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Older Rangers aren't quite as out of date compared to competitors of similar age.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 100 everspent - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By carl franco - March 16 - 10:52 pm

  with 250,000 miles on it, drove trouble free from CT to WVA...great milage and a comfortable ride to there and back....the further i drove the better it ran..I am amazed

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  I made the right choice. - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By anonymous - March 15 - 4:55 am

  I have owned this vehicle since it was new. It has been outstanding in reliability. When I purchased this truck I had one thing in mind and that was long term ownership. This truck has not let me down. Compared to todays newer trucks and cars with so many creature comforts yes this truck looks a little aged, but I do not plan to give this thing up for anything. As long as it runs and is reliable I will drive it daily. Even when I finally do purchase a new vehicle I will probably keep this as a second car. Of course this is not a vehicle for everyone but for a person who mostly drives alone this is great. 195,000 and still runs great with no rust. Has never seen road salt.

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  great truck - 1990 Ford Ranger
  By joeb. - March 8 - 10:54 pm

  Well i bought this truck last summer for 2500 with about 158,000 miles on it. i am just about to pass 165k but it is actually running better now then it was when i got it, i take the thing off roading pretty much every weekend and get stuck very rarely only because of the low front dana 35, but i pulled out a 98 chevy silverado extended cab with a 6 in lift and 35 inch tires. the truck was buried to the frame and i pulled the giant out. It is my daily driver and i love the thing to death even though i had the fuel pump relay go out and had to pay 200 dollars for a tow and had to have a new alternator, but will probably drive the truck till it runs no more

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  Decent - 2009 Ford Ranger
  By Steve - March 8 - 6:59 pm

  All around a very decent compact truck. Off road traction is very good, perfect for work around a small farm. Much less road noise then i expected. Gas mileage doesnt seem to add up to EPA, but still very good for a truck. The biggest problem for me is the lack of leg room makes it uncomfortable for long ride.

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  The best - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By 1516171819 - March 5 - 2:00 am

  my ranger has 160,000 miles and hasnt been in the shop once! but if thats not good enough, my grandpas ranger has 320,000 miles and running strong!

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  Overall great truck - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By Jason - March 4 - 9:53 pm

  This truck is one little machine, it does whatever i would like it to, great in the snowy winters in Wisconsin, the interior could be changed since its been the same for many years but thats not a big problem with me. Its just to bad i had to give it back since my lease was up and the buyout was to much. But i replaced it with and 2005 FX4 Ranger

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  great truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By trodome - March 3 - 3:50 pm

  this is really a great truck - only had one small problem so far and to replace the fuel pump - other than that not bad does great in the snow and also great for towing - this is my second ranger my other was a 96 which was smaller and had a 4 cylinder - i wanted more power

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  Great Truck - 2009 Ford Ranger
  By Andy - February 28 - 6:36 pm

  I havent had this truck for very long but I am impressed with it so far. It rides smoothly, has good fuel economy, and is very fun to drive. It has a lot of power for its size. Its handling is tight and is easy to move in tight spaces. Over all its a dependable little workhorse.

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  Nice little truck - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By Shane - February 27 - 12:38 am

  I went from an old F-150 to this, and being 63" it was definitely as step down in size. That being said, I fit in it and it gets a lot more mpgs than my last truck. It is quiet and fun to drive.

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  Happy camper - 2009 Ford Ranger
  By Pleased Owner - February 26 - 11:57 am

  2009 is the first year for the Sport in a 4CYL. I never would have driven one exceot my employer bought a fleet and the mechanics told me to test drive tone. I was surprised with the 4cyl guts. My gas mileage is 20.5 around town and one one trip it was 23mpg. Didnt look at any other models because I am stuck on the dependabilty of Fords. Great truck for the money.