, and it backfires every 5 miles, so i quit driving it.

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  Great truck - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By kyle - April 26 - 12:46 pm

  My ranger has the 3.0 and does pretty good off-road its all stock. Ive gone througn some ppretty good mud holes and creeks that a friend of mine wouldnt go through in his cuumins that is tricked out. And i have yet to get it stuck. The truck could have a little more power and Ford should definatley consider dohc. I average about 20 mpgs and thats a mix of highway, city, and farm road driving. the only problems ive had are o2 censors but with 100,000 miles that can be expected. all n all its had a pretty tuff life and i doubt that a colorado tacoma or frontier would still be running. Low end torque and hp could be better but if you put on an intake exhaust an chip you be rollin

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  Ranger 2009 - 2009 Ford Ranger
  By Mike - April 23 - 9:23 pm

  Just bought the 2009 Ranger with 2.3 I- 4 and 5 speed automatic. This is my 2nd Ranger the other is a 1996 never had a problem with it, so I bought a new one. The 2009 rides a little rougher, accelerates faster, and is more comfortable inside.

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  My 03 Ranger - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Tom Dombrowski - April 21 - 12:40 pm

  In 14 years of owning my Ranger it only let me down once, thats because the fuel pump died when I got to work. Had to have it towed to the dealer the truck was already 10 years old and built in N.J.

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  Very good bargain - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By cecild - April 20 - 12:16 pm

  Use it to deliver pizzas 30 hours a week for almost 2 years. Almost all miles city driving. Despite me having the 4 cylinder and 2wd I did alot of stupid things every weekend in the mud with the truck and it refused to break down. The interior may be akward for someone over about 6 feet tall. Could get better mileage for a 4 cyl. but is not bad. Surprisingly powerful for a 4 cylinder but will not blow anyone off the road by any means. I also use it to tow a small john boat once or twice a week in the summer and will load the bed to the top in ice/hot dogs for work and still performed well. Would suggest this truck to anyone who wants a small pick up for work or play. Trucks a good bargain.

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  Might Be a Mistake - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By mike - April 19 - 11:31 am

  I bought this truck used and within 6 months i have had to replace the U- joint on the drivetrain, the entire braking system, heater core and the heat has also stop working and the dealership has no idea why.

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  BUY AMERICAN - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By PDB - April 17 - 2:00 am

  XLNT PERFORNABCE ON FIRE ROADS.....AND HILL CLIMBS

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  Left me Stranded again - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By MikeZ - April 10 - 6:54 pm

  My ranger has 36500 miles on it and the air-flow sensor broke on it leaving me stranded before work. The warranty ran out at 36000 so I had to pay for everything. (towing, engine work). At 35000 miles the transmission had to be rebuilt. Luckily the dealership took care of that. I just dont trust it anymore. Im trading it in.